Haze Gray & Underway Photo Feature: EP-3E Crew Homecoming

Haze Gray Photo Feature

EP-3E Crew Homecoming

Whidbey Island Homecoming

A display of yellow ribbons along a fence at Clover Valley Elementary School, Oak Harbor, WA. This was part of a yellow ribbon campaign started shortly after the US crew was detained in China.
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A display of yellow ribbons along a fence at Clover Valley Elementary School, Oak Harbor, WA.
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A display of yellow ribbons along a fence at Clover Valley Elementary School, Oak Harbor, WA.
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More yellow ribbons in a VFW Memorial Garden in Oak Harbor.
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Soon after the imminent release of the crew was announced, sailors were signing a Welcome Home banner at NAS Whidbey Island.
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Soon after the imminent release of the crew was announced, sailors were signing a Welcome Home banner at NAS Whidbey Island.
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On the morning of April 14th, NAS Whidbey Island appears calm and quiet a few hours before the homecoming ceremony.
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A group of P-3Cs and EP-3Es at NAS Whidbey Island.
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One of the EA-6Bs also based at Whidbey Island.
One of VQ-1's other EP-3E aircraft.
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A fleet of news trucks lined up outside the hangars housing VQ-1 and three patrol squadrons (VPs).
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The first of many - the news media setting up at Whidbey Island the morning of the homecoming.
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The VQ-1 and VP-1 emblems on one of the hangars at Whidbey.
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A colorful and patriotic VQ-1 signboard at Whidbey Island.
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With the gates opened to the public, the crowd starts to grow.
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By the time the C-9 carrying the crew arrived, the crowd assembled inside and outside the hangar was immense.
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By the time the C-9 carrying the crew arrived, the crowd assembled inside and outside the hangar was immense.
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It was a day for patriotism - this couple was chose red, white, and blue outfits for the day.
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These youngsters were a bit less colorful, but just as enthusiastic.
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As the C-9 carring the EP-3 crew taxis from the runway, excitement in the crowd builds.
As the plane rolls to a stop, the excitement peaks...
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....and the door opens, so the crew can emerge...
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...to many happy reunions. (DoD photo)
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Enthusiasm and flag-waving in the crowd continued as the crew deplaned and proceeded to the hangar for the welcoming ceremony.
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Enthusiasm and flag-waving in the crowd continued as the crew deplaned and proceeded to the hangar for the welcoming ceremony.
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Enthusiasm and flag-waving in the crowd continued as the crew deplaned and proceeded to the hangar for the welcoming ceremony.
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Half of the EP-3 crew at the front of the hangar during the welcoming ceremony.
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The other half of the crew during the ceremony.
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The many guests on the platform included military officials and various federal, state, and local elected officials.
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The many guests on the platform included military officials and various federal, state, and local elected officials.
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The flag-draped platform is flanked by the EP-3 crew, with a giant flag on the hangar wall behind.
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After the day's festivities, the C-9 that brought the crew from Hawaii sits on the airfield.
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This section of the HG&UW site created and maintained by Andrew Toppan.
Except as noted, homecoming photos on this page are Copyright © 2001, Roy McBride. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2001, Andrew Toppan. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, reuse, or distribution without permission is prohibited.