Families Cheer Sailors, Home From 6-Month Mission

More than 125 sailors from Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 returned to Naval Air Station North Island Thursday after a six-month deployment to Camp Patriot, located on the southern coast of Kuwait.

The sailors were welcomed by family, fellow sailors, friends and the San Diego chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders. 

"It feels so good to be home after completing this deployment. It was about six months of seaward security and relatively routine work abroad," Petty Officer David Hebert said.

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Dave Bennett said the squadron conducted harbor patrols during the mission. In a release, Lt. Cmdr. Corey McCollum called the unit's work, under the leadership of Cmdr. Thomas F. Murphy III, “vital” in “maintaining regional security” and ensuring that on-the-ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan received cargo, ammunition and fuel.

For their loved ones, the members of the squadron are just as vital to their home and family lives.

Kate Hebert said it was the first time her husband was gone for a long deployment and she was home alone with their two children, Oscar and Audrey.

"His time away was a good learning experience for me. We missed him so much, but our time apart taught me to appreciate our time together. I think it strengthened our marriage and I had a lot of support from my parents and his parents as well," she said.

Danielle Laboriante surprised Navy Corpsman Maurice Hernandez with balloons and a welcome home sign.

"I am so glad to have him back. I am very proud of him for accomplishing so much and for serving his country,” Laboriante said. “My brother is in the military too, so I am used to having time apart from the people I love." 

Hernandez said technology eased the pain of separation.

"Skype is awesome, it changed everything for me this time around during the deployment,” he said. “I was able to talk to her and it really helped the time pass."

The Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 will have two to three weeks of leave with family and then report for their next orders.

To follow the squadron visit their Facebook page for more pictures and videos.