F-18 Pilot Homecoming (try not to cry!)

[@flowerchild5133]

I can remember when my father would leave especially when he would leave without notice an I would run to the closet to see if his green duffel bag was gone. Then the waiting began never knowing when he would return, or where he went, he did return that was nearly 68 yrs ago , Vietnam Era. I'm now an AF wife an I've experienced waiting on him also, so proud of both my father n my husband both gave more than 20+ yrs to this country. If my father were still here he would do it again just like my husband would. God bless America n our servicemen n women an their families. We will keep the home fires burning for you with love n prayers. 🙏♥️🙏

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@robertmartin5308]

Tell you dad from my me from one Viet Nam vet to another..WELCOME HOME MY BROTHER, love you

[@SuperMcstorm]

Deployments suck, but they have to be done.

[@denistonicello1360]

I cried...a loooooot! That's beautiful!

[@DaveDack]

Thank you!

[@markbauer827]

Because of the service of men and women like that Naval aviator and the sacrifices of their family, we sleep under the blanket of freedom.

[@DaveDack]

Amen! 🇺🇸

[@DavidWheatley-r1t]

Im a 71 year old man. Im in tears watching this video. Im so proud of this fine man and his family and our wonderful armed forces. God bless you!

[@halvo265]

God Bless America and the families that sacrifice to keep us safe.

[@DaveDack]

Amen! 🇺🇸

[@chadwahlquist2743]

Seeing that man reunited with his family brought tears to my eyes. I can tell he is a good father and an honorable man who loves his country and is willing to sacrifice tremendously for it. We need more men on earth like this guy. Thanks for leading from the front.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@loisnewman8854]

As I watch these beautiful reunions.I try to imagine what it would have been like when my dad came.home in 1945 GOD BLESS OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN ALL OVER THE WORLD LEST WE NEVER FORGET

[@johnnyutah1895]

Oh man, this comment has tears in my eyes. Bless the families!

[@Beezlie727]

@@DaveDack Thank his wife & kids, too!

[@DaveDack]

@@Beezlie727 of course!

[@Nahakpam]

I can only imagine the thrill of being flying home on a jet fighter, and then you got to see your family right after you land.

[@alangeddes268]

In the Army we had a saying "Army wife; the toughest job in the Army". During my retirement ceremony (67 to 91) my wife was presented with a dozen roses and a certificate of thanks. It should have been a medal. 🥰

[@DaveDack]

Amen! Thanks for your (and your wife's) service 🙏🇺🇸

[@armcchargues8623]

20 years in submarines, did that at the end of 8 SSBN patrols and 5 long fast attack deployments. Absolutely nothing like that first hug from my wife and kids. We kept the submergence to surface ratio at 1:1 and made it home alive every time.

[@DaveDack]

Awesome, thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@davidhina7957]

Glad you made it home brother USAF Vet David My grandfather was a WWII Navy, vet, South Pacific from '43 to '45

[@jeremyconner5117]

As a fellow submariner I can confirm the joy is like nothing else.

[@DaveDack]

@@jeremyconner5117 thanks for your service!

[@williamm3025]

Thank you for your service, My Respect and appreciation for you sir👍👍👏👏🥇🥇

[@ChiIeboy]

His daughter needed her daddy so badly, you could tell by the way she hugged him and didn't want to let him go.

[@moutonla]

Never forget that all family members are affected when a love one is deployed. Hat's off the mom's and dad's who keep the home fires burning!

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@elizabethkuchta4259]

Thankyou! USA, for Smiles Across Miles! Elizabeth Kuchta. England.

[@jeronwinter4771]

It was so incredible watching him as he was taxiing. He was looking for his family. Also flying a killer war machine and still able to show his soft side. You pilots are an incredible breed of human beings. Thank you for what you do!!!!!

[@DaveDack]

Thanks! I'll pass this along to the pilot 👍

[@ArkansasMan-h7b]

And to this day we still have warriors like him who will fight for this country even as it's falling apart.

[@bradschwamberger1217]

To my gone but not forgotten passed in-laws. To my Father-in-law who bravely was in Vietnam 3 times, reported missing, wounded once and evac to Japan. To my Mother-in-law that kept the home fires going. That left the Christmas tree up with presents under it until he came back from overseas. You are in my thoughts. Thank you for your sacrifices. I am glad you did get years together.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks! And thanks for your family's service 🙏

[@scottblackerby8832]

Wonderful and yeah it was hard not to choke up, but remember those military families that can't reunite for the holidays.

[@DaveDack]

Absolutely, thanks so much! 🇺🇸

[@sheikhakbarhussain2612]

Family is everything.

[@Paulschultz-ny6hz]

How can we not cry? Thanks for protecting our country. Former USAF Viet Nam vet.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@Rob-tr1st]

I remember that feeling when I came home to my wife and kid after Afghanistan deployment. It's been 12 years and still is the best feeling ever. Welcome home sir!

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@Rob-tr1st]

@@DaveDack thank you sir for yours!

[@DaveDack]

@@Rob-tr1st oh I'm not the pilot, just the videographer, but I'll pass this along to the pilot 👍 🙂

[@BeckVMH]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@DaveDack “Just the videographer” Hardly. Without you, these events and reminders, while still greatly appreciated, would be unseen by the rest of us (appx 727K) Thank you sir, for your service.

[@DaveDack]

@@BeckVMH you're more than welcome!

[@oldsailor8593]

After 25 years and many homecomings , I thought this will be nothing to cry at. All12 deployments came flooding back it has been many years , that was what my family was all about. God Bless the Sailors at sea and the world keeping America Free.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@olfoogy]

was stationed here 1982 to 1989.....VFA-25 was our sister squadron....VFA-113 Stingers......awesome to see this.......we made the first Cruise with the FA-18 Hornet 1985 USS Constellation. I knew this base like the back of my hand and knew many great servicemen, NAS Lemoore Ca....ONE of the good things still happening in CA...God Bless

[@DaveDack]

That's awesome, thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@Wireman68]

That must be a great feeling to have loved ones welcome you home.

[@gregory46236]

I'm a 59 year old man in tears. Sir, thank you for your service and may God bless you and your family. 🇺🇸

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks! 🇺🇸

[@frankc.5430]

I'm 74 and likewise... 3 WestPac deployments; last one 1968. Lemoore, BTDT. Greatest feeling in the world, I never get tired of watching these! (USN AE2 1965-1969)

[@DaveDack]

@@frankc.5430 thanks for sharing, and thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@karenmcclure8763]

I'm a 58 year old ex police officer and totally in tears.

[@kevinodriscoll8039]

Thankyou and your family for your sacrifices to let my family enjoy freedom.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot and his family, thanks!

[@Big.Ron1]

Try not to cry? No, be honest, this is a wonderful video. The reality of coming home after a cruise is something to witness and relish. It is every bit as hard on the family at home as it is on the deployed crew. May God Bless them all. Navy 77-81 AD3

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@NASCAR1212]

Thank You Sir for protecting us!!!! Ray

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot and his family, thanks!

[@tommaxwell429]

It's been a long time for me, 1970's. Those deployments are so hard on Navy spouses. But I would do it all over again in a minute.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service!

[@FlashCadallic]

Moments like this kids will never forget.

[@DaveDack]

Core memories 🙂🇺🇸

[@raymondmiley3182]

I'm glad to see a happy homecoming. After 13 months in Vietnam, I never had the homecoming that we see our servicemen and women recieve today. God bless America!

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@PAMELAPORTER-ci7mr]

Vietnam was such a sad time, with daily reports of our losses and missing in action, but you made it out alive. Welcome home!

[@Mariner311]

Memories - did 12 deployments over my career - that was a beautiful video. lol, as a helicopter aircrewman though - I only got to fly home 4 times - usually I was stuck on the boat ensuring the equipment and maintenance crews got off safely for the long bus ride home to base later that day.

[@DaveDack]

Wow, 12!? Thanks so much for your service! 🇺🇸

[@archiehenderson2744]

Outstanding. Welcome home shipmates. 🇺🇸⚓️

[@alwaysachevysilveradogirl7475]

My husband didn't fly a jet but rather he spent most of his 20 yr devotion to the Navy aboard ships. That homecoming feeling can't compare to anything else in my life. We have been retired now for over 20 yrs and I miss my military family so very much.

[@DaveDack]

I'm sure! Thanks so much for your service (the whole family)! 🇺🇸

[@alwaysachevysilveradogirl7475]

@@DaveDack Thank you, Dave. I pray you and your family have a blessed Christmas.

[@Nyra890]

the faces of everyone there were so happy when they met their families that it made me cry. Respect to the guardians of the sky

[@freddieperales6081]

From the Depths of My Heart. Thank you

[@shawndiplock7577]

You can see the joy in his eyes the moment he hit the sky he knew his next stop is home i bet that was the longest flight he ever had much love and respect to all who serve ❤

[@Lightning2001]

Just came across this video and in today’s world our men and women who sacrifice so much to protect us,I would like to say Thank You for all that you do for us 🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot and his family, thanks!

[@mikeeihusen5194]

YES... grown man in tears here!! AWESOME VIDEO

[@DaveDack]

Thanks! 🇺🇸

[@chuckmiller4091]

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@thomasstevenrothmbamd2384]

Thank you for your service and welcome home for all of our military personnel.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@ronnieam33]

In the early 90s I was stationed at NAS Miramar VF-1, and we would have to catch other squadrons planes when they came back from their deployment, and I was able to watch many of these awesome homecomings happen. GO NAVY

[@DaveDack]

That's awesome, thanks for your service!

[@SixteenthSine20]

VF-1, isn’t that the Wolf Pack? Damn you got lucky to be able to see them in their F-14A’s! Wish I coulda seen that bird fly in my life time. Thank you for your service, Sir!

[@MyDailyPerspective]

There is no harder job on this planet than a military spouse!!! To all the wives who endure KEEPING THE HOMES RUNNING AND KIDS GROWING ALONE during those often scary deployments...Thank you for your service! To my Mom and Dad....forever greatful for the sacrafices you made for us. Proud of you both!

[@DaveDack]

True! I'll pass this along to the pilot and his family, thanks! 🇺🇸

[@faithselflove1016]

Expect being a single mum and doing everything on your own a the time

[@jennbed1899]

My father left the military back in the early 80's and I still get emotional when I see families being reunited. My mother was the strong spine through these hard times what with dad away on long tours. They will be celebrating 59 years of marriage this year.

[@DaveDack]

That's wonderful! Congratulations to them, and thanks for their service! 🇺🇸

[@John1forall]

Wonderful watching. Miss my ol man. A soldier of life. Full bird, 101st airborne ranger. Blessings

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for watching!

[@weremodel]

WW1, WW2, Vietnam andoth Gulf conflicts. My family was in them all and I never grow tired of seeing the good men and women of this country we call The United States of America come home to be with their families. Thank you for the video.

[@DaveDack]

Agreed, and you're welcome! Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@weremodel]

@@DaveDack I never was in the service. Grand dad, dad, late older brother and my still living younger brother. Dad was a corpsman in WW2, late brother a cook on a landing ship and younger brother aircraft ordinance on two different carriers. Proud of the heritage.

[@DaveDack]

@@weremodel got it 👍 🙂

[@52cardsup]

I didn’t try not to cry. God Bless our military and their families. THANK YOU for your service!❤️🇺🇸

[@elizabethkuchta4259]

Thankyou! Dave Dack and family, from England.

[@tommcclelland119]

Such a beautiful moment. Thank you for protecting our country. When we came back from our war, many years ago, hippies would spit on us and called us ugly names. Does my heart good to see this beautiful video.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks! And thanks for your service 🙏 🇺🇸

[@RLoose9494]

I was on a Tiger Cruise and all the helicopter units flew off and we’re home hours before the ship arrived. What a honor and privilege it was to be aboard in honor of my old man.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Trutoke]

I served in VFA-25 from 1985-1987 at NAS Lemoore and aboard the USS Constellation CV-64. Fist of the Fleet, baby!

[@DaveDack]

Awesome, thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@billhamilton9843]

I can identify with this as I've done it through three generations. My first was when I was 11 years old and my father returned from overseas, my father probably never knew how hard an 11-year-old could hug. My next was when I returned from 9 months overseas after Operation Desert Storm with my 9-year-old son, I found out how hard a 9-year-old could hug. My final was when my son returned from a lengthy combat deployment in the Middle East, and he found out how hard a 60-year-old man could hug. It's a feeling of happiness, relief, and thankfulness. I've felt all three.

[@DaveDack]

Wow, that's really incredible. Thank you so much for your service and that of your family through the generations 🙏🇺🇸

[@metalikmike1]

Brought tears to my eyes. I remember oh so well counting down the days and then the joys to coming back from long deployments and seeing my wife and children waiting amongst the other families on the jetty.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@snuffle2269]

Welcome home Major. Glad you are safe and have keep the rest of us safe too. Thank you for your service.

[@rodrodriguez9724]

That’s Lt Commander not Major, Navy guy….

[@tj-kv6vr]

Thank YOU to the Families, for the lonely nights and days

[@Langersport]

Am not an American but that moved me to tears. Respect and thanks to all who serve to protect our freedom 🫡🙏

[@DaveDack]

Thanks!

[@Rod3E900]

Life doesn't get any better than that !!!

[@outperformancelife3145]

I solute you sir, I actually am going to go to college so I can follow in the footsteps of my Grandfather, Uncles, my cousins and many of the Navy and Airforce pilots who have gone before me! Love the men and women of our armed forces. Thank you!

[@DaveDack]

I'll share this with the pilot, thanks! Good luck!

[@mullapuppy]

Hell!! I'm just laying here crying my eyes out!!!

[@dygituljunky]

"Try not to cry" I totally failed. To those who serve and to the families that serve behind the scenes with them, thank you for your service and sacrifice. To the family in this film, y'all filmed this beautifully. Thank you for sharing your reunion with us.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks so much! I'll pass this along to the pilot and his family 🙂

[@charliesmithers7663]

Bless & treasure these brave men & women.

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@kena-o5h]

it brought tears to my eyes.....There is nothing more emotional than seeing the military coming home and hugging their families. Thank you for your service!!!

[@talegunner4414]

Im happy to see him come home to loving arms. When my submarine came home after 6 months at sea I took other men's duty so they could be with their family.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@boxermom7782]

I want to say thank to the pilot and The United States Navy for making this homecoming happen, I’ve come close to crying at other homecoming videos but this one made me cry and gave me chills. My son and I had a crying homecoming and I wish we had videotaped it.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass along your thanks! ♥️🇺🇸

[@kennethfinnegan2978]

You’re right Dave, I cried

[@adenjoseph4469]

This is cool and brings happy tears to the eyes. Beautiful! Truly beautiful

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronmcc100]

Please God, Bless and Protect these men. May they all make it back home, safe and sound, to loving waiting families.

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@gordonbergslien30]

Those of us who haven't served often don't realize that everyone in a military family is, in a manner of speaking, in the service. May God bless our warriors and their families!

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@klassyedward9718]

Thank you, my wife supported the fleet, we are now civil service retired. I actually choked and got teary eyed. Miss the sounds and smells of the fa-18.

[@DaveDack]

Awesome, thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@lamineaim5562]

Family union is what matter in this life so touching to see the kid running toward his dad 🙂

[@DaveDack]

Agreed!

[@QuintonSmithGraphics]

Thank you for your service. My brother flew those with VFA-151

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@koalasez1200]

There is nothing like the camaraderie of the military and military families. It gave me goose bumps all up and down and yes, a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Grateful they got back home. Takes me back to the Vietnam era when pilots would come home and be welcomed. And when the POWs came home. Being at the airport waiting.....no feeling like it in the world. Welcome home and thank you for your service!

[@HARPOON1476]

My Father was former Military and he stayed one desploy in Desert Storm Gulf War. We always remenber his service on this vídeo. He pased away the last 29 on July.

[@DaveDack]

I'm sorry for your loss, and grateful for his service 🙏🇺🇸

[@HARPOON1476]

@@DaveDackthanks a lot Dave and I send you a big hug From Spain. In the Christ faith Im Live everyday. God bless you

[@brianide3770]

The best feeling in the world was pulling back into Pearl Harbor after a 7 month deployment to the Persian Gulf and seeing my better half standing on the pier. The raw emotions of the reunion where nothing I could've ever imagined.

[@DaveDack]

I bet! Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@nascarandrew]

this is probably the coolest homecoming getting to come home in your f-18 like bro thats just a dream

[@DaveDack]

💯

[@RJ-rn3uv]

JoJo, great roll coming off the Carrier. No matter the fact that you are a great fighter pilot, protecting this great nation. The best job ever is being Dad and Hubby. Thank you for all you and those who serve with you do keeping us free. God Bless you all.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along, thanks!

[@TMConstructionOntario]

This man has everything, thank you for your service sir and wish you nothing but the best.

[@HRNTTWK]

I was always jealous that our pilots made it home before us maintenance folks. However, a homecoming is a homecoming. Nothing beats that feeling. Job well done JoJo.

[@DaveDack]

All the more reason that I'm grateful for your service! 🇺🇸 I'll pass along your gratitude to the pilot 👍 Thanks!

[@philiprea8340]

God Bless these Pilots... the best in the world... no fear, just incredible focus , determination, courage, and smarts.

[@DaveDack]

Amen!

[@tailhookmd2546]

Love the fist pump when he’s feet dry. The Mighty Fist 25!!!!!!

[@DaveDack]

Right?! I can only imagine how good that feels 😎

[@johngriswold]

Semper Fortis. Thank you from an old Airedale.

[@lifeenvironments]

Some things in life reveal the inefficacy of words. This is one of them. Happy New Year to everyone who makes life better and living safer for all of us.

[@DaveDack]

Totally agree, thanks!

[@JohnWeitzel-r7p]

That is a very special tribute, you bet, tears of happiness for them. I am a combat vet, when I came home, there was nobody waiting for me, to see family members there greeting their soldiers is just awesome

[@DaveDack]

Thank you so much for your service 🙏 🇺🇸

[@no_regerts5176]

I remember being so happy to see my dad when he came home from deployments. When it came time for the roles to reverse, I realized how much of a toll it took on him.

[@jimbutler6645]

Best video I have seen in quite some time. Thanks for making me cry too. On a Sunday...

[@robertgutheridge9672]

From a former army aviator to each and every person who has ever or will serve I thank you for your service to our country and the world.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@da_undead4320]

Would love to serve

[@robertgutheridge9672]

@@DaveDack smartest thing I ever did. But my step dad is a retired major so it was kind of a given that I would.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

@@da_undead4320 then if you can join and if you're to old then support those who do and have. Thank you.

[@elizabethkuchta4259]

We Thankyou!

[@Ghostdog4]

Damn, this makes me so Proud of our War Fighters/Peace Keepers and their families. Coming home after a long dangerous deployment is emotional enough but to have your Husband/Dad come home via a Fighter Jet must be the coolest thing imaginable.

[@funkywagnalls]

Welcome back, it is a very special moment for you and your family. I was in VA-25 in the mid-70's, A7E's on the USS Ranger. Retired as a Captain now from American Airlines. Thank you for sharing, gave me goose bumps!

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for sharing! I'll pass this along to the pilot 👍 Thanks for your service! 🇺🇸

[@gklein4054]

Thank you all for defending us for taking us welcome home

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@ericweiler6571]

That is one beautiful family. Thank you for your service, sir

[@sr71dad]

Being a Marine 1st Working on some of the hardest and best aircraft in the world. You know, yeah, it's the navys hand-me-down's ..😅😅😅😅 But onward, I got out of the Marine Corps, dreaming of being a pilot, and started flying in the air putting many hours in, and life changed. I was in a bad accident, but that didn't stop me from continuing what I was doing. I went to college. I'd become an A-P mechanic and worked on some of the most sophisticated aircraft in the world. Even though I cannot fly the military aircraft like I wished and dreamed. I've been still working on them, and I still fly. Be Tru to your dreams and never give up on your dreams. Life is exciting..

[@DaveDack]

That's awesome, thanks!

[@rickwilliamson9248]

VERY well done. God bless all our our military and their fami,ies for the sacrifices they make.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks and amen!

[@stephenhale3780]

I think those guys and gals are the most incredible professionals on earth.

[@DaveDack]

Agreed!

[@DanielCravens]

Welcome home 3 years late lol. Just now seeing this, but carries the same message. Thank you so much for your service.

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@DanielCravens]

@@DaveDack I appreciate it. Thanks so much.

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

Military family members coming home is something that can't really be explained; you have to experience it. I've been that kid before. The last time was 19 years ago, and I still remember the sheer emotion.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks for your family's service! 🇺🇸

[@cartman4885]

Never gets old thanks to you and your family for your service...............

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along to the pilot, thanks!

[@krazymanc8186]

god bless and thank you for your service

[@farmerjb2000]

Welcome home sir, THANK YOU for your service!!!!

[@DaveDack]

I'll pass this along, thanks! 🇺🇸

[@jibeco]

Thank You.

[@nattersar77]

This is a beautiful video. I love the dual perspectives. Thank you so much. As a Navy wife who has a few deployments under my belt, this brings tears and so much joy.

[@DaveDack]

Thanks so much, and thanks for your family's service! 🇺🇸

[@ivyqueen9198]

Beautiful. So very different than years ago when i was a Brat.

[@alixena9340]

Could not wipe the smile off my face