JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After an eight-month deployment across Europe and the Middle East, the USS The Sullivans is finally home.

The guided-missile destroyer pulled in Sunday morning into Naval Station Mayport, greeted by crowds of cheering families waving signs, flags and tears of joy.

“It’s been 253 days, and I just want to hug her, kiss her, and never let her go again,” Victoria Maresca, who anxiously awaited her daughter’s return, said.

The ship departed Mayport back in November, covering more than 60,000 nautical miles and making 18 port visits during its time at sea. This marks the ship’s fifth deployment in just three years—a testament to the Navy’s continued commitment to protecting global trade routes and supporting NATO allies.

For many sailors, this homecoming was especially emotional.

“You can’t see the tears behind here, but it feels amazing. I’m just glad to be back,” Navy Officer Maurice Robins, who has served for 11 years, said.

Robins, a father of two, met his newborn daughter for the first time.

“We found out two days before deployment that she was being born,” Robins said. “It feels good—I’m not gonna lie to you. I had to let this one introduce me to her.”

Commanding Officer Mathew Rechkemmer praised the crew’s resilience during the deployment.

“Everybody comes from a different walk of life. I’ve got folks who’ve been in the Navy for less than a year and have already seen things I haven’t seen in 18 years,” Rechemmer said. “We experienced it together, boosted each other up, and came home together,” said Rechemmer