The Source for Navy News
HC-5 Detachment Returns to Guam After Supporting War Against Terrorism
Story Number: NNS030707-08
Release Date: 7/7/2003 10:03:00 AM
By Coleen R. San Nicolas-Perez, Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (NNS) -- Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) Rodrigo Cunha could not hold back the tears as he held his three-month-old son for the very first time.
Cunha and 27 of his shipmates with Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 5 Detachment (Det.) 4 returned home on June 30 after a four-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The detachment, while embarked aboard the Navy ammunition ship, USNS Kiska (T-AE 35), helped replenish carrier strike groups and coalition ships in direct involvement with America’s war on terrorism, said Lt. Cmdr. Dom Strada, officer-in-charge of Det. 4. When they weren’t resupplying ships with ordnance and necessary supplies, the crew delivered mail and other cargo to many deployed U.S. troops, he added.
“I pay tribute to the guys we took out there,” Strada said. “They did a great job. It was a pleasure and honor working with them.”
Lt. j.g. Terry Menteer, one of the detachment’s pilots, shared the same sentiment, adding the mechanics and the rest of the support crew did an excellent job keeping the helicopters flying and the pilots safe.
“They did the best job I’ve ever seen,” he commented. “I was really happy to be associated with everyone out there. Best group of guys I’ve ever met in my life.”
During the deployment, Menteer said he kept in touch with his wife of four years, Katie, and their children, 3-year-old Aiden and 1-year-old Galvin, through e-mail.
“I didn’t have to worry about what was happening at home because I knew what was happening at home,” he added. “Keeping in contact with them helped me focus on what was happening out there.”
Menteer plans to enjoy his remaining time on Guam by taking advantage of the various water activities. He also said that he and his wife have to make up time spent away during their wedding anniversary and birthdays.
As for Cunha, he plans to spend every moment with his wife, Jennifer, and their 11-year-old son, Chance Michael, and newborn child, Leonardo.
“I feel great, because I come home and I see my son, and I know I’m doing something great for him, for both of my boys,” Cunha said as he kissed his children on their heads. “Somebody has got to protect our freedom, and keep us safe. That’s why I do it.”
To learn more about Navy Guam, log onto www.guam.navy.mil.
For related news, visit the U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/guam.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
HC-5: 20 Years In The Making - 2/27/2004
USS Comstock, Anchorage Return Home - 7/2/2003
Inshore Boat Unit 17 Returns Home After A Six Month Deployment To Kuwait - 6/26/2003
ATF East Returns from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom - 6/23/2003
Whiting Field Corpsmen Return from OIF - 6/20/2003
|
All Any Exact |
|
