In pictures: Homecoming

The 24 crew of the American spy plane return to a tumultuous welcome at their home base, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Relatives and friends waited for their loved ones

At last the plane arrived, and the 24 crew stepped off one by one...

...into the arms of their loved ones

On the tarmac of an airfield...

...parents were reunited with their children

The strain on the crew's families was clear to see

A huge welcoming ceremony took place in a hangar

And local businesses also joined in the celebration