Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson (left) speaks with Rear Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the carrier strike group, during a visit to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Stephanson was flown to the carrier, which was 80 miles off the coast of San Diego on Monday, and catapulted out on Tuesday.
During his visit, he also met with Capt. William Sizemore II, chief of staff of Naval Air Forces, and Capt. Peter Gumataotao, chief of staff, Naval Surface Forces.
The purpose of Stephanson’s visit was to discuss opportunities for improving the quality of life for Everett-based sailors. One proposal is to have more “topside” maintenance of the ship done in Everett.
Currently, a lot of work on the ship is done in San Diego and Bremerton, which takes sailors away from their families. Having the work done in Everett could also steer business to local contractors and help area businesses that serve Navy personnel.
“Everything that we can do to enhance the strategic value of Naval Station Everett helps us to ensure its long term viability,” he said.
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