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thedrifter
08-30-07, 06:07 PM
USS Stennis brings home Miramar F/A-18 squadron
Lance Cpl. Christopher O’Quin

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif.(Aug. 29, 2007) -- The USS John C. Stennis returned here Monday, bringing home more than 200 Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, also known as the “Death Rattlers.”

The squadron deployed for seven months as part of Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Wing 9. They conducted air support for coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq during the deployment.

Hundreds of family members, friends and fellow Marines greeted the Death Rattlers as they stepped off the ship.

“I’m speechless and glad to be home, glad to be back at Miramar,” said Lance Cpl. Joseph R. Johnson, maintenance mechanic with the squadron.

The squadron dropped more than 15,000 pounds of ordnance and logged more than 3,000 flights, according to Maj. Daniel F. Goodwin, the executive officer for the squadron.

“We were able to provide support in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan during the spring offensive, helping to gain control of the area.”

On the way home, military personnel on the Stennis took part in a two-week joint-training exercise in the Pacific Ocean called Exercise Valiant Shield.

The ship conducted operational-planning exercises and tested for expeditionary-strike capabilities along side personnel from other branches of the military.

The squadron’s advance party returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 21, to set up shop.

“We came back to set up the barracks, clean up, help everybody taxi in and help everything run smoothly,” said Cpl. Ryan A. Williams, a plane captain with the squadron.

After taking leave and reacquainting with family and friends, the Marines of the squadron will return to their jobs preparing for the next deployment.

Ellie