Local veterans weigh in as USS Abraham Lincoln continues lengthy deployment

SOUTHEASTERN NC (WWAY) — More than 250 days at sea, and still no clear answer on when they’ll be home. The U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln has been making headlines all week, with sailors now spending more than nine months deployed.

George Murray, owner of Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop in Leland and an Air Force veteran, says he is thinking of the sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, who have been deployed for more than nine months.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to those guys who have been out there for more than 90 days,” Murray said.

The USS Abraham Lincoln has spent more than 250 days at sea, drawing attention from sailors, their families and veterans who say such a lengthy deployment takes a toll.

The deployment also has become part of a national conversation after President Donald Trump was asked Friday whether the carrier had been at sea too long.

“Not nearly long enough,” Trump said.

Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon pushed back on that response during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” saying the challenges faced by service members and their families should be recognized.

“I think it’s better to acknowledge, hey, this is hard on the families. It’s hard on the service members,” Bacon said. “Thank them for being willing to defend our country.”

Murray says Navy veteran friends have told him they have never experienced a deployment like this one.

“They have talked about that ship, and they never experienced anything like that before,” Murray said. “It’s kind of new to them, too.”

Army veteran Brian Gardner says he understands what it is like to spend an extended period away from home. Gardner served in Iraq for more than a year.

“For myself being in Iraq for over a year, I know it’s difficult,” Gardner said. “But every minute, every second, there are people back home thinking about you, that want the best for you and looking forward to welcoming you back when that time comes.”

Gardner and members of VFW Post 12196 and its auxiliary are hoping to provide that same support to local veterans.

The group held an event Saturday at Mimi and Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop, connecting people with local veterans, sharing resources and reminding current and former service members that they do not have to navigate life after the military alone.

Gardner says transitioning out of the military can be difficult, but organizations such as the VFW can provide a support system.

“You are not alone. You always have someone to turn to, just like you had a battle buddy in the service,” Gardner said. “We are here to be that for you, if needed.”

The U.S.S. George Washington is now heading to the middle east to relieve the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, but there’s no set timeline yet for when that relief will happen.

To learn more about VFW Post 12196, head to the organization’s website.