MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Hundreds of smiling faces and open arms greeted the Marines of Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron-775 as they returned home to Camp Pendleton Sunday evening. Approximately 280 Marines stepped off the busses near the HMLA-775 hanger, some meeting family members for the first time.
“It’s surprising,” said Lance Cpl. Jennifer Quirino, a supply administration and operations clerk, from San Bernardino, after seeing her nephew for the first time after the unit’s deployment to Iraq.
Like Quirino, most Marines were at a loss of words at seeing loved ones for the first time in seven months.
“I was trying to hold back the tears,” said Staff Sgt. Josh Lovett from Boston, after seeing his son who was only 10 days old when he left. “It’s amazing.”
The squadron deployed to Iraq in March and provided close air support, convoy operation support, medical evacuations, casualty evaluation escorts and performed armed reconnaissance missions, while operating out of Camp al Taqaddum, west of Fallujah.
The unit was also deployed in March 2004, making this homecoming the second within two years.
“This deployment was a lot smoother,” said Capt.
Felix Cano, a Rosenberg, Texas native, who is the supply and logistics officer for HMLA-775. “The billeting and chow halls ran smoother and accomplishing the mission was easier because of tactical equipment and lighting.”
The unit suffered zero fatalities and succeeded in “100 percent of their goals, despite occasional mortar attacks,” said Cano.
The squadron is comprised of active duty Marines based from Camp Pendleton and activated reserve Marines from Johnstown, Pa. HMLA-775 was replaced in Iraq by HMLA-369 earlier this month.
“Most families want to know what they can do to help (the Marines) after they return,” said Navy Lt. Ben George from New York, one of the Marine Aircraft Group 39 chaplains assigned to HMLA-775.
“They need to know that physically, the Marines get back quickly, but emotionally it takes time.”
Although the adjustment to stateside life will take time, the thoughts of Marines and family members at the HMLA-775 hangar were all the same.
“I’m excited and happy,” said Mireya Quirino, mother of Lance Cpl. Jennifer Quirino. “They made it. They are finally home.”