Tears and hugs were free flowing at Lemoore Naval Air Station base Tuesday afternoon, after dozens of Strike Fighter Squadrons returned home into the waiting arms of their families.
The group returned home from a five month deployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. During the deployment, the squadrons spent time near the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean, for more than two months.
During the time overseas they also worked to provide 30% of all air support to U.S. and Coalition ground forces in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
It was five longs month deserving of a homecoming celebration.
Early Tuesday morning, families arrived at the base setting up balloons and flowers for the big arrivals. Once the planes touched down, there was no tearing the officers away from their loved ones.
"It's amazing, it's great to be home," said Lt. Dan Quinn who stayed close to his two children Bailey and Ryan. "I'm just trying to hold everything in."
Quinn was headed to Chucky Cheese with his kids, to spend some long awaited quality time. "It's tough, but hopefully they know what daddy is doing is important and won't hold it against me."
This is one of two homecoming celebrations scheduled at Lemoore Naval Air Station this week. The remainder of the squadron members are expected to fly in on Wednesday afternoon.
