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Our troops continue to deploy to West Africa, to other trouble spots and on routine operations and maneuvers around the world. However, as our mission in Afghanistan winds down and other missions and operations are completed, thousands of them are fortunate to be coming home, to their loved ones.
Of all the military images, these are some of my most favorite.
I hope they are yours, too.
As you enjoy your weekend, think of our troops in faraway places, often in harm’s way, but also appreciate these images.
Navy Cmdr. Camille Flaherity hugs her son after returning to Norfolk, Va., from a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations, Oct. 17, 2014. Flaherity is the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke.
A paratrooper kisses a family member during a welcome home ceremony on Pope Army Airfield, N.C., Aug. 25, 2014. The ceremony was conducted to welcome home the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, who were deployed to Afghanistan for eight months.
Chief Electronics Technician Cuyler Brimberry, from Chicago, assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS McClusky (FFG 41), hugs his family during a homecoming celebration at Naval Base San Diego. McClusky is returning from a 5-month deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility. During this final deployment, the ship played an integral part in the counter-transnational organized crime mission Operation Martillo. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kory Alsberry
A Sailor from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) is greeted by a loved one as the ship returns to Naval Base San Diego following a seven-month deployment to the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Pinckney was conducting maritime security operations in the South China Sea when called upon to assist in the search for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH-370. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan
Navy Seaman Marico Dean holds his daughter for the first time as he returns on the attack submarine USS Norfolk in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 26, 2014. The submarine, which arrived at its homeport on Naval Station Norfolk after completing its final deployment, will begin the inactivation process in 2015.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Culbertson greets his son after a six-month deployment on the attack submarine USS New Hampshire, which returned to its homeport on Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 13, 2014.
A U.S. sailor hugs his son after arriving in Fleet Activities Yokosuka on the USS Shiloh in Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 8, 2014. The Shiloh returned from a three-month patrol to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
Lt. Mack Elliot holds his son and his newborn daughter with his wife upon the return of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) to Naval Station Mayport. Carney deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Salt Cebe
Lead photo: A Marine greets his family and friends at a homecoming event aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Oct. 20, 2014. The Marine is assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment.
All photos and captions: DOD
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.