320 Navy sailors return to NS Mayport just in time for Thanksgiving

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A group of Navy sailors aboard USS The Sullivans for the past seven months is back home just in time to be with their families for Thanksgiving!

After traveling 50,000 nautical miles across the world, 320 sailors arrived back on land at Naval Station Mayport.

Combat electronics officer Andre Martinez came home to his wife Christin, six-year-old daughter Adriana, and two-week-old son Atlas, whom he got to meet for the first time.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “It’s unreal. I have like no words, I’m trying not to cry.”

Mom Kristin Fox came from Colorado to embrace her son Tanner Cook. “I’m excited to see him because he’s like my best friend,” she said.

Chief Petty Officer Christopher Smith finally got to hug his youngest son Maxwell, and reunite with his wife Emily DaBruzzi and his other son Brayden, while his oldest son Trenton trains for the Navy in California.

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During the deployment, the crew navigated over 50,000 nautical miles and participated in multinational operations and joint training exercises with international partners to foster positive relationships while encouraging freedom of navigation and maritime security. (Jessica Barreto)

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