Photo By Staff Sgt. David Bickel | A father reunites with his son following the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s...... read more read more
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Following a successful seven-month deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Horn of Africa, Middle East and Mediterranean, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aviation combat element (ACE) returned to their home bases in Southern California and Arizona, Jan. 31 – Feb. 1.
During the deployment, more than 4,500 Marines and Sailors of the America Amphibious Readiness Group and embarked 15th MEU conducted maritime security operations and multiple military-to-military exchanges with partner nations in support of regional security, stability and the free flow of maritime commerce in the Indo-Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
“The deployment not only gives us a presence in different countries, but also shows that we are ready for anything at any time,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Patton, a Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 161 (Reinforced) flight equipment technician. “For our squadron, the big focus was being able to operate as Marines should; on land, in the air or at sea.”
For some Marines, this was the first time they had loved ones anxiously awaiting their return.
“This is my first time coming back from a deployment with a family waiting for me,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Gonzalez, the VMM-161 (Rein) avionics staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “It’s an amazing feeling for me and the other Marines to know that someone cares and is waiting for you to get home.”
Families gathered in the VMM-161 hangar and waited patiently for the sound of Ospreys flying overhead.
“Flying in a full-bird formation from the USS America was amazing,” said Gonzalez. “Looking out the back of an Osprey and seeing our families waiting for us was something I can’t describe with words.”
After the Marines were released, family members ran onto the flightline, sharing tears and hugs with their service members.
“It’s a great feeling to come home and see a beautiful wife waiting on you,” said Patton. “The minute you get off the aircraft and see your family waiting for you, it immediately lifts your spirits.”
“My husband is the cornerstone of our family,” said Emerald Patton, Kevin Patton’s wife. “Having him home is not only important to me, but our kids as well. He is back in his role as the patriarch of the family, and it’s amazing.”
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2018 17:49 |
| Story ID: | 264532 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 554 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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