MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Marines from Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Detachment B, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Sunday, after being deployed to Kato Air Force Base in the Republic of Uzbekistan for over seven months.
Twenty-one Marines from MACS-4 returned Oct. 8 after a six-month deployment, but the 16 that stood behind to provide more air traffic control support are now back on Station.
The MACS-4 Marines provided air traffic control, radar communication and maintenance support at the Air Force base. But now the Marines completed their mission and turned over the reins before heading back to MCAS Iwakuni.
"There are currently turnovers taking place. Our unit was rotating with civilian contractors that did the air traffic control over there. There are still Marines over there training the civilian contractors," said Sgt. Dale C. Cram, MACS-4 Det. B auxiliary chief.
"The civilian contractors are gradually taking over operations over there. They're becoming more familiar with our equipment," said Lance Cpl. Christian B. Gonzalez, MACS-4 radar technician.
The detachment headquartered in Okinawa, but permanently stationed here, is comprised of air traffic controllers and technicians.
"I'm glad to be back. I'm not married but I was really happy to for the Marines that are, to be back with their family," said Cram.
"All the Marines that I served with on the deployment are the best that I've ever worked with. It was very family-oriented group. Not only did we perform amazing jobs, but there were zero problems," Cram said.
"We're a tight-knit group, we're very close. We were deployed together for nearly eight months. But it's great to be back in Japan and bring the Marines back to their families," said Capt. Patricia R. DeYong, detachment commander.
While on their deployment in Uzbekistan, the Marines endured a lot of hardships. "When it rained, it poured," said Cram. "But it was mainly hot. It got up to 120 degrees in dry heat."
There were some armed liberty trips that allowed the Marines to go out of the base and see the sights of the town. There was no immediate danger, but the Marines always had to take precautions, said DeYong.
A lot happens in eight months, especially at MCAS Iwakuni, but now the Marines from MACS-4 are back and they feel good to be back with their loved ones and fellow Marines, said Cram.