JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- USS The Sullivans returns to Mayport Tuesday morning after a 7-month deployment with 250 sailors aboard.

The guided missile destroyer has been conducting maritime operations in the Mediterranean. The ship took part in several exercises with NATO allies in support of maritime security.

Some of the ship's port visits included Turkey, Portugal, Spain, Greece and Croatia.

Ten sailors will meet their new babies for the first time when the ship arrives around 10 a.m. at the Mayport Naval Station dock.

Hundreds of wives, children, parents, grandparents and friends are expected to greet the sailors at a happy homecoming.

First Coast News