EVERETT — The USS Abraham Lincoln’s last day in Everett is planned for Dec. 8.
The Navy announced the departure date Wednesday afternoon.
Plans have been under way for some time for the warship to relocate to the Norfolk, Va., area. The Lincoln has been in Everett since 1997 and, over the years, became an icon of the city and the community.
The Lincoln is expected to deploy to the Middle East before going to Virginia. Many of the crew’s families are expected to follow the carrier to the East Coast. Some are awaiting new assignments, though some could return to Everett.
The Lincoln’s deployment also will include the Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, the Destroyer Squadron and the USS Momsen, a Navy spokeswoman said.
Meanwhile, Everett soon will be homeport to the carrier USS Nimitz. The Nimitz is expected to arrive in January. It will join a carrier group of frigates and destroyers already based here.
For most of this year, the Nimitz was undergoing maintenance at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
The plan to bring the Nimitz to Everett was announced almost a year ago. City leaders heralded the news for its potential impact on the future of Everett and the naval station.
Naval Station Everett is Snohomish County’s second-largest employer, after Boeing. It has an annual payroll of more than $230 million.
Thousands of civilians and active duty military personnel work full time at the base.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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