One of the four troops is a Specialist First Class, who just finished his first deployment to Afghanistan. Another SPC on board was a human resource specialist who has deployed twice. The third and fourth soldiers were an Army couple. They deployed together and were headed back to Texas to be with their three boys, Politico reports.

The group made a special pitstop on its way back. Secretary Gates had to attend a meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi so the four were treated to an overnight stay at the luxurious Emirates Palace.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily DoD Report. For more defense news, click here.