USS Abraham Lincoln Finishes Six-Month Deployment, Returns to Coronado

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returned to Naval Air Station North Island Saturday morning after completing a six-month deployment in the Western Pacific and Middle East.

The Lincoln arrived at the station's Pier K around 11:00 a.m., and helicopter sea combat units arrived a few hours in advance of the ship, according to the Navy's public affairs office. 

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group successfully flew more than 8,300 sorties and completed more than 23,500 flying hours, with about half in support of U.S. and coalition ground force in Afghanistan, Navy officials said.

“I could not be more proud of the sailors and officers in my squadron and the rest of the strike group,” said Cmdr. Kenneth Strong, commanding officer of one of the helicopter squadrons. “I am humbled to be a member of such a dedicated team. Obviously we are happy to be coming home to our families and friends, and are pleased at having done our duty so well.”

The Lincoln is in Coronado to drop off some of its personnel and will soon head for its home port of Everett, Wash. 

City News Service contributed to this report.