Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln due soon at Naval Station Norfolk after 8-month deployment.
Commanded by Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln departed Naval Station Everett, Wash., her home since January 1997, in December 2011 for a scheduled change-of-homeport deployment to Virginia where she is due for a four-year refueling complex overhaul (RCOH).
During the RCOH period, Lincoln's nuclear reactors will be refueled, the ship's combat and communication systems will be upgraded and modernized, and the hull, mechanical and electrical systems will be overhauled.
The aircraft carrier has been deployed in the US Navy's 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Lincoln deployed as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, commanded by Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker. Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 is comprised of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).