NORFOLK, Va. — It was hard to miss the excitement at Naval Station Norfolk as service members reunited with family Sunday.
“So up until we shut down, I didn’t believe it,” said Lt. Ryan Irving with the Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124.
The return brought many emotions for some.
“Pulling into the line, it just brings me to tears a little bit when you see your family out there,” said Lt. Commander Emily Davidson with Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.
New faces greeted service members a part of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 and Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124.
“It’s crazy I’ve had this whole baby and she’s been gone," said Erika Meszaros, a long-time friend to Lt. Davidson. "She left before she was born and now she gets to meet her for the first time. It’s so wonderful seeing your friends meet your baby.”
Big smiles, bright signs and loud shouts came from many families as they eagerly watched their loved ones flying overhead. The squadrons supported the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group while on deployment.
VRC-40 Lieutenant Commander Josh Henderson said his team kept the group resupplied.
“Any high-priority items that are needed by the ship, the air wing or any other ships in the strike group, we bring those parts out from pretty much anywhere in the world,” he said.
VAW-124 Commander Matthew Lukevics said along with supporting the 6th Fleet, his squadron also had another objective following the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“We were asked to remain on station to act as a strategic deterrent to ensure that conflict didn’t escalate," he said.
These service members said they’re happy to spend time with family but ultimately, relax.
“I’m resting, I’m going home," Lt. Irving said. "I’m going to make sure my house is still there, my car still works and everything is in order.”
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 are scheduled to return to NAS Oceana on Monday. The Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 returns to Naval Station Norfolk on Tuesday.