WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln left Naval Station Everett for deployment to the Persian Gulf July 20, 2002; and
     WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and her crew left behind family and friends in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln played a critical role in the campaign known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, with 12,700 takeoffs and landings during its voyage of 102,800 nautical miles; and
     WHEREAS, The valiant efforts of the personnel aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, the many support staff assigned to Naval Station Everett, their families, the United States Navy, and every branch of the Armed Forces protecting the citizens of this county inspire pride and patriotism in the residents of Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, The return of the brave men and women of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, after more than nine months of service to the American people, was met with immense joy by their families, friends, and loved ones; and
     WHEREAS, Nearly 30,000 spectators, waving yellow pom poms and American flags, awaited the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln as it arrived at Naval Station Everett May 6, 2003;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate welcome home the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and honor the crew and their families for the sacrifices they made; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Captain Kendall Card and Executive Officer Ron Horton of the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln and Captain Daniel Squires, Commander Naval Station Everett.