The USS Abraham Lincoln’s long-awaited return to Puget Sound brought out a flotilla of dozens of private boats, many bearing the American flag. A Seattle fireboat shot fountains of water into the air. Joining the flotilla were several Coast Guard patrol ships.
The Lincoln’s crew, many of whom could hardly sleep last night, watched intently as the ship plied through the familiar waters. The end of their nearly 10-month deployment was at hand.
Gov. Gary Locke and Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel arrived aboard the Lincoln by helicopter at about 6:20 a.m. Locke addressed the crew at 9 a.m., telling the sailors that the he was declaring May 6 as “USS Abraham Lincoln Day.” It is a homecoming the crew has earned twice, he said.
“I look out at so many faces, faces that paint a portrait of patriotism,” he said. “I can only appreciate how difficult this has been. You have all been profoundly missed.”
The crew cheered loudly and began to assemble to go to the top of the flight deck, where they will man the rails as the ship pulls into Naval Station Everett.
Back to top