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USS The Sullivans returns in time for Christmas

Many families in the military make major sacrifices, often spending months and even years away from their loved ones.

On Friday, families received an early Christmas gift as their loved ones returned to Naval Stations Mayport after a seven-month deployment aboard the USS The Sullivans.

The 275 sailors were welcomed home by friends and family just in time for Christmas and for many it was an emotional reunion.

Nicole Hoecklerberg couldn’t wait to see her husband Dustin.

She brought their 3-year-old daughter Ella and 18-month-old son Hawkin, who haven’t seen their dad in seven months.

“We are so happy. This is the best day ever.  This is better than Christmas,” said Nicole Hoecklerberg.

Other families stood by cheering as the destroyer arrived. Many held signs welcoming back their loved ones aboard.

One mother of a sailor, Tina Alberts said she brought her daughter Gina Alberts her favorite dish to eat.

“She asked for a tray of lasagna, which is in the car, that she can have later. Because she’s on duty today she can’t get off the ship, so we’ll come back and bring her that,” said Alberts.

“I just really want to hug her. I haven’t done that since she left," she said.

Dustin Hoeckelberg couldn’t wait to hold his kids and see his wife again, telling us he can’t wait to be a united family again.

“Being home for the holidays is awesome. It’s hard watching your kids grow up over the internet but we get through it, right?" Dustin said to his daughter Ella.

Coni Crawford drove from Birmingham, Alabama, to see her oldest daughter.

“We started driving about 6 o clock yesterday morning," Crawdford said.

She said the drive was worth the wait since she hadn't seen her daughter Rebecca Barnett since May and couldn’t wait to hug her again.

“We’re very very proud of her, what’s she’s doing, what she’s done and just really glad to have her back,” said Crawford.

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