Photo Information

Cpl. Christopher Hope, a consolidated automated support systems technician for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 embraces his wife, Tia, and son Aiden after returning from a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary Majors

Vikings, Devilfish sail home from Japan

15 Sep 2009 | Lance Cpl. Zachary L. Majors 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Andrea Jackson anxiously anticipated introducing her five-month-old son to his father, one of 193 Marines and sailors who returned home Sept. 14.

Marines and sailors from Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar following a six-month deployment to Malaysia, Japan and Korea with the Unit Deployment Program.

While deployed, the “Devilfish” from MALS-11 and “Vikings” from VMFA(AW)-225 traveled the Western Pacific region to take part in training exercises and to support the training of the Malaysian and Korean Air Force, commented Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Horan, an aviation officer with VMFA(AW)-225.

While in Malaysia, the squadrons participated in joint training exercise Air Warrior 2009. Next, they travelled to Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa, Japan. While there, the squadrons conducted missile shoots. Finally, the service members supported multi-national training exercise Belligerent Kettle at Osan Air Base, South Korea.

“This deployment was a 100 percent success,” said Horan. “We participated in a lot of good training.”

Following this deployment, the squadrons’ commanding officers will authorize some time off to rest and recuperate before returning to duty. Some will spend the time with their families while others will spend it on the beach.

“I enjoyed this deployment, but I’m extremely happy to be back home,” said Sgt. Jeffery Bloomer, a powerline mechanic, for MALS-11.

In the coming weeks, VMFA(AW)-225 and MALS-11 plan to continue training in preparation for the next time they get called upon to provide support on the world stage.

Whether the mission is combat related or training oriented, these squadrons will be prepared for almost any situation that comes their way.