JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- More than 200 members of the D.C. Air National Guard returned on an early morning flight, Feb. 8 after 120-day deployment to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in support of the Pacific Command Theater mission.
"This was an exceptional deployment for the 113th as it specifically exercised the unit for its mission," said Col. Robert Bowie, 113th Vice Commander. "The entire operation was executed flawlessly and validated our ability to deploy and operate as a unit."
The support package included three F-16 Fighting Falcon, aircrews, support staff, medical, supply, and communications specialists, as well as aircraft maintainers who kept the Carter-era aircraft performing the mission.
"We were able to support several high profile missions in the District while seamlessly continuing our commitment and duty in Guam," Bowie said. "I'm very proud of what our Guardsmen were able to achieve in this demanding time."
This was the first deployment for Airman 1st Class Ramari Sudduth, an aircraft structural maintainer assigned to the 113th Wing Maintenance Squadron.
"Overall it was a great opportunity to advance my training, but I'm happy to be home," Sudduth said. "As a traditional Guardsman, it was a good chance to get acclimated to doing my job in a deployed environment."
This was the fourth deployment for Tech. Sgt. Blaine Reynold, a munitions systems specialist, but his first with the D.C. Air National Guard.
"This deployment was different from my last three because I got engaged before I left," Reynolds said. "It was a tough mission not being home during the holidays but all the phone calls from my fiancé helped me get through this deployment."
The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys aircraft to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to provide U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces with theater security packages, which help maintain a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability.
"It is an incredible testimony to the quality of our Air Force training that we were able to step in and execute at such a high level for four months," said Lt. Col Michael Croker, Mission Commander. "Seeing this group have such success proves the tradition of excellence that defines the 113th Wing."