F-18 Pilot Homecoming (try not to cry!)

In this military homecoming video, a Navy pilot is reunited with his family after a long deployment (2019). The reunion takes place at NAS Lemoore and the video shows the pilot's flight home and the family's drive to the base, concluding with the kids sprinting across the tarmac to embrace their dad. Try not to cry!

Song: "Allston" by Hunting Stories

[flowerchild]

I can remember when my father would leave especially when he would leave without notice an I would run to the closet to see if his green duffel bag was gone. Then the waiting began never knowing when he would return, or where he went, he did return that was nearly 68 yrs ago, Vietnam Era. I'm now an AF wife an I've experienced waiting on him also, so proud of both my father n my husband both gave more than 20+ yrs to this country. If my father were still here he would do it again just like my husband would. God bless America n our servicemen n women an their families. We will keep the home fires burning for you with love n prayers. 🙏♥️🙏

[markbauer]

Because of the service of men and women like that Naval aviator and the sacrifices of their family, we sleep under the blanket of freedom.

[Nahakpam]

I can only imagine the thrill of being flying home on a jet fighter, and then you got to see your family right after you land.

[armcchargues]

20 years in submarines, did that at the end of 8 SSBN patrols and 5 long fast attack deployments. Absolutely nothing like that first hug from my wife and kids.
We kept the submergence to surface ratio at 1:1 and made it home alive every time.

[chadwahlquist]

Seeing that man reunited with his family brought tears to my eyes. I can tell he is a good father and an honorable man who loves his country and is willing to sacrifice tremendously for it. We need more men on earth like this guy. Thanks for leading from the front.

[DavidWheatley-rt]

Im a 71 year old man. Im in tears watching this video. Im so proud of this fine man and his family and our wonderful armed forces. God bless you!

[alangeddes]

In the Army we had a saying "Army wife; the toughest job in the Army". During my retirement ceremony (67 to 91) my wife was presented with a dozen roses and a certificate of thanks. It should have been a medal. 🥰

[ChiIeboy]

His daughter needed her daddy so badly, you could tell by the way she hugged him and didn't want to let him go.

[moutonla]

Never forget that all family members are affected when a love one is deployed. Hat's off the mom's and dad's who keep the home fires burning!

[jeronwinter]

It was so incredible watching him as he was taxiing. He was looking for his family. Also flying a killer war machine and still able to show his soft side. You pilots are an incredible breed of human beings. Thank you for what you

[ArkansasMan-hb]

And to this day we still have warriors like him who will fight for this country even as it's falling apart.

[halvo]

God Bless America and the families that sacrifice to keep us safe.

[bradschwamberger]

To my gone but not forgotten passed in-laws. To my Father-in-law who bravely was in Vietnam 3 times, reported missing, wounded once and evac to Japan. To my Mother-in-law that kept the home fires going. That left the Christmas tree up with presents under it until he came back from overseas. You are in my thoughts. Thank you for your sacrifices. I am glad you did get years together.

[Rob-trst]

I remember that feeling when I came home to my wife and kid after Afghanistan deployment. It's been 12 years and still is the best feeling ever. Welcome home sir!

[elizabethkuchta]

Thankyou! USA, for Smiles Across Miles! Elizabeth Kuchta. England.

[no_regerts]

I remember being so happy to see my dad when he came home from deployments. When it came time for the roles to reverse, I realized how much of a toll it took on him.

[Big.Ron]

Try not to cry? No, be honest, this is a wonderful video. The reality of coming home after a cruise is something to witness and relish. It is every bit as hard on the family at home as it is on the deployed crew. May God Bless them all. Navy 77-81 AD3

[alwaysachevysilveradogirl]

My husband didn't fly a jet but rather he spent most of his 20 yr devotion to the Navy aboard ships. That homecoming feeling can't compare to anything else in my life. We have been retired now for over 20 yrs and I miss my military family so very much.

[billhamilton]

I can identify with this as I've done it through three generations. My first was when I was 11 years old and my father returned from overseas, my father probably never knew how hard an 11-year-old could hug. My next was when I returned from 9 months overseas after Operation Desert Storm with my 9-year-old son, I found out how hard a 9-year-old could hug. My final was when my son returned from a lengthy combat deployment in the Middle East, and he found out how hard a 60-year-old man could hug. It's a feeling of happiness, relief, and thankfulness. I've felt all three.

[oldsailor]

After 25 years and many homecomings, I thought this will be nothing to cry at. All12 deployments came flooding back it has been many years, that was what my family was all about. God Bless the Sailors at sea and the world keeping America Free.