SAN DIEGO
A San Diego-based Marine F/A-18C squadron flew off the aircraft carrier Nimitz and back to eager family and loved ones at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on Thursday, after a 9-month deployment to the Middle East and Africa.
The squadron the “Death Rattlers” of VMFA-323 left San Diego May 6. While on deployment, the Nimitz supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and also provided air support as the U.S. repositioned its forces in Somalia. Due partly to complications from COVID-19, carrier deployments have been extended by a month or more than usual recently.
SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 25: Kristen Boucek embraces her husband Major Steve Boucek as their daughters Giovanna, 5, and Amber, 2, watch their parents reunite on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 in San Diego, CA. (Jarrod Valliere / The San Diego Union-Tribune)