The HMCS Fredericton had an emotional return to Halifax on Sunday after a seven-month deployment patrolling the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Friends and family gathered at the Port of Halifax with signs, flowers and hugs for the 250 crewmembers. The vessel left on Dec. 30, 2014 as part of Operation Reassurance – a NATO mission aimed at promoting security in Central and Eastern Europe.

"We were very excited," family member Chrissy Kauffeldt told CTV Atlantic, speaking of the homecoming. "This is our first long deployment, so we’re excited to see him come home."

HMCS Fredericton and its helicopter air detachment were one of 121 ships acting as a standing NATO force, whose mission was to "help detect, deter, and protect against terrorist activity" in Central and Eastern Europe, according to a Department of National Defence statement.

The vessel had a high-profile journey through 16 countries, with visits from Prime Minister Stephen Harper and National Defence Minister Jason Kenney, who both tweeted welcome-home messages to the ship on Sunday.

HMCS Fredericton was Canada's first modernized frigate to deploy overseas with improved technology that included new radar capability, electronic warfare system and missiles, the DND statement said. It also acted as flagship of the NATO mission for more than two weeks.

The trip saw a few close encounters with Russian military ships and aircrafts, but Cmdr. Jeffrey Murray said the mission was "highly successful," and at no point were there any threats to HMCS Fredericton.

Now that HMCS Winnipeg has taken the place of the ship, crewmembers will take some time off.

At least one crewmember said he already knows what he'll be doing.

"Being a dad, being a husband," said Capt. Marlon Mozone, speaking with his son draped around his neck. "Just enjoying the simple things in life."

Waiting for HMCS Fredericton pic.twitter.com/w5SxOrSQKI — Ron Shaw (@RonShawCTV) July 12, 2015

Happy scene as CF families reunite on Hfx Jetty as HMCS Fredericton returns fr 7mos in Mediterranean on Op REASURANCE pic.twitter.com/6Y9ZH2IBxu — Peter MacKay (@MinPeterMacKay) July 12, 2015