Diligence comes home a day late due to Matthew

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Family and friends are celebrating the safe return of Coast Guard members abroad the Cutter Diligence.

The Diligence was delayed in returning to Wilmington due to Hurricane Matthew. The ship was originally supposed to return Monday.

Melinda Gray, the wife of a Coast Guard member, said it was not easy waiting while loved ones were gone during the storm, so she is excited that the crew is back home.

“Everybody’s really excited,” Gray said. “It can be 2 months, 3 months that they’re gone, but every time they come home you get the butterflies and you get really excited and really anxious to see them. You just want to hug them.”

There are about 70 Coast Guard members who serve on the Diligence.

The Coast Guard is actively hiring in Wilmington.