Gallery: Plenty of hugs and tears as NAS aviators return home from long cruise

Thursday, May 20, 2021 - 12:57pm By The Leader Staff

It’s almost always an emotional site when a loved one, after months away from home, returns to hugs, kisses, and most of all thanks. And in this case, there were plenty of family members in attendance as 40 F-18 Hornets came home to the flight line at NAS Lemoore Wednesday morning (May 19) after a six-month tour on the USS Roosevelt.

  • NAS Lemoore Hornets from VFA 154 The Black Knights returned to Lemoore following a cruise on the USS Roosevelt.
  • Lemoore aviators, just returned from a long deployment, had their hands full upon their return to NAS Lemoore.
  • Before landing, 40 Hornets flew over the base in formation.
  • Commander Aaron Carlson hugs his children after returning from a six-month tour on the USS Roosevelt.
  • Upon arrival, NAS airmen wash the cockpit glass as aviators scan the scene for family members.

And indeed, the hugs and erupted when the Naval aviators landed, taxied to a parking spot, and climbed out of their cockpits to waiting friends and family members.

Prior to the actual fly-in, 40 Hornets flew in picture-perfect formation in a formation of 10 plans in four groups. The sound was deafening and only added to the emotional experiences of coming home to one’s loved ones.

Photos by Gary Feinstein/Feinsteinfotos

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