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VP-47 Returns Home from Deployment

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS040608-03

Release Date: 6/8/2004 10:32:00 AM

By Journalist 2nd Class Devin Wright, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- After a six month deployment to the Middle East, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 returned home to Hawaii June 5.

Family and friends of the squadron cheered as the crew made their way back to Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.

The squadron was involved in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom by flying surveillance missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.

The aircraft and aircrew were forward deployed to Bahrain. The squadron chalked up nearly 3,000 flight hours in combat support.

Cmdr. Jim Landers, executive officer of VP-47, said the crew held up "tremendously well," although they were often subjected to extreme living conditions.

"The conditions were harsh," said Landers. "The crew had to deal with the sand, the heat, living in tents in some places, and part of the crew that was stationed in Diego Garcia had the humidity, long hours and not a whole lot to do."

Landers returned a week before the bulk of the crew to prepare for their return.

"I've been an executive officer without a crew, and the family members here today have been wives without husbands, husbands without wives, kids without a parent, mothers without their kids, so today is a great day for everyone here," said Landers.

For some of the crew members, the long hours and hard work kept their minds occupied.

"I was stationed on Diego Garcia the whole time, helping maintain the aircraft and packing parachutes," said Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Tom Sidman VP-47. "It was a lot of work, but that made it go by pretty quick. Also, we got a lot of 'any soldier' letters from different schools around the States and YMCAs that really made us feel good."

Sidman said he's got a lot to catch up on now that he is back in the States.

"I'm back in Hawaii now, so of course I'm going to get ready to go surfing -- and go to Taco Bell," said Sidman. "We all worked hard and it feels great to come home after a job well done."