1/1 MARINES HOMECOMING - 31 JULY 2009

1/1 MARINES HOMECOMING - 31 JULY 2009

The 1/1 Marines (1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division) returned home to Camp Horno, Camp Pendleton Marine Base on 31 July 2009 from their 7 month deployment. While deployed with the 13th MEU (13th Marine Expeditionary Unit), the battalion's operations and training mission took them to several areas, including Hawaii, Thailand, Sumatra, Djibouti, as well as to anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.

This album attempts to capture the high emotions of the returning Marines and Sailors as they reunite with families and friends. Photos of the battalion’s deployment in early January depicted the optimism and courageous acceptance of the necessary departure of the unit, in sharp contrast to the celebratory moods of this day of return from a successful mission, during which the battalion suffered zero battle casualties, reason enough to celebrate.

The photos begin with gathering of those waiting to greet the returning men, the arrival of the units as they march onto the battalion’s parade deck, and finally individual reunions.

My son Cris, former Marine Sergeant, worked with me in shooting the event, and about half of the photos are his, probably the best half. We apologize for a few photos in black and white, but those were shot under the red tent and could not be presented in color due to the red glare in the light. Our apologies as well to those we missed, we tried to be thorough.

Permission is granted to save/print any of the photos for personal use. If used in a publication, credit “photo by BB and Cris Yarborough.” For saving, always select the original size for best resolution.

For comments, questions, or assistance, contact: colbb06@gmail.com

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