Holding signs that said things like “It’s time to give your Mrs. her kisses,” “Keep Calm: You’re Home,” “I’d wait for your forever, but four months is long enough” and simply “Finally,” a group of U.S. Coast Guard wives and children and one brother waited on the Pioneer Dock Thursday for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory to return.

At a little after noon, the buoy tender eased up to the dock. As crew tightened mooring lines, the families walked up the dock and then on board to wait for the reunion. The family of HS1 Patrick Coppo — his wife, Leah, and children Brady and Emerson — surrounded him in a group hug. It was a special gift for Emerson, 7, who celebrated her birthday on Thursday.

The Hickory and her crew were home.