NAS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 returned home to Naval Air Station Jacksonville on Wednesday after six months overseas with the 6th Fleet.
News4JAX was on base as the crews were welcomed home by their families.
There were two planes, 41 sailors and a lot of happy people shortly after 9 a.m. Wednesday.
These homecomings always produce some really cool stories, like Mark, who is a lieutenant, returning home to hug and kiss hos wife, Emily, after his first deployment.
Mark, who has been in the United States Navy for four years, is back in time for the birth of his first child, a baby girl expected in June.
“It means everything,” he said. “It is not something that a lot of people do not get to do being in the military. It is a huge blessing. We have spent a lot of time in prayer and choosing how to go about it.”
Miqueas Murga also wrapped up his first deployment. His mother, Cefelin, said seeing her son after six months apart was exhilarating.
“Prayers. Lots of prayers,” Cefelin said is what helped keep her encouraged during their separation. “Just praying that he was safe and his team. When he did not communicate, no news is good news. I was just hoping that he would be fine.”
An interaction that was hard to look away from was the sweet moment 7-year-old Atheena and 4-year-old Ace ran up to their father, Alex Muren.
Muren is a pilot and has become used to deployments.
They can be difficult as many times these sailors miss holidays with family, birthdays, sporting events and other significant milestone moments.
Muren’s wife, Kelly, had some heartfelt things she wanted her husband to know.
“My husband is the most amazing person in the entire world,” Kelly said. “The things that he sacrifices for our family are second to none. He is the most incredible man. Selfless. I never met someone who loves America as much as he does.”
It was a busy six months for the crew that departed from Jacksonville back inn October 2024. They visited 13 different countries and stopped at 19 locations in altogether
The “Tridents” initially went to Sigonella, Italy to start. Commander Taylor Barrow, who is the executive officer, says some of the missions included anti-submarine warfare, intelligence and surveillance, while making strategic partners and allies.
They helped maintain stability in US European Command and US African Command areas of responsibility.
“When we deploy overseas and are able to have a stable environment to work from, [the sailors] have enjoyed the environment,” Barrow said. “They have enjoyed the work and it has been a successful deployment. They are excited to get home, no doubt. But they feel accomplished and what they have done on deployment.”
Catie Beal is proud after completing her second deployment.
“It was awesome,” Beal said as her niece, nephew, friend and sister-in-law awaited for her arrival at NAS Jacksonville. “There is no better feeling than getting off the plane and seeing your family.”
What is unique in this situation is Beal’s husband is coming back from a deployment on Friday with a different squadron. He has been stationed in Japan over the last six months.
“The men and women of VP-26 have displayed exceptional professionalism, resilience, and adaptability throughout this deployment,” said Cmdr. Curtis White, VP-26 Commanding Officer. “Their dedication to our mission and to the safety and security of our allies is truly commendable.”
The reunions were priceless and moments to cherish.
Barrow said the next deployment is planned for April 2026.
