(The Center Square) — After spending almost nine months overseas, the USS Carl Vinson and Carrier Strike Group One returned to Naval Base San Diego on Thursday afternoon, with friends, families and newly born babies waiting to greet them home.

Carrier Strike Group One, a U.S. Navy team consisting of ships, aircraft and more than 7,000 sailors, set sail on Nov. 18 to maintain regional stability and demonstrate America’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, Rear Adm. Amy Bauernschmidt, commander of Carrier Strike Group One, said during the press conference Thursday at the base.