After more than 10 months away, the sailors and Marines of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Strike Three (CSG 3) were finally coming home. As the ship approached San Diego with its crew lining the deck, families gathered at Naval Air Station North Island, ready to welcome their loved ones back.
Operation Welcome Home
Among those waiting on the pier on 8 October were Military AutoSource team members Kate Connolly, Gina Valiando and Olivia Forcino. They had brought a 2026 Jeep Wrangler WILLYS to the pier and were ready to present one crew member with a 36-month lease as part of the homecoming celebration.
Through the Operation Welcome Home Giveaway, MAS wanted to recognize the crew’s hard work throughout an extended deployment and contribute to a day that already meant so much to everyone there.
The Big Announcement
As families waited ashore and the crew prepared to arrive, the ship’s morning announcements included the news that one sailor would be coming home to a new Jeep.
The winner was AZ2 Elizabeth Ramirez, who was still at work when she heard her name.
“They made the announcement right before we were going to pull in. I was at work and I didn’t think it was going to be me!” she told the Military AutoSource Team.
Meet Our Winner
AZ2 Ramirez has served in the Navy for almost six years, and this was her fourth deployment. Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, she was apart of the aviation maintenance team, helping maintain the records and documentation that support aircraft readiness and flight operations.
After more than 10 months away, her mom was there to welcome her home as she stepped off the ship. The MAS team had the pleasure of meeting them both and presenting AZ2 Ramirez with her 36-month Jeep Wrangler WILLYS lease while they celebrated being together again.
When the MAS team asked where she planned to take the Wrangler first, AZ2 Ramirez already had a destination in mind: home to Los Angeles.
Welcoming the Crew Home
For more than 65 years, Military AutoSource has worked with the U.S. Military community overseas and at sea.
Operation Welcome Home gave Military AutoSource an opportunity to give back to the crew that had spent months away from their families. Military AutoSource wanted to be there to welcome them back, thank them personally and give one sailor something extra to look forward to.
An Experience Like No Other
For the MAS Team, the day also brought the opportunity to watch the ship arrive, and see families reunite. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and will be remembered for a long time to come.
The MAS team was grateful to be a part of this homecoming and help make it special for the winner. Congratulations AZ2 Ramirez on your Jeep Wrangler WILLYS, and welcome home to the sailors and Marines of the USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group Three.
Highlight Reel
Watch our homecoming video HERE to see the ship’s arrival, family reunions and AZ2 Ramirez’s prize presentation.
About Military AutoSource
Military AutoSource (MAS) is the only Exchange and NEXCOM authorized car-buying program for U.S. Military and DoD personnel serving overseas or at sea. Located on base for more than 65 years, MAS has served more than one million military members, providing transportation solutions for their time overseas and their return stateside.
