We arrived at Norfolk Naval Station before 5 a.m. to check in with our Navy public relations liasons, then made our way to Pier 14 to await the arrival of the USS Roosevelt. Even at that early hour, hundreds of friends and families had gathered to welcome home their favorite sailors. Homecomings are always an amazing experience, to witness the joy and jubilation, as loved ones are once again reunited.

These are some pictures from that morning.

The Ike before sunrise

The Ike...later

13News Photojournalist Jason Walsh

Military Reporter Mike Gooding

Live shot for WVEC's morning show, "Daybreak"

Photojournalist Charlie Hatfield capturing the roaring crowd.

The Roosevelt approaches

The sailors return...

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