Kisses and hugs for sailors in Bremerton

BREMERTON, Wash. — Thousands of family members cheered the return of USS Stennis into port in Bremerton Friday afternoon. The aircraft carrier’s 8 month deployment is over – it just finished traveling more than 66,000 nautical miles.

A sea of smiles and anticipation awaited the arrival of the aircraft carrier.

“I’ve got goose pimples everywhere, I’m so excited,” said Darcy Englman as she awaited her husband’s return.

The hot spring weather didn’t stop loved ones from coming out to Kitsap Naval base carrying home-made signs, and American flags.

“I’ve been a nervous wreck all morning,” said Carrie Ortega of Port Orchard.

After family members waited for hours in the sun, sailors finally made their way into the crowds

Audrie Bolton had her hands full searching for her husband and watching their two children.

After nearly four months, Chief fire control man Matthew Bolton finally got to see his wife and children.

“It’s just good to be back home and back where I need to be with my wife and my family,” said Bolton.

The aircraft carrier now goes for a maintenance overhaul which could take a year at least.