Lincoln returning to Everett tonight
Published 10:49 pm Friday, June 29, 2007
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is expected to return to its homeport in Everett this evening for the first time in almost a year.
The ship is to arrive at Naval Station Everett between 6 and 8 p.m. today.
The ship has spent the last nine months at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, where it underwent major refurbishing and modernization.
On Tuesday, it left dry-dock for five days of sea trials.
The trials test the carrier’s systems and crew in preparation for a return to full operational status, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kathleen Sandoz.
The aircraft carrier was last in Everett in August 2006 after returning from the western Pacific. That was the ship’s eighth deployment since being commissioned in 1989.
On the Fourth of July, people will be able to tour the Lincoln and the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup, base spokesman Rick Huling said.
Tours will be scheduled at one-hour increments from noon to 5 p.m.
Those going on the tour must obtain free reservation tickets for one of the six time slots as they enter the base at the north gate near Marina Village. Buses will be available throughout the tour times to take visitors to the pier.
Several guidelines will be enforced.
Ship tours are limited to able-bodied people age 8 and older. The restriction is a safety measure.
Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour. They must wear flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes. Bare feet, sandals and the like will not be allowed onboard.
These items will be prohibited:
* Weapons, including knives, firearms and clubs.
* Alcoholic beverages.
* Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray or spray cans of any type.
* Fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives.
* Illegal drugs and drug-related paraphernalia.
* Large bags, including backpacks, diaper bags and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search).
* Pets.
Visitors found in possession of illegal items will be reported to police.
No items – including strollers or wheelchairs – can be left unattended on the pier or at the security checkpoint.
In addition, no political or marketing activities will be allowed while aboard U.S. Navy ships.
Tour the Lincoln
People can tour the USS Abraham Lincoln on Wednesday during the Navy base’s Family Freedom Fest at 2000 W. Marine View Drive.
The base will open to the public at 11 a.m. Tickets for ship tours will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to people who request them while entering the base.
