Happy homecoming for ‘Heavy Haulers’

Photo By Cpl. Christopher Johns | Maj. Scott Trent, the detachment officer in charge of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a West Hartford, Conn., native, helps his 16 month-old son, Christian, walk aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 21. HMH-462 Marines reunited with their families after a seven month deployment aboard the USS Makin Island.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, UNITED STATES

06.21.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Christopher Johns 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – A crowd of Marines and families cheered as four CH-53 Super Stallions circled the skies above Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., June 21.

Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 “Heavy Haulers” touched down on home soil for the first time in seven months. The Marines spent this time aboard the USS Makin Island, serving as the air combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Marines and families collided in a shower of hugs, kisses and tears as they reunited during the welcome home celebration.

“We supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit as the ACE element,” said Maj. Scott Trent, the detachment officer in charge with HMH-462 and a West Hartford, Conn., native.

The Heavy Haulers provided troop movement, mail and courier runs, for the 11th MEU as well as Tactical Recovery Aircraft and Personnel stand-by.

While the Heavy Haulers provided this support they also found time to improve themselves in various manners.

“Our Marines used the time wisely to better their proficiency with the [Marine Corps Martial Arts Program], complete [Marine Corps Institute] classes and improve physical fitness,” said Trent. “We also performed training missions, especially at night, because the ship can be dangerous to land on at night.”

The Marines kept up on this training to ensure they were prepared for any situation that might arise, especially during hours of darkness.

The common sentiment for the homecoming was the fact that families were glad their loved one made it home safely.

“It’s really great to have him home,” said Gina Trent, Trent’s wife and an Arlington, Va., native.

Christian, their 16 month-old son, kept her busy so she didn’t worry as much as she could have, explained Gina.

After the Marines visit their friends and peers after months away, the families once again come together to go home for some quality time as a whole once more.

• Date Taken: 06.21.2012
• Date Posted: 06.26.2012 19:14
• Story ID: 90644
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US
• Hometown: ARLINGTON, VA, US
• Hometown: NIAGARA FALLS, NY, US
• Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
• Hometown: WEST HARTFORD, CT, US