Gallery: NAS Lemoore families and friends welcome home sailors on Sunday

The naval aviators arrived home on Saturday (April 22) while Navy officials welcomed the hundreds of sailors, ground, and support staff that keep the squadrons running, who arrived home on Sunday.  

According to Navy officials, this homecoming focused on the hundreds of sailors, ground crew, and support staff who keep the Navy fighter jets in the air – and their families.

The two squadrons are attached to Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), nicknamed “Team Freedom,” and have been away from their home base of Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif., since August 10, 2022. During their deployment, they were employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations.

Some children wrote welcome home messages for their parents.

Strike Fighter Squadron 86 (VFA-86), or the “Sidewinders,” was established in 1950 and operated the F/A-18E Super Hornet, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. VFA-86 has a long and distinguished history, having been involved in every major conflict and operation since its establishment.

Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136), also known as the "Knighthawks," was established in 1985 and operated the F/A-18E Super Hornet. VFA-136 has also been involved in numerous conflicts and operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Both squadrons’ capabilities and versatility make them critical assets to the Navy's mission, and their dedication and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and motivate future generations of naval aviators.

Joshua Burton hugs his family after 8-month deployment.

The family of returning sailor Will Robesky waves as he is spotted leaving the bus on Sunday.