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Mobilized Customs Inspectors Return from Kuwait, Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050909-26
Release Date: 9/9/2005 5:58:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman Davis Anderson and Journalist Seaman Apprentice Marissa Kalor, Fleet Public Affairs Center Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Mobilized Reservists of Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force (NAVELSF) Forward Group Oscar returned to Norfolk Sept. 8 from a nearly eight-month deployment after providing support for the Department of Defense’s customs inspection mission in Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Their mission was to ensure returning service members and equipment carried no unwanted plants, pests or diseases to American shores.

“They did a tremendous job,” said Commander NAVELSF, Rear Adm. Hank Tomlin. "Most of these people have been working long hours six or seven days a week, and they did it with a smile on their face. They really set a new standard for performance.”

Forward Oscar’s commanding officer (CO), Marine Lt. Col. Gerry Guererro, echoed this sentiment as he addressed the Sailors upon their arrival home. “It’s been my honor and my pleasure to be your CO.”

For most of the Sailors, the journey wasn’t over just yet, since they had to travel to other states and back to their civilian lives. They agreed that it was good to be back in the U.S. and looked forward to seeing their families when they finally made it home.

“I’ll probably be in tears,” said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class Gary Jamison.

Reaching this first step on the journey home had everyone excited.

“It feels great,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Derian Blake. “I haven’t stopped smiling yet.”

Forward Group Oscar was the first-ever Navy customs battalion to fulfill this particular mission in Iraq and Kuwait. They were mobilized in December 2004 and deployed in January 2005. While they were in theater, they conducted more than 230,000 personnel inspections, more than 737,000 baggage inspections, as well as 40,000 inspections of vehicles, boats and equipment.

NAVELSF exists to provide services to the fleet including a wide range of supply and transportation capabilities, crisis response and humanitarian and combat service support missions. There are more than 4,000 Reservists whom NAVELSF can call upon to accomplish these missions.