81st FS, 81st AMU Airmen return to Spangdahlem

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
After eight weeks away from their home station, approximately 240 Airmen from the 81st Fighter Squadron and 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit returned to Spangdahlem Air Base.

The Spangdahlelm Warthogs, pilots and support Airmen left for Royal Air Force Lakenheath in England in June when the base's runway was closed for repairs. Buses full of maintenance, supply and other support personnel returned home July 31 to the war embraces of family and friends. They were followed by pilots and A-10s Aug. 1.

Amy Davidson, wife of Senior Airman Michael Davidson, 81st Aircraft Maintenance Unit supply specialist, was one of the many people awaiting the return of a loved one. Even though the couple was able to talk often while Airman Davidson was gone, his wife is glad to have him back home, she is nine months pregnant.

"It is always hard whenever they leave," she said. "However, being apart helps you appreciate each other more."

While the Airmen were gone, they appreciated the support they received from their host unit.

"They took good care of us out there," said Staff Sgt. Eric Badrick, 81st AMU weapons specialist. "Their facilities were great."

Capt. Nick Defazio, 81st FS pilot, agreed that the support that received from RAF Lakenheath was critical to their success while in England.

"The cooperation was very good," he said. "They were exercising while we were there, but they let us uses their facilities."

The deployed pilots were able to complete a wide variety of training missions despite some adverse weather.

The chance to learn to fly in a new environment was one of the best parts of the trip, said Captain Defazio. "We were able to work with some of the same units that were deployed with us last summer in Afghanistan. We conducted missions with HH-60s, F-16Es, F-16s and Italian and British units."

"We were busy but we got a lot done," said Capt. Joe Turnham, 81st FS pilot. "We had some great opportunities there. We were able to shoot our guns everyday, fly at lower altitudes and set of flares."

Despite the unique training opportunities the Airmen had while they were gone, one statement continued to ring out at their return.

"It feels good to be back at Spangdahlem," Captain Defazio said.