CHERRY POINT, N.C. -
Dozens of Cherry Point Marines are on their way to Afghanistan.
They said goodbye to their families Monday afternoon, then deployed to southwestern Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.
They're part of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing. Their mission is to give air and assault support for ground troops.
The Second Maw will relieve the Third Maw from duty. Marines say the hardest part about deployment is being away from their families.
"Some have actually been over there before, like myself. So we know what to expect, we're just ready to get it over there and get back done, kind of like that let's get through with it and get it done and come back home," said Corp William McWethy.
What makes this deployment unique is that the Marines will direct support Afghanistan's armed forces, said Lt. Col. Tom Bajus.
"We'll take a back role and provide assistance for Afghanistan, their government, and obviously their armed forces," said Lt. Col. Bajus.
