'Nightdippers' return home

The 'Nightdip-pers' deployment began Oct. 3, 2006 when they departed Norfolk, Va. on board the Eisenhower along with other members of CVW-7 and Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG-8). After a few days off the Virginia coast refreshing the air-wing's carrier qualifications, the carrier crossed the Atlantic, transited the Straits of Gibraltar and stopped in Naples, Italy for a quick port visit.

After a four-day port visit, HS-5 and the air wing got back to flight operations for a few days while on their way to their next port of call in Limassol, Cyprus. It marked the first time that a U.S. naval nuclear carrier had visited the port. Upon pulling out of Limassol, the strike group headed for the Suez Canal, marking their entrance into the Navy's Fifth Fleet, where HS-5 would spend the bulk of their cruise supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and operations off the Horn of Africa.

Hope Tallon points out to son, Brady, the helicopter which his father, AW1 Bruce Tallon is arriving on.

While on deployment, HS-5 flew more than 1,000 sorties and 3,000 hours. These flights included numerous day and night, land and sea based missions in support of troops on the ground and CSG-8. Throughout cruise the Nightdippers flew missions into the countries of Djibouti, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar,

Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. If not directly supporting troops on the ground, HS-5 was supporting aircraft operations in direct support of missions over Iraq and Afghanistan.

AD1 Lester Strickland reunites with his family after departing the helicopter.

HS-5 also participated in and was an integral part of more than 15 replenishments at sea and countless logistics flights. During these evolutions, HS-5 transported nearly 1,000,000 pounds of external cargo, thousands of pounds of internal cargo and more than 900 passengers.

HS-5 thrived on the fast pace and constant operations while exceeding all expectations. Squadron members also logged some impressive professional accomplishments along the way, promoting 20 enlisted members and three officers during the deployment. Three pilots also surpassed the 1,000 flight-hour mark; four passed the 2,000 mark and Commanding Officer Cmdr. Paul Esposito and Executive Officer Cmdr. Roy Undersander both passed their 4,000-hour mark. When these pilots were not preparing for a vital support mission, they were hard at work in the ready room, offices or their shops putting in extra hours to ensure that the squadron and their personnel were taken care of and operating smoothly and safely.

The maintainers were by far some of the busiest in the command, logging more than 40,000 man-hours, keeping the Nightdippers' seven SH-60F/HH-60H helicopters mission ready. Behind the scenes, the administrative department put in countless hours of support. They ensured the squadron maintained an unparalleled level of readiness, gaining accolades and praise from all levels of the command. Although the HS-5 Sailors were extremely busy, they still found the time to study for various qualification exams. The squadron awarded 22 enlisted aviation warfare and enlisted surface warfare qualifications to hard working and motivated squadron personnel.

AW3 Jerry Smith embraces his wife, Lauren after returning home from deployment.

Over the course of the deployment, there were a couple of port visits that helped to alleviate the stress of eight months of near uninterrupted work. The ship pulled into Dubai, United Arab Emirates three times during the middle portions of cruise and also stopped in Lisbon, Portugal on the way home.

This cruise marked the first time since 2003 that a carrier strike group deployed for nearly eight months. Now after a safe and successful cruise, squadron members will take a few weeks off and enjoy some time with family and friends.

Crystal Williams greets her boyfriend, AW2 Shawn Wynn with big hug.

HS-5 family members and friends anixously await their arrival home from an eight-month deployment May 23.