Freedom returns to San Diego

The Navy ship Freedom returns, bringing sailors home in time for Christmas. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Dec. 23, 2013 7:47 PM PT

The holidays lend a special poignancy to the familiar story of families waiting for the return of their loved ones from a long deployment at sea. Read story

Stuart Olsen kisses his girlfriend Alexis Schuette on the deck of the Navy ship Freedom at the San Diego naval base after returning from a 9-month deployment. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)