NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Cole returned from a more than seven-month deployment Monday morning as hundreds of excited, and festive, families were overwhelmed with joy to welcome their loved ones home the day before Christmas Eve.

After a 224-day deployment, Commanding Officer Matthew Faulkenberry said it was a huge morale boost to get the sailors home in time.

“It was a huge lift, I think,” Faulkenberry said. “Whenever you’re inside that kind of 30 day countdown zone, it’s really the right time to lift the spirits and be happy to get back to homeport.”

While overseas, Faulkenberry said USS Cole sailors kept the waters safe in the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Gulf.

The USS Cole was used in the response by the U.S. after Iran launched missiles at Israel, firing a dozen interceptors in October.

He said they were providing deterrence and defense to U.S. allies and partners. The ship served as an air defense unit for strike group forces in the Red Sea. They completed a variety of missions, contributing to stability in the region.

“The crew was well trained and ready to answer the call for multiple fleets in dynamic and kinetic environments, and they performed expertly,” Faulkenberry said. “I’m very proud of this team.”

Focused on the mission, but missing home, crews got the news around Thanksgiving that they would be back with their families in time for Christmas.

“Overjoyed, super excited — it makes you very proud and scared,” said Andi Cruthirds, a sailor’s mother. “A lot of emotions.”

She and other family members quickly changed their Christmas plans and flew to Norfolk from Mississippi to be here for the homecoming.