Norfolk, Va. - The USS Nitze is home after an eight-month long deployment.
Families and friends were reunited dockside in Norfolk.
If you were counting the days - you reached the number 200! That's how many days the crew spent out at sea.
Even when they were off the ship, they kept busy by volunteering in the countries they visited.
They logged 760 hours of community service.
Loved ones couldn't wait to have them back in their arms , and home again.
Hundreds of family members and friends were dockside to welcome these heroes home.
And for some, seeing the ship come in to port was a huge relief.
The Padilla family was all hugs and kisses.
When dad tried to put down one of his young sons, the boy would not let go.
The couple has six deployments under their belt, but it never gets easier.
The sailors and their families are looking forward to some rest and relaxation.
The crew will enjoy some much needed time off.
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