Marines Return Home After Lincoln Strike Group Deployment

Members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 returned to San Diego after a 10-month deployment with the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, reuniting with families after more than 300 days at sea as part of carrier air wing operations in U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet missions.

The Marines were part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and supported Operation Epic Fury, according to 10news.com. The unit completed more than 13,000 flight missions and logged more than 28,000 hours in the air during the deployment.

According to 10news.com, the squadron also dropped more than 1.5 million pounds of ordnance on targets during the operation. Family members gathered with signs and waited for the returning Marines after their extended absence.

Annette Gonzales, the mother of a VMFA-314 member, described the emotions surrounding the reunion.

"It's going to be surreal. It's going to, it's just heartwarming. I'm so excited and, and anxious at the same time," said Annette Gonzales, mother of a VMFA-314 member.

Families reunited with Marines arriving on four white buses after the deployment. The return followed months of limited contact and extended time away from home.

"It has been difficult, especially with the many extensions that happened throughout, but it was, I mean, we communicated as much as we could, and I mean that was about the best we could do really, and just support each other," said Mayra Rojas, wife of a VMFA-314 member.

Rojas spoke about the challenges families faced while the Marines remained deployed. Relatives said the return brought relief after concerns about their loved ones' safety.

"I'm just worried about if he's OK, and you know, I just want him to be safe. So of course, I'm praying for him all the time, and it's just such a big relief to see that he's going to finally be home, and all of our prayers have been answered," said AnnMarie Castillo, sister of a VMFA-314 member.

The reunion continued as families embraced Marines after their arrival in San Diego. Gonzales said the moment represented a return to normal life after the deployment.

"It's just going to be like he's safe and it's going to feel amazing to not have to go to sleep worried about him, and I'm also just so proud of him," said Annette Gonzales, mother of a VMFA-314 member.