Thousands Greet Lincoln's Arrival
"MISSION ACCOMPLISHED"
The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and her crew pulled into San Diego Harbor Friday morning and neared it's liberty mooring by 08:30. Thousands greeted the crews arrival with some arriving as early as 6 o'clock in the morning. As the Sailors departed the ship they were greeted with food, hugs, kisses, flows and warm handshakes.

A "Mission Accomplished" banner flew from the bridge as the USS Abraham Lincoln Battle Group was part of the successful efforts in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Last December the ship was in Australia nearly ready to return home when they received new orders to head back to the Gulf. When the ship returns to its Bremerton Washington homeport it will have completed nearly a ten month deployment.

Its short stop here in San Diego didn't keep scores of mothers and new babies waiting the arrival of their fathers any longer than necessary. It appeared that most all of the mothers of new born were here to greet their husband and introduce them to their new son or daughter. Family members and friends of many of the Sailors onboard eagerly waited to see each other after the extended deployment. . It was a happy reunion for most, but there were some that will have to wait for the aircraft carrier to return to it's Bremerton homeport before meeting up with their family and friends.

News reporters came from as far as Fresno to tell and show the story of Lincoln's return. Over twenty TV or radio station vans were spotted nearby and satellite dishes abounded. Many reporters commented on President Bush's early departure from Lincoln before it arrived so as not to diminish the Sailors warm welcome.

During a few news reports it came to light that we need to help clear up some misunderstandings about our military forces. The first is Sailors and Marines serve in ships, soldiers serve in the Army. The second is that an aircraft carrier is a ship and not a boat. Boats are small vessels meant to transit through water while ships are large vessels. An aircraft carrier falls into the latter category. The third point is that the USS Abraham Lincoln and it's crew's homeport is in Bremerton Washington and not here in San Diego. So even thought the crew was more than eager to get to San Diego, they still have something to look forward to.

Liberty call! Liberty Call! Hugs, smiles, kisses and tears - 9 Month Wait is Over!
The USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and USS Shiloh (CG 67) returned home April 24th after a 9 month deployment. The Navy Compass announced the homecoming of USS Shiloh (CG 67)and USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53)  in their April 24, 2003 edition. Friday the 24th at 0900 the Shiloh and minutes later the Mobile Bay arrived home! Shiloh and Mobile Bay departed San Diego July 24, 2002 as part of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) Strike Group. Their return home completed a 9 month deployment.

The ships crews were met by airplanes flying with banners, dozens of reporters and  hundreds of family and friends. The Sailors were glad to be home after supporting operations in Afghanistan and Operation Enduring Freedom. Both ships were deployed in the Persian Gulf region for six months, the ships were in Australia and heading home when they were ordered back for an additional three months.

Their arrivals were within minutes of each other - While Sailors, family and friends were anxious the day ended in hugs, smiles, kisses and tears of happiness. Click on the "Arrival USA" link above or here to see pictures of the Shiloh's homecoming. Welcome home!
 

Now Hear This! The USS San Diego (CL 53) Memorial is Reality!
Less than two hours after Mobile Bay and Shiloh Sailors returned home dozens of Sailors that have been working for four years towards their vision attended a ground breaking ceremony for the USS SAN DIEGO (CL 53) Memorial. Not only a fitting tribute to those extraordinary citizens that served in the San Diego but a memorial that all citizens of the greater San Diego can be proud of.

The light cruiser San Diego was the second ship to carry the city's name and became the second most decorated ship in US Naval history. Read about the San Diego at www.usssandiego.org and click here to see pictures of the ground breaking ceremony.