(62nd AW PA) - More than 120 airmen from the 8th Airlift Squadron returned Sept. 2 after a 120-day deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The 8th AS Airmen were deployed as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to an overseas contingency location in the Middle East.

"I couldn't be more proud of these airmen," said Lt. Col. Steve Ritter, 816th EAS commander. "The excellent teamwork and camaraderie they displayed helped accomplish our goal. The relationships that were formed over there made these missions possible."

During its deployment, the C-17 squadron flew 2,789 sorties equaling more than 7,000 hours, moved more than 37,000 passengers and delivered more than 115 million pounds of combat sustainment cargo for U.S. military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While deployed, the squadron participated in Operation Everest. During the operation, the 816th EAS dropped a record-breaking 837 bundles on 22 drop zones with a combined weight of more than 1.1 million pounds of cargo. The record of 837 bundles is the highest number of bundles dropped in a week ever by a C-17 squadron.

"It's feels great knowing I was a part of a squadron that could accomplish so much," said Airman 1st Class Casey Jackson, 8th AS loadmaster. "I'm extremely proud of my coworkers. They're the best."

According to Jackson, completing a mission makes you feel proud, but nothing is better than finally coming home after a deployment.

"I loved being over there, and I loved getting my job done," said Jackson. "But I am so ready to be home and relax for a little bit."

Nadine Cissell and her two daughters were part of the large group of family members awaiting the squadron's return.

"We can't wait to see him," said Nadine of her husband, a loadmaster. "The girls are excited to have him back and help him with the yard work."

Members of the 8th AS were replaced by the 4th AS, which departed for the Middle East Aug. 26 and is expected to return in December.