NORFOLK, Virginia - U.S. Navy sailors from the Mahoning Valley take great pride in serving their country and defending our freedoms, but there's also no place like home.

Petty Officer Vincent Bailey is a Fire Controlman on the Destroyer, USS Porter and joined the Navy from his hometown of Newton Falls five and a half years ago.

"I miss the family, I miss the community, I did a lot of outdoor events there with people and everyone knew me," Bailey said. "So, hopefully, I will be home soon and I can't wait to see everyone again."

Lt. Brandon Foor is with Assault Craft Unit 4, working with Landing Craft Air Cushions or LCACs. Foor is from Youngstown and has family all over the Mahoning Valley.

"I get home about once a year, I stop back and see all my family," Foor said."

"What do you miss most about the area?"

"Ooh, I would have to say DiRusso Sausage! To all my family and friends back in Youngstown, Austintown, Struthers, Lowellville, East Palestine, love you guys and thanks for the constant support back home," Foor said.

Petty Officer Jeffrey Melnek is an Operations Specialist aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and also calls Youngstown home.

"What do you miss most when you're not back home?"

"I love the food out there, we are known for Italian food," Melnek said. "The biggest thing I love is Rulli Brothers. Rulli Brothers has the best food out there, best hot peppers and oil, you can't beat Rulli Brothers. Friends and family back home, I miss you guys. I wish I could be with you every single day and I know you guys think about me as I think about you, peace out!"

Coming up Monday on 21 News at 11, Serving the High Seas takes a look at U.S. Navy readiness with conflict in the Middle East and potential conflict in the Pacific with China.