The 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry returned after 15 months.

About 270 soldiers out of the 600 that make up the 4/6 Air Cavalry marched in to the enthusiastic cheers of friends and family members.

The remaining soldiers will return through September. The unit flew UH-58 Kiowa Warriors and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters in air attack and support operations out of forward operating bases.

Lt. Michael Laffin has a new son who was born while he was on deployment and is now almost a year old.

The Army said the unit killed 135 enemy and wounded 56 in combat. Family members said that seeing their loved ones after knowing they were in combat is a relief.

The soldiers said they're happy to be back with family after a long time overseas.

"(It was) very, very tough. It was like a part of me was missing the entire time and I couldn't get it back. Now, I have them back," said Sgt. Josh McAlpin.

Four members of the unit were killed in a helicopter crash near Kirkuk almost a year ago.

The crash claimed a total of 14 lives.