MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- A detachment of Marines from Miramar returned from a seven-month deployment, Oct. 4, after supporting operations in Iraq, the Horn of Africa and Afghanistan.

While deployed, Miramar Flight Division's nine-man detachment, consisting of two enlisted Marines, five officers and two civilians, assisted in the transport of high-profile passengers and cargo, according to Lt. Col. Russell J. Pharris, detachment officer-in-charge, MFD, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

"We flew missions supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, moving high-profile passengers," said Pharris, a 43-year-old Hagerman, Idaho, native. "Most of our time was spent in Afghanistan."

"We flew anyone from E-5 to general," Pharris added. "One of our high-profile flights was transporting the deputy for Central Command."

The detachment flies a UC-35D, more commonly known as a Citation. The aircraft is manufactured by the Cessna Corporation and has several modifications to accommodate the extreme flight demands the Marine Corps places on the aircraft.

"The UC-35 is an off-the-shelf version of the aircraft used by civilians for transporting executives from corporations," said Capt. Michael T. Martin, pilot, MFD. "This plane is the newest of the Cessna 500-series."

Not all pilots or crew are from MCAS Miramar.

"Some of our pilots and aircrew augmented from different organizations throughout the Marine Corps," added Martin. "Major Pete McConnell came to us from New Orleans and Maj. Matt Gaier is a reservist from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland."

The detachment is unique and their mission is diverse. They are the only flying squadron aboard the air station that belongs specifically to the air station and not a Marine aircraft wing.

"The primary mission may be VIP and material transport, but we serve other purposes," said Martin. "A general may be high profile, but we also transport maintenance recovery teams, which are also important. If a Hornet blows a tire landing somewhere, we will fly a team to fix the problem."

"Sending a Citation relieves the burden from other tactical assets like a C-130 or something from one of the helicopter squadrons," he continued. "This leaves them the ability to continue training."

With their first deployment under their belt, the Marines are gearing up to possibly head out in the near future.

"We had a unique opportunity to support 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing," Martin said. "Perhaps we will be going back in a year's time."