EVERETT — The USS Abraham Lincoln isn’t scheduled to dock until about 10 a.m., but the celebrations will begin at 7 a.m. with a performance by the Jackson High School band on the Naval Station Everett pier.
The base celebration will be open primarily to the more than 8,000 family members of sailors. The public can participate at Pier 1, just east of base.
Even before the carrier docks, Gov. Gary Locke and 10 other officials will be flown to the Lincoln on a helicopter — weather permitting. Expected are U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray; U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen and Norm Dicks; Everett Mayor Frank Anderson; Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel; State Sen. Aaron Reardon; State Reps. Jean Berkey and John McCoy; and Tulalip Tribes Chairman Herman Williams Jr.
Back on shore, the Naval Sea Cadet Color Guard will present colors at 8 a.m., followed by performances by the Columbia Choir, the Navy Region Northwest band and the Everett Symphony Orchestra.
Although the ship is expected to dock at 10 a.m., the first passengers aren’t expected to disembark until about 10:30 a.m.
First off will be the 87 men who became fathers while they were at sea. The first will be Juan Angel, whose wife, Candice, gave birth to Angelica Leanne July 30, just 10 days after the Lincoln left. The last will be John Dodt, who became a father April 15.
Next off will be the first kissers, 13 lucky sailors who possess one of the ship’s winning raffle tickets for kisses from spouses, significant others, parents and friends.
Thirteen winners were chosen from the 913 $1 First Kiss raffle tickets sold aboard ship. The money is donated to the Naval Marine Relief Society for sailors in need, Navy spokesman Daniel Sanford said.
The very first kisser will be AN Gonzales, as the clipped vernacular of the military describes the sailor. Mother Patricia Gonzales will be there to greet the sailor. Next will be AN Quintero, who will be greeted by friends Yessenia Juarez and Karla Diaz. Third in line will be SKC Thies, to be greeted by his wife, Emma.
Lincoln Capt. Kendall Card and Rear Adm. John Kelly will be next, followed by politicians and guests and the rest of the crew.
Those on Pier 1 won’t be able to see the emotional reunions on the Naval Station Everett pier. The carrier itself will block their view. But they’ll have their own entertainment.
If you see up to 21 vintage airplanes flying overhead, it will be a contingent from the Cascade Warbirds, which includes many military planes dating back to World War II. The Warbirds are scheduled to take off from Paine Field around 9 a.m., or when the Lincoln is in good position for the overflight.
The Everett High School jazz band will probably begin playing on Pier 1 — where those who don’t have family aboard the ship will celebrate — at about 7:30 a.m., before the pier is open to the public at 8 a.m., city spokeswoman Kate Reardon said.
They will perform later in the morning as well, alternating performances with the Canoe Family and Salmon Family of the Tulalip Tribes and with the children of the Tulalip Montessori school.
Herald reporters Jim Haley and Janice Podsada contributed to this report.
Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com
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