A father returning home after a yearlong deployment with the U.S. Navy in Africa surprised his daughter Wednesday morning at her Copiague school. 

Petty Officer 1st Class Delcon Ferguson arrived at Copiague Christian Academy to give a big hug to his daughter Naevia, who he had not seen in over a year. 

"I'm elated right now," Ferguson told News 12 Long Island. "I couldn't wait to see her in person. Just watching her grow, I just couldn't wait any longer to come home and see them." 

Naevia will turn 3 years old on Nov. 6. 

Ferguson and his wife have three other daughters, who he also surprised. They are planning a family celebration this weekend.