Fighter squadrons return to NAS Oceana after 8-month deployment
The thunderous sound of the jets had not yet reached the Naval Air Station Oceana when the V-shaped formation came into view against the blue sky.
About a dozen families erupted in cheers at the sight, eager to welcome home the fliers. Minutes later, loved ones laid eyes on their sailors for the first time in more than eight months.
Fighter squadrons from Carrier Airwing 7 returned Friday following an extended deployment with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group. The “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 were the first of two fighter squadrons to touch down.
As the pilots began walking to their families waiting near the hangar, 13-year-old Rhea Hampton, dressed in a red jumpsuit, sprinted to her father. Her feet lifted off the ground as Capt. Alex Hampton wrapped her in a hug.
“I am just feeling pride, so much pride, for the work they have done,” said Yvaal Hampton, Alex Hampton’s wife, a smile stretched across her face.
Carrier Airwing 7, which included eight squadrons of fighter jets, Greyhound cargo planes and Seahawk helicopters, deployed in August with the USS George H.W. Bush. While parts of the strike group returned nearly three weeks ago, the return of carrier was delayed after a series of Iranian attacks in Syria.
Erin Giesler, wife of Lt. Cmdr. Jeffery Giesler, said the news of the extension was “like a gut punch.”
“But it went quickly. Luckily, it wasn’t as long as I thought it might be. And now it’s over,” said Erin Giesler, wiping a tear from her eye as she watched her husband hold their 3-year-old son, Zack.
The remainder of the air wing will return Friday and Saturday. The George H.W. Bush and guided-missile cruiser Leyte Gulf will return Sunday to Naval Station Norfolk.
During the approximately 250-day cruise, the strike group participated in NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike and Juniper Oak 23-2, the largest bilateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history. The strike group completed over 12,100 sorties and 24,000 flight hours during deployment.
Standing alongside his F/A-18E Super Hornet, Capt. Alex Hampton corralled his family — his wife, 16-year-old son Zane, 13-year-old daughter Rhea, his mother and two sisters — in front of a camera for a family photo. While the anticipation of waiting wore off, the tears and the hugs never stopped.
“The being away is the most challenging part. The distance can make you feel disconnected. But they were on a mission. The mission was accomplished and now everyone is ready to be with family,” said Yvaal Hampton.
Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com
