Lance Corporal Justin Tschanz held his son Hunter for the first time Saturday.
“First time I’ve even touched him,” Tschanz said while holding his handful of a boy. “I’ve seen videos, but it’s not like the real thing. “My first son, first kid. I’m always going to have a bond with him. I don’t really know how to describe it. But if you’re a dad you know the feeling.”
Tschanz and his Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) "Blackjacks" detachment returned to Naval Air Station Coronado after a seven-month deployment this weekend.
His wife Ryanne said her parents, in-laws and sister were helpful during Justin’s deployment.
“It was really emotional,” she told NBC 7 of Justin's deployment. “I’m really thankful for [my family's help]… but it’s one of those things I never really want to go through again. It’s been an emotional roller coaster.”
“Just knowing that she was alone with him and I wasn’t there to help out, it was a little stressful like is he all right?” Justin said of his wife and son.
This was one of several homecomings on San Diego area military bases over the last few days.
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The primary missions of HSC-21 are Search and Rescue, Logistical Support, Naval Special Warfare and VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment) at sea to forward deployed battle groups in the Pacific and Indian Oceans and to fleet units in the west coast operating area, according to their Facebook page.
