Embarking on the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier, some thousand sailors are experiencing Guam’s shores for the first time but for a handful native to the island, this port visit is a homecoming.

Guam sailors like Matthew Cruz shared, “It’s nice to be back, enjoy some time with family and friends, eat, and just relax!”

“It’s great! it’s a feeling you can’t explain! I wanna go diving–that’s what I miss!,” said Guam sailor Roy Sablan.

And another Guam sailor, Christian Cabedo, said, “Guam, we’re back out here. A lot of Guam sons out here–we’re here to represent. Thank you, guys, for having home open for us!”

The ship came all the way from San Diego. It’s been a month-long non-stop trek, and these sailors are happy to be on solid ground.

For Cabedo, a former resident of Dededo, he hasn’t been home in three years. He last visited with the Carl Vincent strike group.

And despite spending some time away, he says the familiar feels of paradise never leave him.

“It feels great! Every time I come home, it’s always welcoming. It doesn’t matter how long I've been away from the island. Every time I come home, it’s always the same. Butterflies in the stomach, arms wide open, it’s always a solid feeling,” expressed Cabedo.

Despite his roots spread out across the nation, he says he’s most excited to reunite with his family still planted on the island.

Cabedo said, “My aunties and my uncles are still here, and then obviously, my close friends that became family–they’re still around, so I'll be going to see them.”

And while it’s a sacrifice to be away from his family and island home, Cabedo said he’s proud to be of service.

He added, “Thank you, Guam, for raising a solid son. I did you guys proud, hopefully!”