"Nighthawk" Comes Home to Roost Published March 10, 2015 By Technical Sgt. Kevin Cerovich Southeast Asia -- The eight deploying members of The United States Air Force Band, known as "Nighthawk," have arrived at Al Udeid Air Base to begin their deployment for Air Force Central Command. As the new AFCENT band they are prepping a wide variety of music for U.S. and coalition forces, as they concentrate on boosting troop morale and building partnerships with host nations throughout Southwest Asia. This has not come easily, however. From its inception, Nighthawk has been plagued with setbacks. Three of the group's original members were unable to deploy for various reasons, and one of the lead singers had to prepare to deploy with only one week's notice. Forged in this furnace of ever-constant change and uncertainty, Nighthawk has grown stronger and more determined. Much of this is due to the groundwork laid by its former members, like Technical Sgt. Hanna Shirey. "We all wanted to do the music justice and serve our troops well, no matter what it was. Whether it was the 'Hokey Pokey' or John Denver's classic, "Country Roads," our common goal was to play the music with everything we had." After only being on station less than a week, Nighthawk began performing. Percussionist Technical Sgt. Adam Green said, "It's all very surreal. People tell you the effect music has in a deployed environment, but you really have to see it for yourself." This comment came after the group's first performance in early February at a base-wide birthday celebration in the dining facility. Onlookers stood by as Nighthawk assembled their gear prior to the performance. Several asked questions, including one who recognized Technical Sgt. Cameron Kayne from The U.S. Air Force Band website. "They were so happy to have us here, and the fact that they already knew who we were was really amazing," said Kayne. Aside from the intense preparation that is currently taking place, Nighthawk also took time to film a short music video highlighting deployed service members who are far from loved ones this past Valentine's Day. "What a treat to give these men and women a chance to reach out and speak directly to their families. Just to be a part of that is something very special," said Green. As the band moves forward into uncharted territory, one thing is certain: Nighthawk will deliver a top-notch product. The quality of which is matched only by the professionalism of the members for whom it is played.