CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Waiting patiently for loved ones to return home from a deployment can be hard, but for the families and friends of 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, the wait is finally over.
Second CEB arrived home April 26 - 27, 2013, after a seven month deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The unit was deployed as direct engineer support to Regimental Combat Team 7.
The Battalion also supported route reconnaissance and clearance operations, force protection improvements, improvised explosive device detection and also partnered with the Afghanistan National Army engineer forces, according to Lt. Col. John Osborne, the commanding officer of 2nd CEB.
The homecoming was made possible by families, friends and the United Service Organization.
“When all of the participating agencies and the chain of command come out here, it’s a good feeling,” said Osborne.
Friends and families crowded around the sidewalks in front of 2nd CEB’s headquarters building anxiously awaiting the return of loved ones.
“It’s a very happy feeling to see that their families are happy and proud to see them come back. It’s very satisfying,” said Osborne.
The tiresome wait for family and friends has come to an end. Now that 2nd CEB has had their homecoming, empty homes can once again feel complete.