Farewell, and fair winds
Published 2:54 pm Friday, December 2, 2011
Years from now, when locals look back nostalgically on the early days of Naval Station Everett, the first picture they evoke likely will be that of a hulking, majestic aircraft carrier bearing a huge “72.”
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been the symbol of Everett’s Navy station ever since it arrived nearly 15 years ago — three years after the base itself was dedicated. As such, it has become a icon for Everett itself, and the rest of Snohomish County.
When the Lincoln steams out of Port Gardner Bay on Wednesday, more than a little sadness will trail in its wake. That will be the last day the Lincoln will call Everett home. After an expected deployment to the Middle East, it will head to Virginia, where it will undergo a four-year, midlife process that includes an overhaul and refueling of its nuclear reactors.
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will take the Lincoln’s place in Everett early next year. It will be warmly received, certainly, but it can’t fully take the Lincoln’s place in the history, or the hearts, of Everett.
As with all the ships, personnel and families that comprise Naval Station Everett, the Lincoln and its crew quickly wound themselves into the fabric of life here. Neighborhoods, schools, churches, civic groups, youth sports leagues and charitable causes all have benefitted from the presence of Navy families here.
As the most prominent naval symbol here — you couldn’t miss it when it was in port — the Lincoln became a rallying point for our communities.
Their feelings were expressed overwhelmingly in May of 2003 when the carrier returned from a combat mission during the Iraq war. Thousands jammed the base and lined the city’s streets in an outpouring of patriotism and love for the Lincoln’s courageous crew.
They watched again with pride in 2005 as the Lincoln helped lead an inspiring mission of peace: a humanitarian effort in Indonesia following a devastating earthquake and tsunami.
After its midlife refueling, the Lincoln should be ready for another 25 years of service. Its eventual homeport hasn’t been decided, but if Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson and others have their way, this week won’t mark the Lincoln’s final departure from Port Gardner Bay. Naval Station Everett can accommodate roughly double its current complement of ships, including a second carrier. Indeed, as Stephanson has wondered aloud, why not bring back the Lincoln to join the Nimitz?
Such a return would be welcomed enthusiastically by a community that will forever be grateful to the Lincoln and those connected to it.
On behalf of that community, to the Lincoln and its crew: Thank you. Fair winds and following seas, old friend.
