27th FS airmen return home from deployment

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Brittany Murphy | U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Travis Elswick, 27th Fighter Squadron munitions training manager, embraces his family at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Oct. 23, 2013, after returning from a six-month deployment. The 27th FS deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in support of the Pacific Command's Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O'Brien/Released)  

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, UNITED STATES

10.23.2013

Story by Senior Airman Brittany Murphy 

Joint Base Langley-Eustis

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - F-22A Raptors and more than 300 airmen, a majority from the 27th Fighter Squadron, reunited with their families after a six-month deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in support of the Pacific Command’s Theater Security Package.

“It is really important to show our nation how expeditionary our Air Force can be,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Huyck, 1st Fighter Wing commander. “At a moment’s notice we could be called to do this same type of deployment anywhere in the world to deliver air combat power ... showing our adversaries ... we can be in a zone to hold any threat or vulnerability.”

The 27th FS has previously supported the TSP, providing stability and security while the units train with the Japanese Air Force.

“We were able to do fighter integration with the U.S. Navy and Japanese Self Defense Force, a great opportunity [for our] deployed pilots and maintainers to operate in a [joint] environment,” said Huyck.

Melissa Hayes, who was awaiting the arrival of her husband, U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Hayes, 27th FS systems weapons technician, said the deployment was especially challenging with a newborn son.

“It’s [always] hard when he goes on deployment, especially with a newborn,” she said. “It is incredible how much [the baby] has changed. I can’t imagine the happiness my husband is going to have just to see him again.”

For the many families and friends who awaited the arrival of the returning airmen, Huyck said their dedication is vital in supporting the 27th FS.

“I am extremely proud to have the 27th FS back,” said Huyck. “We have such a great network of family and friends here at Langley to ensure no one went through this deployment alone.”

• Date Taken: 10.23.2013
• Date Posted: 10.25.2013 13:13
• Story ID: 115736
• Location: LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VA, US