Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Pifer, an administration specialist with Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, holds his son after returning from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 2, 2012. The MACG-28 Marines provided Marine air command and control systems for the wing.
MASS-1 returns after 7-month tour to Afghanistan
7 Mar 2012 | Lance Cpl. Stephen T. Stewart
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (March 7, 2012) -- Ten Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron 1, returned to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Friday, after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.
The Marines provided Marine air command and control systems for the wing.
"The Marines did great out there," said Lt. Col. John R. Siary, commanding officer of MASS-1. "I'm very proud."
While deployed the Marines were spread throughout seven different forward operating bases, said Siary. One of the hardest parts of the deployment was getting the Marines ready to deploy because they came from several different squadrons and detachments.
"We started out with 425 Marines on the deployment," said Siary. "After the December surge recovery hit, we were knocked down to 315."
This was the last part of MASS-1 coming home, and the Marines are very happy to be back, Siary said.
"The only thing I want to do is hug my family," said Gunnery Sgt. Scott A. Pifer, an administration specialist with MASS-1.
That's exactly what Pifer did. As he got off the bus his family was waiting for him. He grabbed his son, lifted him into the air and held him.
"It was truly a memorable deployment, the most memorable deployment I've had," Siary said.
He said spending the holidays with the Marines on the deployment was one of the best part. The Marines grew closer and their families played a big part.
"I just want to say thanks to the families of the Marines," Siary said. "They helped out a lot and were very supportive during the deployment."
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