Lincoln strike group deploys

After 18 months of preparation and anticipation, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled in the mooring lines for the last time March 13 in Everett for its overseas deployment.

As the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 9 (CCSG9), Lincoln began its seven-month deployment to support the fight in the global war on terrorism. CCSG9 will be transiting across the Pacific Ocean and into the Persian Gulf where they will be maintaining the security of the international sea lanes to support free trade as well as assist any nearby countries that may be in need.

Since Lincoln returned from its previous deployment in August 2006, the crew never stopped preparing for the next one. It headed to Bremerton, Wash., for a nine-month dry-dock Planned Incremental Availability where many of the ship’s systems were improved.

Afterwards, Lincoln spent eight months conducting crew and carrier training and qualifications with Carrier Air Wing Two and the rest of CCSG9 off the coast of San Diego, Calif.

“This training provided us the ability to become more effective and efficient,” Buchanan said. “It allowed the crew to demonstrate the full combat capability of the ship and train to the expected tasks during this deployment.”

As Lincoln was preparing to depart, Navy families gathered on the pier where Capt. Patrick Hall, Lincoln’s commanding officer, reassured them that even though it may be a sad time for many of them, their beloved Sailors have committed to a worthy cause, and their sacrifice will not go unrecognized.

“It’s a bittersweet situation,” said Hall. “The crew has been training really hard for the past eight months, and they’re eager to go and get the job done. But at the same time it’s sad for them to be leaving their families. Nevertheless, we’re ready to go. The ship’s ready to go.”

Lincoln is currently on its way to Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, Calif., to load Carrier Air Wing 2 and begin its transit overseas.