‘Swamp Foxes’ return home after 9-month deployment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Emotions ran high at NAS Jacksonville Sunday afternoon as members of the “Swamp Foxes” helicopter maritime strike squadron reunited with their families.

During their nine-month deployment, they were in active combat, including multiple engagements with Houthi terrorists.

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AM1 Brian Kolsa, a U.S. Navy service member with HSM-74, was welcomed home by his wife Taylor and his four-month-old daughter.

“It definitely takes a village, and I appreciate everyone who came back with us as well. We wouldn’t have been able to get through those nine months if we weren’t there for each other,” Kolsa said.

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Overall, the “Swamp Foxes” conducted more than 2,500 missions and dedicated almost 7,000 flight trips.

Navy wife Megan Ballester said it was stressful not hearing from her husband for days at a time.

“Emails are mostly the only form of communication. Sometimes we can FaceTime, and we really look forward to those calls, but for the most part, it’s old-fashioned emails,” Ballester said.

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Commanding Officer Eric Kohut said he is so proud of his team and the work they did on the Red Sea. He hopes all of Jacksonville can recognize them.

“I just want them to be proud of these sailors, these warriors that were out there for nine months. It’s a hard job but we’re very proud to do,” Kohut said.

Officials told Action News Jax at least 300 members were deployed total for those nine months. Another trip has not been confirmed yet, and one will not take place for another few years.

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