Hundreds of sailors leave on deployment

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The families of about 600 sailors gathered at Naval Station Mayport to see their loved ones off Saturday as they left on deployment. 

The USS Philippine Sea and USS Hue CIty departed to join the USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike group.

Sons and daughters left their parents behind, some for their first time on deployment. Others are leaving behind their young children, all for a job they're honored to have.

"Today is quite emotional," said Brandon Taylor, who left on his second deployment.

Others watched as their children made their way out.

"I don't feel tears," said Reginald Taylor, whose son left on deployment. "He's a good kid, be strong. He'll be safe and I'm proud for him."

Tracy Rae watched as her daughter also left for deployment.

"A lot of mixed feelings," Rae said. "We are worried, but we have high hopes that there is safety in numbers, and we will just pray for the best."