USS Carl Vinson Nears Departure

After a rather eventful year, the USS Carl Vinson will close out 2011 at sea as the aircraft carrier departs Wednesday for a lengthy deployment.

The city warns that traffic will be heavier in the morning as families head in to North Island Naval Air Station to see their sailors off to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

and , a month after Osama bin Laden's remains were brought to the ship; Navy SEALS killed the terrorist in Pakistan. Bin Laden was buried at sea.

for Veterans Day nearly three weeks ago when , a much anticipated college basketball game, on the flight deck.