Tears and hugs as USS Iwo Jima returns from historic 10-month deployment in Caribbean

The USS Iwo Jima returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a historic 10-month deployment combating traffickers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. The Wasp-class assault ship served as the flagship for Operation Southern Spear. The ship’s 4,500 sailors and embarked Marines also provided humanitarian assistance to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa and participated in several exercises with allies and partners in the Caribbean.

As the massive warship pulled into Norfolk, sailors lined the flight deck while families crowded the waterfront, waiting for their first chance to reunite. 'Excited, full of emotions,' said Allison Boaz, the wife of a USS Iwo Jima sailor, to a local news agency. The emotional scenes mirrored those at other major Navy homecomings, but many families said the length of this deployment made the return especially meaningful.

As sailors carried duffel bags down the gangway and into the arms of waiting loved ones, months of separation gave way to moments that many families had spent nearly a year anticipating, the chance to finally be together again. After a deployment that extended twice, Yeoman Chief Petty Officer Dominic Allen stepped off amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima on Saturday and said it felt surreal to finally be home. ‘I’m overwhelmed with joy. We’re all just very grateful and blessed to be back home,’ said Allen, 32, of Waldorf.

The nearly 10-month deployment is among the longer recent Navy deployments, coming at a time when operational demands continue to put pressure on sailors and their families. Commodore Chris Farricker, commander of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, acknowledged the sacrifices made by families during the deployment. 'I know this deployment has been a long one, but I recognize the sacrifices that you've made while we were deployed and thank you for your unwavering support while at home while protecting the nation,' Farricker said.

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group were credited with supporting US objectives throughout the Caribbean region while demonstrating the rapid-response capabilities for which amphibious forces are designed. 'During this deployment, our presence and capabilities demonstrated the United States’ enduring commitment to deterring aggression and malign actors, maintaining regional stability, ensuring the prosperity of the Western Hemisphere, and supporting our neighbor nations in the Caribbean,' said Captain Rick Haley, commanding officer of the Iwo Jima.