Family, friends welcome home Death Jesters
Staff Sgt. Steven Pereira greets his wife, Stefanie, as he embraces his daughters, Chloey and Briannah, after returning from Iraq. Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors from Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 returned, Friday.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/8E1344372E457755852571BF004FB8FE?opendocument
Aug. 3, 2006; Submitted on: 08/03/2006 10:30:47 AM
Story ID#: 200683103047
By Cpl. Josh Cox, MCAS Cherry Point
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Aug. 3, 2006) -- Family, friends and comrades of Marines and Sailors returning from Iraq gathered on the flight line for their arrival, waving the national ensign, displaying patriotic signs and shedding tears of joy for their homeward-bound warriors.
As dusk fell over North Carolina, the Death Jesters of Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 were making the final approach to the Cherry Point runway, eager to arrive at their homecoming, Friday.
Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors, who deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, during January in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, reunited with friends and family after successfully completing the deployment.
The Ford’s, from Sturgis, S.D., family members of Lance Cpl. Cody J. Ford, were one of many families who traveled to reunite with their VMAQ-2 war fighters.
"We’re so proud of him," said Susan Ford, Cody’s mother.
Staff Sgt. Janna L. Mayfield, a maintenance controller, part of a team who "ensured the aircraft were good to fly," said the squadron supported more than 3,000 mission hours in Iraq, an overwhelming number for just a few EA-6B Prowlers, under a high operational tempo.
The Marines and Sailors of VMAQ-2, who provide electronic attack utilizing technology aboard the EA-6B Prowlers, worked arduously during the deployment, pulling 12 hour shifts in harsh desert conditions to support the Marines on the ground.
"Both supporting the Marine Expeditionary Force and supporting the Coalition over there, VMAQ-2 averaged between 500 and 600 flight hours a month," said Lt. Col. Kelly G. Dobson.
According to Dobson, VMAQ-2’s achievements didn’t stop at record breaking flight hours.
"We had four meritorious promotions during the deployment," said Dobson.
The corpsmen were designated as Fleet Marine Force certified.
Dobson said all Marines and Sailors returned from Iraq safe and sound, ready to begin training for their next deployment.
VMAQ-2 relinquished command to Marine Electrical Warfare Squadron 3 in Iraq, who is now providing electronic warfare capabilities to the Marine Expeditionary Force and Coalition Forces.
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