SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) — Thousands of sailors returned to San Diego on Thursday after the USS Carl Vinson docked at Naval Air Station North Island.
The sailors were met with excitement and hugs from loved ones who gathered on the base for the homecoming, including moments of genuine excitement as children waved at their parents.
For the Franco family, the homecoming was that much sweeter. Petty Officer First Class Franco stepped off the carrier to meet his 7-month-old daughter for the first time.
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“I have no words to express. I didn’t know you’re kind of locked in, and to know I’m here with my wife, my kids…I, I have no words. I’m really just shook because we’ve been gone for so long,” he said…