MOODY AIR FORCE BASE —Tears of joy and celebration filled Moody Air Force Base as family and friends welcomed airmen home from a six-month deployment to the Horn of Africa.

Brittany Geoffroy waited eagerly with her daughter, Scarlett, 2, for their airman, Lt. Col. Kevin Geoffroy, to arrive. Brittany said she was most looking forward to hugging her husband.

“He missed her second birthday so we are excited to celebrate now that he is coming home,” Brittany Geoffroy said.

Approximately 50 airmen from the 41st Rescue Squadron, 38th Rescue Squadron and the 723d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were reunited with their loved ones.

“During this deployment, these members provided a robust personnel recovery capability in support of AFRICOM and EUCOM security objectives,” according to a statement from MAFB.

As the plane touched down at Moody and airmen boots hit the ground, families ran to greet them.

Brittany Geoffroy said they didn’t have anything special planned for the weekend.

“Just lots of family time and spending time together,” she said. “It’s good to have him home.”