The Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing, known locally as the “High Rollers,” came home to Reno on Sunday afternoon after a six‑month deployment to Iran for Operation Epic Fury. The unit touched down at the Reno National Guard Base, just south of the Reno‑Tahoe Airport, where dozens of family members and community supporters waited on the runway to greet the returning airmen.
Rapid, short‑notice deployment
The High Rollers were activated with only three days’ notice, marking the largest short‑notice deployment for the unit since the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and the third‑largest in its history. The previous large‑scale activations occurred during the Pueblo Crisis of 1968 and the Gulf War.
Mission profile
During the deployment, the wing provided tactical airlift, moving both munitions and personnel throughout the conflict. The unit’s ability to maintain continuous flight operations without a single cancellation due to maintenance was highlighted by flight chief Aubrie Chiatovich, who praised her team’s dedication and professionalism.
Family perspectives
Family members played a central role in the homecoming. Suzanne McKenzie, whose husband served 64 days in the Middle East, described the emotional transition from planning missions to coordinating a family reunion. “Stability is the number one thing my husband needs coming home,” she said, adding that the support of grandparents and children helped ease the adjustment.
Lieutenant Colonel Reed Kobernick, who led the deployment, echoed the sentiment, noting that the unit did not know their exact destination until they arrived. “We didn’t know what we were getting into until we landed,” he said, describing the experience as “the first modern air war in anybody’s memory.”
Aubrie Chiatovich expressed relief at returning to civilian life, joking that she missed having a ranch and a Dutch Bros. coffee shop after months without such comforts. “This was the scariest six months of my life,” she said, emphasizing the gratitude she feels for the safe return of her fellow guardsmen.
Community gratitude
2 News Nevada and local leaders thanked the 152nd Airlift Wing for their service, highlighting the unit’s readiness as a “contingency response available” force—always prepared to answer short‑notice calls. The community’s warm reception underscored the deep respect Reno residents hold for their service members and their families.
Looking ahead
With the deployment concluded, the High Rollers will resume training and support missions from their Reno base, continuing to stand ready for any future national‑security needs. Their recent experience reinforces the importance of rapid‑response capabilities and the strong bond between the Guard and the Reno community.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
