HOUSTON – A sailor returned home to a hero's welcome after being deployed on the USS Enterprise for nine months.
Skyler Mullis arrived at Bush Intercontinental Airport Thursday at 7 p.m. and was greeted by family, including his wife and their 6-month-old baby girl, whom he had never met.Â
Local 2 captured the first smiles exchanged between father and daughter, as well as all the warm embraces and tender words of "welcome home."
"It's surreal. I almost don't believe it. It feels amazing. I'm so glad to be here and be home finally," Mullis said.
Mullis' family said they have been counting down the months, weeks, days, and even hours until his return. Mullis, who is from The Woodlands, Texas, said he arrived just in time for his three-year anniversary with his wife.
Mullis said he will spend two weeks with his family but must report back for duty on Nov. 15.