PRINCE WILLIAM CO. (WJLA) — After two delayed return dates and 10 months at sea, Navy Lt. Commander Steven Hood surprised both his sons at their schools in Virginia by returning a day earlier than expected.
Matthew, a senior at C.D. Hylton High School, and Ethan, a fifth-grade student at Rosa Parks Elementary School, rushed to embrace their father, and the family was reunited.
Hood said he was "nervous," adding, "I may cry," as he walked to greet his youngest son, Ethan.
In a video shared byPrince William County Schools, Hood is seen surprising both Matthew and Ethan.
Footage shows Ethan running to his father, who greeted him and other students during lunch.
It was a wild surprise," Ethan said. "He was supposed to come home on Thursday, but I heard that he pulled into port yesterday and he was coming home on Wednesday. But then I got a surprise that he was coming home on Tuesday.
Hood, who was joined by his wife, Jennifer, said he has been serving in the United States Navy for 25 years.
Jennifer said Matthew thought he was going to meet his new principal -- but he was shocked when his mother and father walked into the room instead.
Matthew immediately wraps his arms around both parents.
Watch the full reunion in the video below.
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Editor's Note: The National Desk's Jessica A. Botelho contributed to this report.