Tears of joy as Daddy sails home
THIS is the touching moment a little girl was reunited with her sailor father after Britain’s largest warship HMS Ocean arrived home after six months overseas.
Five-year-old Isabelle wept tears of joy when she leapt into the arms of Petty Officer Adam Jeffrey, 35, on the dockside.
She stood patiently with mother Luisa and brother Dominic, four, among the crowds of friends and family for the long-awaited return.
Mrs Jeffrey, 34, of Worthing, West Sussex, said: “I’m very proud because it’s his first deployment as a petty officer. I’m relieved for my children that their dad is home. Now he can watch them grow up.”
The emotional reunion took place to the backdrop of rousing music from a Royal Marines band and the cheers of more than 1,000 banner-waving supporters.
Also thrilled to see her loved ones after so long away was Medical Assistant Jordan Ayton, from the Isle of Wight, who could not contain her delight, throwing her arms wide with both thumbs up. The crowd had risen early yesterday morning to watch as Ocean docked in Devonport, Plymouth. The 21,500-ton vessel had clocked up more than 23,000 miles, visiting 11 countries during a tour of the Gulf and Suez Canal.
The helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ship also served as Task Force command ship in the region. Captain Rob Pedre, Ocean’s commanding officer, said he was honoured to bring the ship home after a “hugely successful” trip. He said the humour, professionalism and dedication made him proud.