Last Hawks fly back to Beaufort

Photo By Cpl. Sarah Cherry | A Marine with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 smiles at his daughter after returning from a deployment, Oct. 10. Most of the squadron returned in mid-September, while some families waited a month longer to re-unite with their Marine.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, UNITED STATES

10.10.2013

Story by Cpl. Sarah Cherry 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. - The last Marines with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 finally came home to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Oct. 10.

While many of the squadron’s Marines returned in mid-September, some Marines remained behind.

“I’m relieved and excited that he’s finally home,” said Lori Warman, wife of Maj. Scott Warman, a VMFA(AW)-533 weapons systems operator. “It’s been a long deployment. We’re very excited to have some family time.”

The Hawks deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program, a cost-effective way for the Marine Corps to maintain a presence in the western Pacific and participate in international exercises with allies.

“I’m elated to have my husband back. I’m over the moon right now,” said Sara Miller, wife of VMFA(AW)-533 Assistant Aviation Maintenance Officer, Maj. Timothy M. Miller. “He got stuck several times, in Guam, in Wake Island and in Japan. It was like a roller coaster ride, but it’s over now.”

Her husband, busily juggling kids and gear, said it all in one short sentence: “It’s great to be home.”

• Date Taken: 10.10.2013
• Date Posted: 10.18.2013 13:50
• Story ID: 115357
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, SC, US