HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- The Mako family and friends graciously reunited with Airman from the 482nd Maintenance Group following a deployment in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO Resolute Support mission.
During the three and six month deployments, approximately 300 Airmen and 18 F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots from the 482nd Fighter Wing and 93rd Fighter Squadron were based at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, where Air Force Central Command has maintained a continuous presence in the region for more than a decade.
The deployed Airmen delivered decisive airpower throughout the country.
“This deployment turned out great for my maintainers,” said Senior Master Sgt. Bateman, the 482nd Maintenance Squadron quality assurance superintendent. “I checked up on them every other week.”
After kissing their family members and hugging fellow Reservists, home is no longer a distant memory for these returnees.
“I was so darn excited to get here today,” said Staff Sgt. Nadine Wheeler, a 482nd MXG engine management craftsmen. “My heart was pumping out of my chest, but I know my work priorities are going to take center stage soon.”
Simply enjoying the moments shared with the people who took time out of their day to call half way around the world means everything to them.
“I stayed in touch with my husband and three year old son the entire time,” said Wheeler. “We didn’t allow a day to go by without being connected the only way we knew how.”
Base leadership came out in full force to show their support for the Mako maintainers.
“The strength and unity here is evident today,” said Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Becking, 482nd FW command chief.
Earlier this week, the base welcomed back deployed F-16 pilots. The Airmen from the 79th Fighter Squadron of Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., will push forward with the 482nd FW momentum for Operation Freedom’s Sentinel mission.