Updated 28 May 2003, 19.05

Christopher, 11

My mum, my brother Christopher and I drove to Plymouth, then got a bus to the port side.

There were loads of people waving flags and it was really exciting knowing they were around the corner waiting to meet us.

Mixed emotions

It was an amazing feeling but I had mixed emotions. Part of me was very excited but I was also nervous about seeing dad.

So much has happend in the time since I last saw him, like Christopher had taken his Sats and we've both had birthdays so are a year older.

Paul and Christopher

Time dragged until we saw the ship - then time suddenly sped up. The ship, HMS Ocean was massive - it can carry about a thousand people.

All the passengers were lined up on the side and we looked for dad - I spotted him up on the bridge and he was watching us waving at him through his binoculars.

I felt proud of Dad

I hadn't seen my since January 16 and when he left for the Gulf we didn't know he was going to be sent to war.

After what seemed like ages they lowered the ramp and after a while we were allowed on.

Paul, 15

We saw Dad waiting on the other side and we all felt really happy. I felt a sense of pride and a couple of tears came to my eyes.

We had a big group hug and we were so happy to be reunited together - we stood and talked and he said all the usual things like "Gosh you've grown!".

He looked great - he had a brilliant tan and it was absolutely amazing to see him.

Then we went onto the ship for a buffet lunch, and met some of his friends and their families.

Home for a while

Dad's got three weeks leave now so he'll be at home with us. After that he'll be back to work but home every weekend.

As his son I feel that although he can't always be there, he'll always be there for me. He's very special. He can be a bit of a grump sometimes but he wouldn't be a proper dad if he wasn't.

I'm so proud of my dad. He's very special, he's just a brilliant dad."

Paul, 15, Taunton