MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- During the past year, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, sending more than 5,000 Marines and sailors from the air station to the Western province of Al Anbar, Iraq.

Recently, a multitude of homecomings have brought the majority of the Wing Marines home to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Throughout their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 3rd MAW flew more than 150,000 sorties and stacked  up more than 100,000 flight hours providing close air support for the I Marine Expeditionary Force ground elements.

Some of the 3rd MAW components deployed for six to seven months, while others stayed in Iraq for an entire year. More than 15 squadrons from the wing rotated in and out of Iraq during 2006.

The Marines earned the Sea Service Deployment ribbon and Iraqi Campaign Medal for completing their deployment.

The awards, the successes in Iraq, and knowing they return as heroes provides some consolation for the families left behind when 3rd MAW deployed.

For Sgt. James Orezzoli, a data systems repairman with Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38, the deployment meant leaving his wife, Marisa, to care for their newborn son.

“I left for Iraq one week after my youngest son, Ayden, was born,” Orezzoli said.

Another Marine, who was deployed, left his family as well.

Cpl. Daniel Ahmed, an administrative clerk with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, deployed for 13 months in support of OIF and recently returned home.

“While deployed to Iraq, I missed my wife and family,” explained Ahmed. “It’s great to be back and spend time with them.”

After being deployed for a year, it’s a culture shock coming home, added Ahmed. It’s getting used to simple things like driving that are a challenge.

Although many Marines left their friends and families behind to help rebuild a nation torn by war, they didn’t let the departure affect the mission they were sent to accomplish.

While the Marines were deployed, they conducted multiple support missions to assist ground coalition forces throughout the country.

The 3rd MAW Marines kept the troops on the ground safe by providing and supporting aviation assets, explained Cpl. Louis Abrams, an ordnance technician with Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242.

“The deployment went great,” Abrams said. “I would do it again if afforded the opportunity.”
With the majority of 3rd MAW squadrons now home, 2nd MAW forward is now responsible for providing and supporting Marine air assets in Iraq.