NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite less than beautiful weather, the sun shone in the hearts of many Wednesday at Naval Air Station Jacksonville as dozens of families welcomed home the “Fighting Tigers” of the VP-8 squadron following a six-month deployment to Japan.
Aviation Electronics Technician Traleea Jones can’t believe how much her daughter has grown in six months.
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“Oh, it was really hard. She’s talking so much, she’s changed so much. I’m kind of sad that I missed it, but I’m excited to see everything that she’s going to do now,” Jones said.
AT2 Jones isn’t the only one who feels that way.
Dozens of families reunited and reconnected, including one father holding his new baby girl for the first time.
Hannah Densmore and her husband, Lt. Casey Densmore were thrilled to be back together.
“I’m just so happy, absolutely elated. Been waiting so long for him to come back, but I’m just so glad to finally be back together again,” Hannah said.
Casey said it was surreal.
“I’ve been picturing this for six months, so now that it’s happening now, it’s amazing,” he said.
The Densmores say technology has helped them stay in touch. But it was still hard.
During their deployment, the Fighting Tigers conducted maritime patrol and operations within the Indo-Pacific region.
Cmdr. A.J. Dierks couldn’t be prouder of these men and women.
“We have such an amazing team. Everybody has difficulties when they’re away this long, but we’re able to do it because of the support of the families at home,” Dierks said. “And the support of a city like Jacksonville who welcomes us back every time.”
The focus now is making up for lost time. And honoring the families whose sacrifices keep us all safe.
“We get thanked for our service, but also understanding it’s tough on them at home. We pack up and leave, and then she’s got everything at the house and if something breaks, she’s got to handle it on her own,” Casey Densmore said.
NAS Jacksonville said the crew will be here for the next year before its next mission.