Couples, Families Celebrate End of First Deployment

For many families the arrival of USS Wayne E. Meyer was the end of a first deployment

It was not just an emotional homecoming when USS Wayne E. Meyer arrived in San Diego Monday. For many newly married couples, it was the end of a first deployment.

Chalee Winslett and Yanda Edwards were waiting for their respective wives.

Edwards said it’s been a difficult deployment for her, the first since she married her wife Christine in May. Her voice quivered when she talked about how proud she was of her spouse.

Winslett, who is also in the Navy, said the seven-month deployment was a little rough.

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NBC 7
Yanda Edwards (L) and Chalee Winslett (R in pink flannel) were waiting for their wives who are on USS Wayne E. Meyer.

“We’re new to this,” the newlywed said of the separation. She said the couple was looking forward to setting up their first home together in San Diego.

Near the fence, Ursula Bongiovanni was anxiously awaiting her daughter. It was the first tour for the first family member to enlist in the U.S. Navy.

“She made the decision a long time ago to serve in the military. I can’t tell you how proud we are of her. I’m just glad to have her back,” she said.

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"Seven months is too long" Amanda Lore said as she greeted her husband Kyle.

Amanda and Kyle Lore shared a kiss on the dock after Kyle disembarked from the ship.

“It’s been way too long, way too long,” Amanda said. The couple was able to stay connected through Facebook and via WiFi when it was available.

“It’s not the same obviously,” Kyle said as he hugged his wife.

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NBC 7
Shanelle Stribling, Sailor of the Year, talks with NBC 7 after greeting her daughter and family members.

There was another big hug waiting for the ship’s Senior Sailor of the Year, Shanelle Stribling.

She ran off the ship and threw her arms around her daughter.

What was the little girl’s response to seeing her mom back in San Diego? “Happy!” she said. [[279832332,C]]

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