35th Civil Engineer Squadron welcomes returning troops

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jamal Sutter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA CITY, Japan --  For a military squadron, there is no better way to bring in a new year than safely bringing home deployed personnel who have been gone for half a year.

Nine members of the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron were welcomed home Jan. 7 after a six-month deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, where they worked with the 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, said Capt. Mario Tellez, 35th CES readiness and emergency management flight commander.

Upon flight arrival, the returned troops were welcomed by commanders, chiefs, first sergeants, co-workers, family and friends. As many returning servicemembers looked forward to the two earned weeks of time off or a chance to open belated Christmas presents, some were excited to finally be back with their families.

Captain Hsu, who served as a project manager with the 332nd ECES, left for deployment when his daughter, Kaitlyn, was only six weeks old he said.

While at Balad Air Base, the team provided a full spectrum of civil engineering support for the joint base.

"We were responsible for operation and maintenance on the base's facilities, water, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, power generation and road infrastructure similar to here on home station," Captain Hsu said. "We maintained the airfield lighting and pavements, performing planned and emergency repairs to ensure the flightline was operational at all times."

The civil engineers also managed all joint base projects that involved runway expansions, new building construction and morale, welfare and recreation facilities, which helped boost spirits of service members and contractors deployed there, Captain Hsu said.

"Overall our primary focus was to ensure the facilities and airfield operated properly so that everyone there could complete their missions," he added.

For nearly an hour, the Misawa City airport was filled with hugs, laughter and lots of hand shakes, but the squadron didn't stay too long because the servicemembers needed the chance to settle in and spend time with family.