JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The “Tridents” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 returned home to NAS Jacksonville on Saturday after a six-month deployment overseas.
According to NAS Jacksonville, the Tridents’ incredible journey began back in April 2023 when they set off for Misawa, Japan.
Families were excited to greet their loved ones again.
Lt. Matthew Goodpaster was excited to see his young daughter who was born when while he was deployed.
“It’s unreal. It’s a great experience. This is my first time coming back to a little baby back home. Honestly it’s very different. Last time I saw her she didn’t move at all. Now she’s sitting up and exploring the whole world. So it’s a great experience. I’m very happy to be home,” Goodpaster said.
Their deployment supported 7th Fleet operations including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and keeping an eye on maritime activities. Officials said the team played a vital role in helping the 7th Fleet preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
During the six-month deployment, the Tridents served 19 locations to support operational readiness around the globe.
“Great deployment out to indo-pacific region. We flew about 4600 flight hours so a great job by the whole team. Still about 296 tridents out there doing the country’s mission,” Cmdr. Curtis White said.
“The men and women of VP-26 have displayed exceptional professionalism, resilience, and adaptability throughout this deployment,” VP-26 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lane Drummond said. “Their dedication to our mission and to the safety and security of our allies in the Indo-Pacific is truly commendable.”