Last Rockets return to Seymour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The last Rocketeers from the 336th Fighter Squadron returned here April 6 from a deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, nearly three weeks after the rest of the squadron.

The final eight aircrew members volunteered to stay behind an extra week to help the incoming F-15E Strike Eagle deployment rotation, the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, settle in. However, due to a high demand for tanker support in other areas, that week stretched into three.

"We were staying the extra time to get some good squadron swapout with the follow on squadron so they were ready to roll, as well as for real-world considerations," said Maj. Kurt Bruggeman, 336th FS pilot and assistant director of operations. "We continued to fly combat sorties throughout that extra time up until (a few) days ago."

The additional time spent deployed did not go unappreciated by Airmen from the 389th EFS.

"I have seen every operational Strike Eagle squadron in this (area of operation) and I am humbled by the elite eight who showed us a new level of dedication to duty, professionalism and work ethic in supporting the 18-year-old outside the wire," said Capt. Leigh Larkin, 389th EFS D flight commander. "The time spent with each individual constantly left the (389th) squadron in amazement. Their efforts have been tireless and exemplary in all they do."

After spending seven months deployed the aircrew members are glad to be on American soil.

"It feels awesome to be back in the states," Major Bruggeman said. "Seeing New York for the first time after crossing the (Atlantic) Ocean is just awesome. I'm looking forward to spending time with the family after being gone."