NORFOLK, Va. — After more than seven months on deployment, the USS Cole and the sailors on board returned to their home port of Naval Station Norfolk on Monday.
Cheers from a large crowd gathered around pier 5 greeted the sailors as the ship came into view.
“It’s an amazing Christmas present," said Samantha Doucette.
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Doucette was among the crowd, waiting for her boyfriend. She and her boyfriend’s sister, Tallie Allison, were there together with a sign and flowers.
“I put our dog on [the sign] because she can’t be here right now. She’s back home. But it was very exciting to make it, almost surreal. You’re, like, ‘Wow! I’ve been waiting so long. It’s finally here,’” said Doucette.
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Erika Mitchell was waiting for her daughter.
“She’s happy to be out there, but she’s ready to be home," Mitchell said.
During deployment, the Cole spent time in the Mediterranean and Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Gulf. That included helping defend Israel after when Iran launched missiles into the country in October.
Watch: Norfolk-based USS Cole helps defend Israel against barrage of Iranian missiles
The ship’s commanding officer, CDR. Matthew Faulkenberry, said he couldn’t be more proud of his sailors.
“The crew was well-trained. Went out and ready to answer the call for multiple fleets in a very dynamic and kinetic environment," Faulkenberry explained.
As News 3 has reported, the U.S. military has been heavily involved in the eastern Mediterranean in response to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Back at the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, families said despite having a loved one in the middle of the fighting they tried to stay positive during the deployment.
“It’s been scary, but like we said, God has her," said Mitchell.
“It’s a little worrying, but I believe in them," Doucette said.
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Now, all they have to worry about is how they’re going to spend their time together.
“Just really being together is probably the biggest thing," said Allison.
“Spending time with her sisters and us and just chilling," said Mitchell.
