A group of F/A-18 jets roared through the sky, then came to rest on the tarmac at Lemoore’s Naval Air Station. Family and friends who had gathered, eagerly awaiting their arrival, finally got the chance to sprint off.
Ryan Jackson quickly swept up his daughter Caroline. His wife and other little girl were not far behind armed with huge hugs and kisses.
“It felt like we were gone forever. It feels so good to be home,” said Pilot Ryan Jackson.
These pilots and weapons systems officers played a pivotal role in the drawdown of
Ted Dyckman said as excited as he was to see his wife and son, he kept a business mind set during the return flight.
“We were focused on what we had to do. Once I landed I started thinking about what it would be like pulling up to the line,” said Pilot Ted Dyckman.
Lieutenant Zach Pleis, who was greeted by several relatives, called it a fantastic day.
“It’s awesome to be able to fly in and show the family these beautiful jets we fly. I'm thankful to be back. It's a good feeling,” said Lt. Zach Pleis.
Pleis' parents couldn't wait to give their 27-year old son a hug.
“There’s nothing more thrilling than to see him in person again,” said Carol Pleis, Zach’s mother.
As for their plans tonight...
“I’ll tell you the first place he's going to want to stop is In-N-Out Burger,” said Mitch Pleis, Zach’s father.
We asked Zach about that and apparently Dad knows his boy well.
“That is true. In fact I’m probably going to go right now, so it was great talking to you, I really appreciate it,” said Lt. Pleis.
Monday, hundreds of other crew members from the aircraft carrier will fly into Lemoore aboard passenger planes. Three flights will arrive between