VALDOSTA — After six months overseas, airmen from Moody Air Force Base returned home Wednesday to a hero’s welcome, greeted with open arms by their families and a supportive community.

The airmen deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East. There, they took part in various operations, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, regional defense, and strengthening partner relationships. 

“Getting back here — there is a real sense of pride in what they [the airmen] accomplished,” said Col. Paul Sheets, commander of the 23rd Wing. “And then a lot of joy and happiness because it’s great when you come back, and you see the community has stepped up and welcomed everyone home with open arms.”

Sheets emphasized the Air Force’s commitment to readiness and well-being, explaining, “We really take a hard look at the resiliency aspect… the pillars of their fitness — mental, spiritual, social, and physical well-being. We put the effort in prior to deployment, but then throughout our deployment, ensuring all those pillars are met.”

Throughout their deployment, the 23rd Wing — known as the legendary “Flying Tigers” — remained focused and mission-driven, Sheets said. He discussed what helps keep him and many airmen motivated during deployments.

“We could feel the love, the prayers, and the well-wishes throughout the deployment,” he said. “That really is what motivates you and keeps you going throughout.”

Col. Kenneth A. Roberts Jr., commander of the 23rd Mission Support Group, echoed the pride in the airmen’s work. 

“We had a long trip, knew our task, and we went there and accomplished it. I am proud of the team for showing up ready and focused,” Roberts said. “The Flying Tigers are always out front leading, and this was no exception. Our airmen performed brilliantly while we were out there.”

Roberts had been stationed at Moody for only two months before deploying, but he credited the strength and preparation of the unit for their success: “I didn’t have a whole lot of time to get ready, but that doesn’t matter — our team was ready.”

Both men discussed how crucial community support was, especially as families at home weathered natural disasters and the stresses of separation.

“We’re just grateful,” Roberts said. “We’re blessed more than we deserve to be surrounded by a community that truly loves us. This community comes out in force to support our military families through the good and bad times.”

As the airmen settle back into life at Moody, the focus shifts toward reintegration, rest, and reconnecting. 

Roberts concluded with a heartfelt message: “We are really excited to be back, to be with them [their families], and just to say thank you to the community, and say thank you to our families for being resilient, for letting us do what we do in the military — and that’s deploy and defend our nation.”