JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The USS Cooperstown returned to Naval Station Mayport following a four-month deployment to secure America’s southern border.
As the ship pulled into the port, families waited in anticipation, excitement, and nervousness as their loved ones prepared to come back home.
Among the families was the wife, sisters, and mother of ENS-Mark Daniel Bailey. Bailey looked out from the Littoral Combat Ship as his family —especially his wife and sister —couldn’t wait to embarrass him, in a loving way.
“Oh imma show him this,” said Mark’s sister, holding up a giant cardboard cutout of his head.
“I’m really excited; this is the longest we’ve ever been apart, so very excited of emotions,” said Mika Bailey, Mark’s wife.
Rhonda Griffith patiently awaited her daughter, Service Warfare Officer Brittney Griffith’s arrival.
“When she first told me she was going into the Navy. I was scared and didn’t want her to do it, but you know she’s made her choice and she’s fulfilling her dreams and I’m happy for her,” said Griffith.
Brittney and Mark eventually reunited with their families.
“It feels good to be back home. It was a long four or five months, so it feels good to have my family on the pair,” said Mark.
As for what Brittney thinks about when she’s at sea, she says, “know that it’s for a bigger purpose, bigger purpose every single day that I’m out there,” said Brittney.
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