Navy Commander Benjamin Rothenburg has been away at sea for 265 days
After that long wait, the moment finally arrived: a sweet and emotional reunion.
"I was really excited, I was jumping up and down screaming," says Grace.
"It's been challenging for sure. We have been doing this for almost 19 years," expresses Rothenburg.
He is part of the Carrier Air Wing 2 Strike Fighter Squadron called the "Golden Dragons."
Three others also returned home from their deployment: the "Bounty Hunters," "Stingers," and "Warhawks."
The four squadrons were away for nine months, completing missions in parts of the Western Pacific and the Middle East region.
Rothenburg is glad to be home in time for his kids' first day of school on Wednesday.
The timing was also perfect for this couple.
Pilot Kurt Wenske, a second-generation naval aviator, made it home just in time for his wedding.
"We are four weeks away from getting married," says his fiancée, Catherine Harty.
Air crews say their ability to stay connected through deployment has improved over the years, but the time apart still isn't easy.
"As cheesy as it can be sometimes, freedom is not free," expresses Wenske.
He continues, "There is a sacrifice and a cost. It's incumbent that we all, as Americans, step up and serve our nation. I'm incredibly proud of my service in the US Navy."
With tears of joy and over-the-moon excitement, families from Air Wing 2 are finally reunited.
Cherishing every moment until the next deployment.
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