NORFOLK, Va. - The air was tense with excitement as families stood in a tent outside Norfolk Naval Station Air Terminal Jan. 15.
Sailors from Coastal Riverine Squadron 4 (CRS-4) returned home following a seven-month deployment supporting operations in five geographical areas spread out through four different theaters.
This is the first deployment since the squadron merged Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 4.
“I think our biggest accomplishment was proving that we were the first coastal riverine squadron to deploy since the merger, and we proved not only did it work, but it can work really well,” said Cmdr. Michael Dillender, CRS-4 commanding officer. “We had 100 percent mission accomplishment with absolutely no liberty incidents, serious injury, or mishaps. It was perfect, they were flawless.”
With 400 sailors in the Gulf and 60 in Europe, CRS-4 executed 326 high value asset (HVA) escorts, 579 HVA static missions, three aircraft carrier and two large deck amphibious port visits, four missions in support of United States Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) lines of operation, and participated in more than a dozen Theater Support Cooperation (TSC) exercises in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. They participated in 26 different missions in Africa for aircraft security team missions, and one embarked security team mission.
Additionally, the CRS-4 Executive Officer, Cmdr. Nathan York gave praise to the accomplishments of the CRS-4 sailors.
“The deployment was fantastic! I couldn’t be more proud of the men and women of the squadron,” said York. “They did everything great with no problems or issues. We had 100 percent mission accomplishment.”
After such a successful deployment, the sailors are looking forward to quality time with their families.
“It’s just good to be home and to see the little one and my wife doing well,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Mitchell Marema. “I’m ready to get home and make up for lost time.”
The return home was extra-special for Dillender, who finally got to meet his daughter for the first time.
“She was born five weeks after I left, so I have been waiting for this moment a long time. It feels awesome to be home,” said Dillender.