CHERRY POINT, N.C.--Some families had an even greater cause for celebration this Independence Day.

Cherry Point residents welcomed home 43 Marines from a Middle East deployment.

The Marines are part of an aerial refueling squadron that deployed in March with the 24th MEU.

LCpl Chris Baker was surprised to see his parents and fiance waiting for him when he stepped off the plane.

"I was told this morning that my family and my girlfriend weren't going to be here this morning and I came here and they were."

His father, Steve Baker says it was tough to keep the surprise from his son but well worth it.

"Last time I talked to him I said 'we're not going to be able to make it when you fly in,' and you could tell he was a little bummed out but it's great to surprise him and see that look on his face. It was awesome."

Although VMGR 252 came home early, they are ready to redeploy at a moment's notice and support the 24th MEU.

The rest of the 24th MEU is scheduled to return in November.