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Airmen return to Missouri after seven months in Afghanistan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Emily F. Alley
  • 442d Fighter Wing
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --  Airmen from the 442nd Fighter Wing returned here from a seven-month deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan, Oct. 26 and 27.

The final, largest wave of personnel, comprised of 245 reservists and 76 active duty Airmen, returned Oct. 27.

During the deployment, the Airmen were critical to the generation of 2,500 flying missions, totaling 9,600 flying hours. They supported more than 400 requests for assistance from troops in combat, expending more than 50,000 rounds and 57,000 pounds of munitions.

"These numbers are impressive," said Col. Hubie Hegtvedt, 442nd FW commander, "but what's more important to me is the fact that because of our Airmen there are troops on the ground who are alive today and going home to their families."

Friends and families of the returning Airmen gathered near the flight line here to welcome them, seven of whom were meeting their newborn children for the first time.

Lt. Col. Bryan Stone, deployed commander of the A-10 squadron, commended the work of his Airmen and said, "They did a great job and they're the reason we flew successfully. It's been a long seven months- I'm proud to bring them home."