Submariners meet their babies for first time

GROTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Over 200 submariners are back in Connecticut after a sixth month deployment overseas.

The USS Annapolis and USS  Pittsburgh are back in New London.

Even before the USS Annapolis reached awaiting families many along the banks of the Thames River welcome it home.

"When we were crossing the bridge we noticed that there was a submarine coming in and saw the men on deck," said Jeff Coston from North Carolina.

• Photos: USS Annapolis, Pittsburgh dock

Coston had one of the best views, but Emily Socia may have the most enviable position, the first kiss.

"Almost started crying as soon as I saw it come around the corner there," she said.  

She expects her husband, Matt, will shed some tears too when he meets little Grayson for the first time.

"You couldn't see it but I did a little bit," he said after their reunion.
 
Five babies were born during the six month deployment.

"I think the sacrifice is shared between us and our families," said Commander John Gearhart.

Gearhart lead the crew on its 31,000 mile mission which brought it to ports from Bahrain to Greece.

The USS Pittsburgh pulled into port Wednesday afternoon. There are six new daddies on that sub.
    
"You know she's born and I know when I left she was pregnant, but opportunity to hold her for the first time it kind of becomes reality so it's very nice," said Lt. Cmder Darrell Brown.