Photo By Cpl. Unique B. Roberts | Maj. Jason Sharp greets his family as he returns to Marine Air Control Squadron 2...... read more read more
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CHERRY POINT, N.C. - After a nearly seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, more than 80 Marines with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 returned to Cherry Point July 18.
“Since deploying in response to Operation Enduring Freedom, MACS-2 was responsible for providing air command and control in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations in southwestern Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hanson, commanding officer of MACS-2.
“We were providing air traffic control at forward operating bases across Regional Command Southwest,” said Maj. Jason Sharp, the detachment commander. ”We also had air defense controllers doing tactical control of aircraft that were 16,000 feet and above in … a 70,000-square-mile piece of air space.”
During the deployment MACS-2 faced many challenges but ensured that the mission was successfully completed, said Sharp.
Sharp, who has deployed six times, acknowledges that all deployments have their challenges but there is nothing his Marines cannot accomplish with unit cohesion and determination.
“The biggest challenge we faced was relocating the tactical air operation center,” said Sharp. “It took us about 10 days to fully relocate it and continue to provide control services.”
MACS-2 Marines displayed unwavering courage during the deployment and made their leadership proud, said Hanson.
“I could not be happier,” he said. “There’s no happier feeling than when your Marines successfully deploy, support the mission, and return safely to their unit and families. It’s really important, and I feel very good about it.”
Sharp said he was happy to reunite with his family.
“This is a remarkable homecoming, and I appreciate all of the MACS-2 staff and the band for coming out,” said Sharp.
“It’s awesome to see all the families here. This is the first time I've come home and there has actually been an event like this, so this is amazing.”
| Date Taken: | 07.25.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.25.2013 09:52 |
| Story ID: | 110794 |
| Location: | CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 231 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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