CPL Martin, of 3SQN, touches down at RAAF Base Williamtown to a warm welcome from Charmaine and daughter Hayley after his three-month deployment to Diego Garcia in support of the international coalition against terrorism. Photo by 81WG Photographics

F/A-18 ground and aircrew touched down at RAAF Base Williamtown on May 21 after a three-month deployment to Diego Garcia in support of the international coalition against terrorism.

Emotions ran high as friends, family and loved ones greeted the returning personnel from No. 3 Squadron, part of No. 81 Wing Detachment, deployed to Diego Garcia in February.

This brings to an end 81WG's involvement in operations in Diego Garcia, after No.77 Squadron, the first Hornet detachment deployed in November last year, returned in February.

Four F/A-18 Hornets and about 60 personnel, carried aboard a US KC-10 refueller, landed at Williamtown after supporting round-the-clock air defence operations on the island.

The Hornet detachment was one of Australia's first combat forces deployed in the war against terror.

It was the first time Australian fighter aircraft had been deployed on overseas operations since the 1960s, when Sabres, based in Ubon, Thailand, conducted air defence duties during the Vietnam War.

Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal John Kindler was at Williamtown to officially welcome 3SQN. He applauded the squadron members, saying they had played a major part in Australia's contribution to the global fight against terror.

He also thanked the families of those deployed, emphasising that family support was vital for the success of overseas missions such as these.

After taking a couple of weeks leave, the ground and aircrew will return to their regular yearly flying program, which includes Exercise Pitch Black in July.

By Ben Caddaye and FLTLT Christine Bradley