Suzanne Hoel rose before the sun Tuesday just to get a glimpse of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

Hoel and her husband, Jim, were sitting at the Foot Rest bench at Lagoon Point by 6 a.m. Joined by approximately 30 neighbors and friends, the group sat joking and laughing while the Lincoln — returning from a 10-month tour of duty that included combat in the Persian Gulf — was only a speck on the horizon.

Spirits were high, perhaps the highest possible at 6 a.m. With binoculars in hand, the group watched as Coast Guard and news helicopters hovered over the approaching aircraft carrier.

“This is just historic,” said Hoel. “Not many people have this opportunity.”

The Lincoln was scheduled to arrive at its home port in Everett at 10 a.m., bringing with it over 2,000 sailors who had been deployed for nearly a year.

Small Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary boats — one of which was crewed by South Whidbey residents — raced to the Lincoln at approximately 6:30 a.m., ready to deter recreational boats that ventured too close to the carrier. At almost the same time, a half a dozen catamarans and sailboats left the harbor at Lagoon Point with the same destination. Going to greet the Lincoln the boats each carried a large American flag hanging from the mast.

That was all fine, as long as they got no closer than about 1,500 feet. As the Lincoln skirted around Whidbey Island, a pair of bald eagles flew past the group. It was a perfect setting for the scene, the group at Lagoon Point agreed, with crystal blue skies and a clear view of the Olympic Mountains in the background.

Three helicopters brought Gov. Gary Locke and other visitors to the warship to meet the sailors starting at 6:30 a.m.

For Gina Anderson, watching the Lincoln brought back many memories. Anderson, who served in the Navy for eight years, had been stationed on the USS Samuel Gompers.

“They’re probably all running around right now, ironing their clothes,” Anderson smiled. “I’m excited for them.”

As the Lincoln sailed past Lagoon Point, the group unfolded and held up large American flags and a “Thank You” sign for the sailors to see as they went past, while other waved smaller flags and documented the ships passing on film.

Welcoming ships coming through Admiralty Inlet is something the Hoels have been doing for years, according to Suzanne. She said she realized the ships could see them when the USS Carl Vinson passed them last year and flashed strobe lights at them on the bluff.

The fun came to an end just before 7 a.m. as the Lincoln disappeared on its way past Bush Point. The group refolded the flags and packed up the coffee and portable chairs. Some made plans to go back to bed, while some enthused by the moment were going to follow the ship down the island.

There were plenty of other people watching the Lincoln as it headed toward Everett. A boat chartered by the South Whidbey American Legion Post went out to meet the Lincoln at about 7 a.m. At Double Bluff Park, one woman said she had followed the ship from Smugglers Cove. There, 20 people watched in silence, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Lincoln. The Lincoln, which was ahead of schedule, had slowed down to a crawl. But many there planned to meet in Clinton later to greet sailors from the ferry.