USS Gerald R. Ford air wing squadrons return home ahead of flagship’s arrival

People look up at helicopters flying in a line in the sky.

Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans,” return to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., May 12, 2026. (Aubrey Stueven/U.S. Navy)

The aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 8 returned to their home bases in Virginia, Washington and Florida on Monday, concluding a historic deployment aboard the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group.

During the 11-month deployment, the Ford strike group operated across the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility in support of Operations Southern Spear, Absolute Resolve and Epic Fury — breaking the post-Vietnam War record for days deployed.

“These aviators successfully conducted worldwide operations, embodying the highest ideals of resilience, courage and selfless service to the nation,” said Rear Adm. Rich Brophy, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic.

According to a U.S. Fleet Forces Command Instagram post, CVW-8 logged more than 5,500 flight hours in support of Operation Epic Fury alone and conducted more than 11,800 launches throughout the deployment.

“Carrier Air Wing 8 demonstrated to the world that they have the technical expertise, work ethic, and grit to accomplish the mission anywhere it is needed. I couldn’t be more proud of the team,” said Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and the ships of Destroyer Squadron 2 will arrive at its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Va., in “the coming days,” the U.S. Navy said this week. The Ford left the Mediterranean Sea last week.

An aviator kisses a woman in a red dress.

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, the “Golden Warriors,” return to Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., May 11, 2026. (Noah Eidson/U.S. Navy)

A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, the “Tomcatters,” is greeted by family and friends after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., May 11, 2026. (Zachary Wickline/U.S. Navy)

An aviator hugs a woman with red flowers.

A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans,” is greeted by family and friends after returning to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., May 12, 2026. (Aubrey Stueven/U.S. Navy)

Family and friends await the return of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Bear Aces,” to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., May 11, 2026. (Ian Tumulty/U.S. Navy)

A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, the “Tomcatters,” is greeted by family and friends after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., May 11, 2026. (Zachary Wickline/U.S. Navy)

An aviator hugs a woman in front of aircraft.

A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Bear Aces,” is greeted by family and friends after returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Va., May 11, 2026. (Robert S. Price/U.S. Navy)

A U.S. Navy sailor assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, “Spartans,” is greeted by family and friends after returning to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., May 12, 2026. (Nicholas Davis/U.S. Navy)