Monday, July 13, 2015

Our Hero is Back


I’m coming home
I’m coming home
tell the World I’m coming home 

Song by Diddy – Dirty Money

A Homecoming Story

 
Navy Photographer Photographs Eager Families

Clear security. 
Find the pier.
Clear more security. 
Join other families awaiting the arrival of a loved one 
they haven't seen in 6 months. 


Creative Signs Abound 

Wait, wait, and wait some more. 
And then...
Rumors. 
They are close. 
Up the adrenaline a notch. 


Sailor Boy's Sister Made Spider Man Themed Signage
Sailor Boy is aka Buddy, his childhood nickname. 
Sailor Boy is my son-in-law. 

Catch a glimpse. 
They're coming home!  


The First Glimpse

But where is our Sailor Boy? 
We squint, we scan, 
our Sailor Boy is not seen. 


Other Sailor Boys

Where, oh where, is our Sailor Boy?
..........................
THERE HE IS!
He was down below
manning his weapon
during the approach into port.

Our Sailor just arrived - on the left. 

We cheer, we jump, we wave 
and Sailor Boy flashes his wonderful smile. 

The Captain's Speech

The Commanding Officer makes a speech. 
We share pride in all our Sailors accomplished 
in intercepting the 2nd largest 
amount of cocaine in naval history.
Way to go Sailors! 

First Hug

Loved ones bid for their sailor to be one of the first off the ship. 
They bid for the first kiss. 
They bid for the first hug. 

Daddy Meets His Baby Boy

Next off, 
sailors who have yet to meet their babies. 
If that doesn't tug at your heartstrings .... 

 
Daddy Meets His Baby Girl

And then comes the Commanding Officer.


Commanding Officer Greets His Family 

Finally,
Our Sailor Boy!


Sailor Boy and Teacher Girl 


Reunited at Last! 

 
Coming Home


What's Next? 
Sailor Boy is home for 3 months. 
His ship is being decommissioned. 
He has some leave time 
and then he and Teacher Girl 
relocate from Virginia Beach back to San Diego. 
(They moved from San Diego just under 2 years ago.) 
His new ship just deployed. 
That means Sailor Boy will be joining 
the ship while it is already underway.  
They'll be another homecoming sometime next year.  




Of Naval Interest....
The ship, the USS Kauffmann FFG 59,  
is a guided missile frigate. 
All the other naval frigates have already been decommissioned. 
This deployment was significant 
in that is was the last frigate still sailing. 
Their deployment was in and around 
Central America 
with the goal of keeping illegal drugs 
from reaching our country. 


Of Photographic Interest...
I used the world's worst lens for these images. 
(I was trying out a lens.) 
The lens is being returned TOMORROW. 
I would have been happier with images from a point and shoot 
than with this crappy lens. 


Welcome Home Sailors! 




17 comments:

ellen b. said...

Happy happy joy joy! Homecomings are the best! Wonderful photos and happy for you on your sailor's safe return.
http://happywonderer.com/

Tom said...

What wonderful images of a special day! Tom The Backroads Traveller

Tamar SB said...

What a wonderful reunion! Thank you for his service!

Carol Blackburn said...

Sorry but I didn't find anything wrong with your photos...........they're wonderful! You documented something very beautiful in a very beautiful way. Don't diminish what you've done. Be proud.

Kathy said...

I would have been pleased with these photos! They're wonderful. Brought tears to my eyes.

SeaThreePeeO said...

Wonder wonderful pictures.

Jackie McGuinness said...

These photos are fantastic, I am wiping my eyes!

Sherri B. said...

Oh, how touching this is - thank you for sharing!! My heart overflows. <3

Adrienne said...

Wow. Every word. Every image. Just wow.

Kmcblackburn said...

So which lens did you use that you weren't that thrilled with? Totally love that shot of your son-in-law and daughter together. Wow...I can't even imagine living that life, and THAT is why the sacrifices that our military make extend beyond the soldier and to the entire family. Thanks to BOTH of them for their service and sacrifice. Thanks again for sharing at Song-ography.

MadSnapper said...

wonderful story and i felt your joy all the way through. i know teacher girl is so very happy as is her sailor boy... 3 months leave is fantastic...

Linda Kay said...

The pictures of the daddys with their babies are so heartwarming. Glad he is home safely and you have some time to enjoy your sailor boy.

Laurie said...

So happy for your family that Sailor Boy is home safe and sound. I would to offer my thanks and appreciation for his service and your daughter's sacrifice while he's gone. I thought your pictures were nice! They captured the essence of Home Coming. And I thought the quality was good also.

elizabeth said...

What an appreciation I have for our military! I'm so glad your sailor boy is safely home!

Sarah Huizenga said...

The suspense was killing me. So glad that he is home safe, and at least for a little while. Have a great time as a family!

likeschocolate said...

The emotion is palpable! Did you say which lens you don't like!

Molly said...

This is stunning, these pictures are beautiful and you captured the moment perfectly

mollyxxx