The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis arrived in San Diego on Monday to drop off about 1,800 sailors and 70 aircraft before departing for its homeport in Bremerton, Wash.
Excited family and friends welcomed home their loved ones with signs, flags, and even some new family members.
Many had the surreal experience of seeing their new babies for the first time in person.
"Finally being able to see him and being there is the best thing ever," said Alejandro Chavarria after meeting his son.
Omar Aguilar Verduzco, a parachute rigger, only saw his son through pictures sent while still overseas.
"No more pictures," he said while hugging his son, Andrew.
USS Stennis wrapped up a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific, where the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and ships in its strike group took part in maritime security operations.
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While deployed, sailors with USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group also participated in the "Northern Edge 2009" joint military training exercise off the coast of Alaska.
"It's just been such a pleasure to work with this fantastic crew, " said Commanding Officer Joe Kuzmick. "My hats off to all those very, very young people who did such a great job on the deployment."
