Cherry Point unit to set return Friday

About 50 Marines with Cherry Point Air Station’s Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 are expected to return from a seven-month deployment to the Horn of Africa on Friday, according to releases from Cherry Point officials.

The squadron, primarily based in Djibouti during its deployment, served as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa where it aided in preventing conflict, promoting regional stability and protecting coalition interests.

Along with the Marines of HMH-366, some troops from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 Marines will return as well. These augmentees assisted HMH-366 with logistics matters during their deployment.

HMH-366’s mission is to provide assault support transport of combat troops, supplies and equipment during expeditionary, joint and combined operations.

Nearly 30 HMH-366 Marines returned from the Horn of Africa on Jan. 20 while another group deployed five days later in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.