A number of Navy families were reunited at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island this weekend when Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-140 returned home from an eight-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea.

The aviators arrived April 22, with the bulk of the squadron returning the following day. VAQ-140, as part of Carrier Air Wing 7, deployed Aug. 11, 2022 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

Capt. Erik Halvorson said the purpose of the deployment was to support the U.S.’s NATO allies in the region. The Carrier Air Wing completed over 12,100 sorties and 24,000 flight hours and participated in NATO-led vigilance activities as well as the largest bi-lateral U.S.-Israeli exercise in history.

“We’re just extremely excited to be home and extremely proud of everybody’s work,” Halvorson said, adding that this was a first deployment for around 72% of the ship.

For the captain himself, this was his sixth deployment. His wife, Kate Halvorson, said the originally scheduled return date was delayed, as the deployment was extended just a few weeks prior to the squadron’s return.

“I think this is even better now — a little extra sweet,” she said.

Many of the returning aviators exchanged tearful and emotional greetings with their family members after deplaning. Sarah Heller, wife of returning aviator Robert Heller, said that for her family, this was the longest deployment they’ve experienced. With their second child due soon, Sarah Heller said she was “super excited” for her husband to be home.

“I’m really proud of how hard our guys work when they’re out,” she said. “I think that understanding and appreciating why they’re doing what they’re doing makes it a little bit easier to power through at home while we’re waiting for them.”

For Scott Waitley, one of the aviators in VAQ-140, Saturday’s homecoming was especially sweet, as it marked his second time meeting his young son, Warren. Waitley was allowed to briefly return home shortly after his son’s birth two months ago.

“It’s definitely a fulfilling and heartwarming time,” he said.

Aircrew with VAQ-140 deplane at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island after returning home from an eight-month deployment aboard aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

Sarah Heller greets her husband Robert with their son Saturday afternoon.

Photos by David Welton Ground crew await the return of VAQ-140 on base Saturday afternoon.

Capt. Erik Halvorson’s sons greet him on the flight line as he and his squadron return home from deployment April 22.