Emotional homecoming for 276 RI sailors; 7 meet newborns for 1st time

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - A six-month long deployment is a long time for anyone to be away from their family. But, for seven sailors stationed in Newport, that time away from home must have seemed liked an eternity.

That's because while they were deployed in the Middle East, they became fathers.

Those new dads - who were among the 276 sailors who arrived back home early Thursday morning - were finally able to hold their new babies for the first time.

• Photos: Sailors return home to families

The Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8 flew into T.F. Green airport around 2 a.m. , after wrapping up a six-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates.

Following their arrival, family and friends greeted the sailors during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Station Newport.

As they waited for the sailors to arrive, loved ones could barely contain themselves.

"I've never had butterflies like this before. I've never been this anxious. I don't know how to feel. I'm just filled with emotions," said Jessica Cardenas.