Family, friends welcome sailors aboard USS Iwo Jima, USS New York back to Naval Station Mayport

Nearly 2,000 sailors returned to Jacksonville on Thursday after a six-month deployment.

USS Iwo Jima returned to Naval Station Mayport on Thursday morning and USS New York pulled into the port Thursday afternoon.

Despite the rain for the arrival of the USS NEW YORK, spirits were still high.

Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole was there and shared the heartfelt moments when family and friends welcomed their loved ones home.

Thursday was the day husbands and wives and mothers and children have eagerly awaited.

Hugs and kisses, tears and screams of joy were at every turn.

Mark and Barbara Huntley say they came all the way from Virginia for Mark’s daughter—Nicolette Huntley—whose favorite superhero inspired their sign.

“She even has sheets on her bunk that are Captain America!” Mark Huntley said.

She was one of more than 1,000 sailors who walked off USS Iwo Jima  with a smile on her face.

“All the people that are here that serve are superheroes,” Barbara Huntley said.

During their deployment, sailors served in the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

Here’s a fun fact: The hull of the ship on the USS New York, is primarily made of steel from the World Trade Center.

There were about 350 sailors aboard the USS New York.

While they're all proud to serve their country overseas, many said there's nothing like home.

Cox Media Group