Deployments: Naval Hospital continues global war on terrorism support

The rotations started Feb. 23 when 19 Naval Hospital Jacksonville personnel were seen off by their families and friends at Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) as they embarked on a six-month deployment to Joint Task Force (JTF) Detention Center, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

George and Thelma Dowdy were on hand to say farewell to their grandson, HN Jarrett White. The couple, from Montgomery, Ala., said they were sad to say goodbye but they are very proud of Jarrett. Mr. Dowdy, an Air Force retiree, put in 20 years service for his country, and is therefore very familiar with the demands of military service. Still, Mrs. Dowdy seemed a bit reluctant to see her grandson go, as she commented, "he doesn't know it yet but we're going with him."

This is White's first deployment and he said it will be a "new experience." He said he has some idea of what to expect from talking to co-workers and friends who have previously deployed to Cuba and so he wasn't going "completely in the dark." The group will also get additional mission-specific training at Ft. Lewis, Wash. before completing their journey to Cuba.

The next day was more joyous with two groups returning from Cuba and Kuwait deployments.

Twenty-seven personnel returned from Guantanamo Bay, flying into the NAS Jacksonville Air Terminal.

Lt. Cmdr. John Ware embraces his wife, Andrea as he arrives at Jacksonville International Airport after a seven month in Kuwait. Photo by HM3 LeeAnn Lowman

HN Maggie Borum was greeted by her boyfriend, HM3 Enrique Sisneros as she returned home. "It feels really good to be back," she said. Of her medical duties, she said working in the detainee clinic was a "unique and challenging experience and one through which she learned a lot." She said the staff's living conditions in Cuba were not bad even though they lived in "tool sheds." She said she talked to her boyfriend nearly every day by phone and also regularly e-mailed him and her family. The personnel returning from a seven-month deployment in Kuwait Feb. 24 were equally happy to be home. Seven deployed personnel were jubilantly greeted by family, friends and staff at JIA and three others returned on a separate flight.

Kathy Tavassoli hurried through transportation security to meet her husband at the gate. "All of our neighbors have their American flags flying for his return. I just can't wait to see Jeff," said Tavassoli. Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Tavassoli, an orthopedic surgeon, looking tired but happy to see his wife said, "it is great to be back. We left at 1 p.m. on Friday their time. It was a long flight."

ET1 James Cook hugged his wife, Trisha and daughters, Elena and Kira as he wearily strolled through the gate at JIA. "It feels great to be home. The girls have grown quite a bit. Kira wasn't walking when I left and now she is running!" he stated.

HN Patrick Heraty and HM3 Leyla Canales (right) of Branch Health Clinic Jacksonville, stride through the NAS Jacksonville Air Terminal with Canales' cousin Jocelyn Morales as they return home from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Feb. 24. Photo by HM1(SW) Michael Morgan

Laboratory Officer Lt. Cmdr. John Ware embraced his anxious wife, Andrea. "Words can't describe how I feel about being home," he said. "Grandma is babysitting and the two of us are going to Amelia Island for a couple of days. Then we are taking our five children along with other family members to Disney," added Andrea.

Another 30 Naval Hospital personnel are expected to return to Jacksonville from Cuba in a couple of weeks. At the end of these rotations more than 80 Naval Hospital Jacksonville personnel will continue to be on duty at Guantanamo Bay and three remain in Kuwait.

George and Thelma Dowdy give their grandson, HN Jarrett White a hug and kiss before he heads for his flight to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for a six-month deployment. Photo by HM1(SW) Michael Morgan