Wasting no time and standing on little ceremony, the first element of Headquarters, I Corps to deploy last year to Iraq arrived back on Fort Lewis early Monday morning to the arms of their loved ones.

About 110 Soldiers of the I Corps Analysis and Control Element, responsible for analyzing and synthesizing intelligence in support of full-spectrum operations, were dismissed at 4:40 a.m. Monday in Soldiers Field House, formally ending their yearlong deployment. A 25-Soldier advance party had preceded the redeploying main body.

"I told you that you would be successful at completing this mission, and you have done a phenomenal job getting it done," I Corps Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Peter Bayer told the CACE in Baghdad as the unit prepared to board its initial flight en route to the states. "You have empowered the commanding general and the leaders of the corps to make good decisions."

The CACE had the ears of the senior commanders in Iraq, the Multi-National Force and Corps commanding generals, routinely briefing them on ongoing intelligence developments. Chief of the element, Maj. Greg Ford, spoke of the team effort that went into the high-visibility mission.

"The performance of the Soldiers (stood out)," Ford said. "We had from specialists to majors briefing (Lt.) Gen. (Charles H.) Jacoby (Jr.) and General (Raymond) Odierno. They knew their subject matter and did a phenomenal job. They were referred to by the I Corps chief of staff as the corps' brain trust, and these guys really were. No question whatsoever, in their areas they were the subject-matter experts. They truly immersed themselves in it."

Jacoby received two briefings per week from the organization. The quality and accuracy of the information was crucial to senior commanders' ability to make informed decisions.

The CACE worked round the clock, producing more than 25,000 products during the year, which averaged to about 70 products a day, Ford said.

Its three main divisions, politics, Iraqi Security Forces and key-leader-engagement teams, shifted focus during the year, mirroring the U.S. forces' transition from combat to advisory roles - without diminution in operational tempo.

Accurate intelligence and thoughtful analysis enhanced full-spectrum operations, which created safe and secure conditions and allowed the Iraqi government to grow, CACE Sgt. Maj. Charles E. Ross Jr., told public affairs Soldiers before boarding his flight.

"We provided intelligence fusion for the entire theater, and assisted the (multi-national divisions) by helping paint a bigger picture," he said.

"A lot of what they do is classified, so no one will ever know it," Ford said, "but these guys did a hell of a job."

Monday was a day for reuniting of families, however, more than retrospection about the CACE mission.

"All the years they're gone are hectic," said Marv Ford, the CACE chief's father. He had traveled from Monmouth, Ore., to welcome home his son and his organization. The elder Ford said he had stayed in touch with his son through his daughter-in-law, Rebecca.

Marv Ford summarized his emotions in a single word.

"Relieved," he said.