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'Sumos' return from Afghanistan

US Marine Corps News

12/1/2009 By Cpl. Rebekka S. Heite, Marine Corps Bases Japan

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 detachment A, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, returned Nov. 18 from the unit's first deployment in direct support of combat operations since the Vietnam War.

Approximately 40 Marines deployed to Afghanistan on a six-month deployment with VMGR-352, MAG-11, 3rd MAW, I MEF, based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., to fly assault support logistics, aerial refueling, aerial delivery of cargo, battlefield illumination and casualty evacuation missions.

"This is a historic time for the 'Sumos,'" said Lt. Col. Paul Patrick, VMGR-152 commanding officer. "Over the past year, we have completed the transition to the new KC-130J and completed a combat deployment.

The unit also completed many humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in the Philippines and Taiwan, he said.

While deployed to Afghanistan, the Marines "completed the mission and set a new standard," he added. "They set the bar high not only for follow-on VMGR squadrons but also for every other joint and coalition C-130 unit supporting the global war on terrorism."

Family and friends were not the only ones in the VMGR-152 hangar awaiting their Marine's return. Most of VMGR-152's Marines were also there, said Patrick.

Even family members of Marines who did not deploy to Afghanistan were there to provide support.

"No matter where he's gone, I've always been there to support him," said Nicole Stillwell, wife of Master Sgt. Jared Stillwell, VMGR-152 loadmaster, who didn't go to Afghanistan. "I always come out here for support."

Caleb Burnham articulated a common feeling among the group.

"Is my dad coming home?" said the 4-year-old son of Capt. Tyler Burnham, a VMGR-152 pilot returning from his first deployment.

"It's been a long six months," said Rebecca Burnham, his wife.

Returning Marines agreed it was a long six months.

"I finally got to go, but I'm glad to be home," said Gunnery Sgt. Anthony Hafer, the detachment staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge.

The Marines "did awesome," he added. "I've always bragged about how good they were and I can't complain."