Family members and friends of Sailors onboard the ships currently deployed with Carrier Strike Group 9, including USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), gathered together March 15 to discuss the homecomings and decorate the base for the ships’ return.

The meeting began in the Grand Vista Ballroom where the ships’ ombudsmen, and other leaders of the family readiness groups and the Abraham Lincoln Family Association (ALFA), gave the families more information and details on the homecomings and what to expect.

“We came out mainly to get people involved and to get the word out about homecoming,” said Jen Goodell, ALFA Vice President. “We’ve been putting a lot of information on the Facebook group page and through emails but we wanted to get everyone together to discuss the details.”

After the bulk of the discussion, there was a raffle to give away some Lincoln t-shirts and some Carrier Strike Group 9 blankets. The blankets were recently designed and ordered and made their first appearance at the raffle.

After the discussion and raffle, the families split up to prepare the decorations for the upcoming special days the ships return.

“We are getting ready for the Sailors, decorating the base with bows and flags, to let them know we are really glad they are coming home,” said Eileen Marcus, Ombudsman, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Some left to stick flags in the ground along the streets while others stayed in the ballroom to decorate posters. All the decorations were prepared to make the Sailors feel welcome home after their six month deployment.

“We’re decorating to show our support for the ships and let them know we’re proud,” said Angela Ferrell, President, USS Momsen (DDG 92) Family Readiness Group. “We’re glad to have our Sailors come home.”

All the family members present had one thing on their mind, making their Sailors feel welcome when the day comes.

“We want to let them know they’re welcome home,” said Andrea Newsom, who’s husband is on USS Momsen.