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The Navy warship Te Mana, which has been in the Gulf for five months, returned to the Devonport Naval Base yesterday in time for Father's Day.
The ship has been part of Operation Enduring Freedom, an anti-terrorist deployment linked to Afghanistan.
Leading Marine Technician Mitchell Pye spent his first Father's Day getting reacquainted with 11-month-old Ashton and said he was happy to be back with his family and especially to see his partner, Kirsty Blenkiron, and their son.
"I got a bit emotional when I saw them. It's been hard, especially leaving him [Ashton] so young. I think he remembers me. I missed them, and it's good to get back."
Te Mana's commanding officer, Commander Blair Gerritsen, told Newstalk ZB that everyone was very excited to be home, particularly the dads on board, as it was Father's Day.
He said working in the Middle East had been challenging. The crew had to cope with high temperatures and sandstorms and spent long periods in some of the busiest waterways in the world.
