Military homecomings have a special place in my heart. I’ve been shooting them for nearly four years, and every single one is just as special as any other. I’ve been eagerly waiting for this particular homecoming for a while – not only was it my first homecoming in California, but it was also my first Navy homecoming. My brother-in-law and two of my nephews all serve in the Navy, so I’ve always wanted to go to one of the homecomings but living in the middle of the country (Colorado and before that, North Dakota) – no boats nearby! When Andee asked me to come to this San Diego military homecoming at the Navy base there a few months ago shortly after we moved to California, I was SO excited because not only was I able to cross another thing off my photography bucket list, but I knew that Aaron, Andee’s boyfriend, would be meeting their baby Tycho for the first time. There might be nothing more amazing than one of our military heroes meeting their newborn for the first time – Tycho turned one month old the day that Aaron held him for the first time. Pure happiness.

Aaron’s parents as well as Andee’s dad made the trip to welcome Aaron home, it was so awesome to see their family reunited! Navy homecomings are a lot different than any other homecoming I’ve ever been t0 – a naval band came and played some awesome music (which reminded me of the street music we heard on our trip to New Orleans last year). We saw the boat for about an hour or so before the sailors were even able to get off – it was a very long morning, for sure – but worth EVERY minute!

Welcome home Aaron, and the rest of the sailors aboard the USS Cape St George!

Ashley Durham is available for military homecomings in the Southern California region, including 29 Palms, Fort Irwin, March ARB, Edwards AFB, Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego. Ask about military homecoming special pricing!