Stanley is welcomed home by his eight-year-old daughter, Tara. Photograph by 81WG Photographic

There were plenty of smiles and more than a few tears at RAAF Base Williamtown when the first Air Force personnel, deployed as part of Australia's commitment to the coalition against terrorism, returned home.

Air Commander, Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler, expressed the Air Force's gratitude to those returning to Australia, and the great support of their families.

They returned to a warm welcome at Williamtown on Sunday, 17 February.

Meanwhile, the F/A-18 ground and air crew from the second deployment to Operation Slipper were quietly farewelled by Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Angus Houston, the week before.

The crew went with well wishes from CAF and ACAUST.

'The Air Force's deployment of aircraft and well-trained and capable personnel is valued highly by our coalition partners,' AIRMSHL Houston said.

'We are all immensely proud of our people and the work they are doing to support the coalition to combat terrorism.'

Deploying members were also left in no doubt that they were leaving Australia with the full support and encouragement of all Air Force people and the Australian community.