USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Homecoming

More than 5,000 sailors are home in Norfolk this week.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group returned after more than six months at sea.

Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Three (VFA-83), the "Rampagers", Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Three (VFA-103), the "Jolly Rogers", Strike Fighter Squadron One Three One (VFA-131), the "Wildcats", and Strike Fighter Squadron One Four Three, (VFA-143), the "Pukin' Dogs" arrived at NAS Oceana at 2:00 p.m. with 44 aircraft and 56 aircrew.

Whoever said size matters has never met the families of the Bluetails - they make a lot of noise for a group of 20 Naval Aviators. It's a small, very close family.

"It's a tight group. We're all happy here supporting each other. Just because there's not hundreds of people doesn't make this any less special. Oh no trust me," said Jenny Dzieann, Navy wife. "I like it like this because it's more personal for us. We've all seen each other here and there. It's like family. It is," added Shanta Brooks, Navy wife.

The men are part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group. They have been overseas for the past six months.

"Six months and a few days. Not that you're counting. No," Brooks said.

Wives and mothers kept watch on the homefront.

Dzieann said, "I think of everything that we have done since he left, the milestones, trials, and tribulations, but we're so proud."

When a loved one has been half way around the world away from family and friends for several months it doesn't matter how many people are there to greet them when they arrive - as long as that one special person is there.

"I would not be able to do what I do without my wife of course, but everyone who helps us out. Neighbors, family."

Family - the one word that can make a hardened warrior weak at the knees. The one thing they cling to the most no matter how small.

During the Bluetails' mission one of its aviators dies.

Lieutenant Steven Zilberman was killed when his plane had engine trouble and crashed into the Arabian Sea. He was able to save his crew, telling them to bail out of the plane before it crashed with him in it.
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