INSIDE
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Lincoln Soccer Places Third
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One Year Of RCOH
Sharing his skills
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Happy Birthday CPO Mess
Chili Cook-off Supports NMCRS Story and Photos by MC3 Wesley T. Buckett
Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class opportunity to interact aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln with members of the (CVN 72) gathered for a chili cookcrew they may not see off March 27 to benefit Navy Marine during their day-to-day “I just had a bowl Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). routine. that tasted just like the chili my family The cook-off took place on the “The cook-off brings together a used to make when I was a kid,” said ship’s Floating Accommodation lot of new faces,” said Bailey. “It also Information Systems Technician 2nd Facility (FAF) with 19 different gives us time to interact with each Class Jermain Manning, one of the Sailors, each with their own crock-pot, other. Half of us work on the ship and judges for the cook-off.” It makes offering up bowls of homemade chili the other half on the FAF, so events me feel like I’m right at home here. I to the crew. The event was organized like this really bring us together.” know who’s getting my vote.” by Lincoln’s 2nd Class Once the votes were cast and Petty Officers Association ‘I just had a bowl that tasted just counted, the top three winners (SCPOA) with some help were awarded prizes from the from the ship’s Chief Petty like the chili my family used to make SCPOA. Officer Association. Electricians Mate 3rd Class when I was a kid. It makes me feel “We weren’t getting Moriah Perlot won the contest like I’m right at home here.’ too much participation and a $50 gift card. until Senior Chief Hull “I’ve been cooking for 10 Technician Damion years, but I don’t usually enter Carpenter stepped in,” said Culinary Sailors enjoyed sampling a wide competitions so it feels great to win,” Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Bailey, variety of chilis. One variation brought said Perlot. “I didn’t expect such a president of the SCPOA. “He spread back fond memories for one Sailor. great turnout, but we had a full room the word around the Chiefs onboard, of Sailors trying to get their hands on and they passed it down our dishes as well as donate.” to their people. Once that Mass Communication happened, everyone got Specialist 2nd Class William excited and started pitching Blake won a crock-pot for placing in.” second. Aviation Boatswain’s More than 100 Sailors Mate 2nd Class Hakeem Turner made donations to NMCRS to placed third and won two movie sample and judge their favorite tickets. chili. “There are no hard feelings “We do events like this for at all,” said Perlot with a chuckle. a ton of reasons,” said Bailey. “This is a friendly competition. All “Today we raised money for the cooks worked really hard, and the Navy Marine Core Relief all the donations went to charity. Society, which helps us give I’m just glad I got to participate back to the crew.” and have a good time with my Donations weren’t the shipmates.” only benefit of the cookoff, according to Bailey. In addition, Sailors had the
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Lincoln Takes Third In Soccer Photo and Story By MCSN Christopher Huot
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Morale Welfare and Recreation division hosted the first Newport News Patriot Soccer Tournament, at Gosnold’s Hope Park, Hampton, Va., March 22. Six teams, including two Lincoln teams, two Newport News Shipyard (NNS) teams, along with the Newport News Fire and Police departments, played in the day-long tournament, fighting each other for first place. After several intense games, NNS placed first and second while Lincoln’s “A-team” took third. “We started this event because a Sailor came to us, he was new to the area, and wanted to know what there was to do for recreation,” said Bonnie Wojcik, a NNS project management analyst with Lincoln’s refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) team and the coordinator for the tournament. “This tournament, which was just going to be a pick-up game, turned into the first Newport News Patriot Soccer tournament.” The tournament began with Lincoln’s “A-team” winning their first game. It didn’t take long before the Police squared off against NNS Pink and the Fire department went head-tohead against another NNS team. “We played pretty well together,” said Aviation Maintenance
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Administrationman 3rd Class Michael Uchendu. “This was the first game that we have played since the end of last season, but I think that if we had more time to practice we could have made first place.” After leaving the fields, players sat together and ate some of the sizzling hamburgers and hotdogs grilled for the event. “We couldn’t have a soccer tournament without some kind of social,” said Wojcik. “When you get in the middle of an RCOH, it’s challenging because the whole relationship between Sailors and shipyard workers is torn apart. So this tournament helped show both Sailors and (NNS) workers alike that there are things to do outside of the shipyard and that they can be fun and engaging.” Wojcik also said this event helps bridge the gap between Sailors and workers because it allows them to build new friendships and think of someone in a new light. “I think it’s important for Sailors to participate in tournaments and social events because it definitely builds camaraderie and it helps teach Sailors that there is more to do in the area than sit at home,” said Lincoln’s fun boss, Shannon Smith.
Tournament
One Year Down: Lincoln Completes First Year of RCOH Story and Photos By USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
March 28, 2014 marks the end of the first year in the refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) for the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at Newport News Shipyard in Newport News, Va. According to a 2002 study by the Research and Development National Defense Institute, “The midlife RCOH of a nuclear aircraft carrier may be the most challenging engineering and industrial task undertaken anywhere.” Getting Lincoln back in the fight on time and below budget is a long, complicated process with many moving parts, but the more than 2,500 Sailors and 3,000 shipyard workers and contractors have stepped up to the challenge, according to the ship’s commanding officer. “Everywhere around the ship, you can see progress being made,” said Capt. Karl
Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer. “It’s easy to see and hear this progress all around us when we walk the deck plates.” Lincoln has many teams of Sailors, shipyard workers and contractors driving the success of the first phase of RCOH, commonly known as the “rip-out” stage. One of these teams, the decking team, removed more than 300,000 square feet of tile from the ship, the equivalent of Lincoln’s 4.5 acre flight deck. This effort saved an estimated $3.5 million for taxpayers. Another initative to save the Navy money includes the refurbishment instead of replacement of the ship’s components. According to Chief Cryptological Technician (Maintenance) Timothy Nerbonne, approximately 40 percent of the water-tight doors and scuttles can be fixed
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at our light industrial facility (LIFAC). At LIFAC, the doors undergo cleaning, paint and rust removal, and powder coat painting before they return to the ship. Other areas of accomplishment since Lincoln started RCOH include: the reinstallation of the long range air search radar tower, completion of the port and starboard rudder stock repairs, the refurbishment of 230 of 399 watertight doors tied to undocking, and the blasting and priming of the hull of the ship below the water line. Each accomplishment would not be possible without both personnel and safety. From ensuring watchstanders are present to put out potential fires during welding, to powering down electrical
equipment during maintenance - every step is accomplished effectively and safely by the integrated team of Sailors, shipyard workers and contractors. The next 12 months will be a transition from the “ripout” phase to the “rebuilding” phase of RCOH. 2014 is important for the ship because Lincoln’s personnel will begin to take back owenership of their spaces, and seeing the ship come back together and looking like it’s supposed to is good for morale, said Thomas. “The shipyard workers and Sailors should be very proud of what they have accomplished thus far,” said Thomas. “I know that I am very proud to see how far we’ve come in one year.”
A Week With Lincoln Photo By MC3 Danian Douglas
Photo By MC3 Brenton Poyser
Photo by MCSA Matthew Young
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Photo By MC2 Zachary Welch
Photo By MC3 Danian Douglas
Sailor Mentors Local Students Story and Photo by MCSA Matthew Young
“Every time I go, I get a chance to change a child’s life. I have an opportunity to give them a chance they may not normally have, a way out of the situation they may be in.” For Sailors like Mass Communication (MC) Specialist 2nd Class Rusty Pang, a native of Vacaville, Calif., volunteering through Navy outreach programs at schools such as Achievable Dream in Newport News, Va., gives them an opportunity to not only serve their country, but also give back to the local community. For some it’s a feeling of honor following in the footsteps of their family members, while for others it’s a means to an end whether education or career opportunities. “Ultimately I joined for the education and the means to provide for my family,” said Pang. “I held many jobs [before joining the Navy] from running a sign business to flipping cars. I was also an Emergency Medical Technician.” During his trip to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) he was offered two careers he was interested in. “At MEPS they offered me MC and Personnel Specialist (PS). I didn’t know what either job was,” said Pang. “I read PS and it said something about repetitive tasks. Well anyone who knows me knows that’s not for me. I read MC and there was information about broadcasting, journalism, and photography. I was already doing photography with my wife so I chose that job.” Pang isn’t your average Sailor. At 29 years old he continued to show his knowledge and maturity through boot camp and “A” school ultimately resulting in his selection as one of two Sailors to attend a Broadcasting “C” school. “I was ecstatic to be chosen,” said Pang. “There were only two of us. We were roommates, section leaders at the detachment, and nominated for the the Mass Communication Specialist Bobby McRill Excellence Award. It became a running joke that we were the same Sailor on paper, except he was a foot taller than me.” The Bobby McRill Excellence Award recognizes a Sailor who best demonstrates the Navy Core Values, leadership, technical expertise, and has a profound influence in the Navy detachment. It was a few months later when Pang found out he was going to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Initially Pang wasn’t sure how he felt about going to a ship in the shipyard, but once he arrived to Lincoln he took
‘I can make such a difference in these kids’ lives.’
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advantage of the unique situation. Pang was selected as the media department’s video supervisor and the department’s Career Counselor. At the time, he was an E-4 and both of those positions were above his pay grade. “I feel very blessed to have the job that I have,” said Pang. “With the training the Navy has given me as well as the support of my chain of command and fellow Sailors, I have been able to grow my team and myself in unconventional ways.” A regular volunteer at the local high school Achievable Dream, Pang takes what he has learned from his military training and private industry experience to teach students the basics of audio and video production. “I enjoy the fact that I can make such a difference in these kids’ lives by passing on the knowledge that I have received,” said Pang. “Since December 2013, MC’s from our shop started going to Achievable Dream to share what we have. If we pay it forward, one of these kids might get it and their life will be forever changed.” From taking charge of video operations, to teaching high school students basic audio and video techniques, Pang is leading Lincoln’s media department to make waves as one of the most hard charging media departments in the shipyard.
Lincoln Motorcycle Club Briefs on Safety Story and Photos by MC3 Welsey T. Buckett
Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attended a motorcycle safety standdown March 25, 2014 at Naval Station Norfolk. Both current and potential motorcycle riders participated, with a total of over 30 Sailors attending the training. Since 12 Sailors around the fleet this fiscal year had fatal motorcycle accidents, briefs like this are essential when it comes to safety according to one of the Lincoln motorcycle clubs’ coordinators. “Some of our main goals in the Lincoln Motorcycle Safety Club would be to reduce mishaps, become more of a presence in the command and benefit others,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach, a motorcycle club Coordinator. Some of Lincoln’s chiefs
who rode motorcycles started the club four years ago. “They saw the need for the mentorship club, not only for the sake of getting the Lincoln name out there, but to also train the junior personnel on how to ride safely and get the motorcycle awareness out in the command”, said Truebenbach. During the stand down, Command Master Chief Gregg Weber emphasized safety to all of the Lincoln motorcyclists and potential riders. “Motorcycle safety is near and dear to my heart,” said Weber. “When I say you have to come to these safety lectures and pay attention as well as do the right thing when you ride, I really mean it. The last thing I want is to plan a memorial service for the ship.” One of the main dangers stressed during the briefing
was the fact that riders need to pay attention to what other drivers are doing in order to protect themselves. “If you’re riding and not paying attention to the car next to you that might lead to a terrible accident,” said Weber. “The other day I saw someone in a car reading a book, and I don’t mean a Kindle. I mean a paperback, which means she actually had to change pages while driving. You have to watch out because the roads around here are dangerous.” Weber’s closing remarks touched on why he personally wants every Sailor to be careful and fully trained on motorcycle safety. “It just pains me to see Sailors needlessly get hurt”, said Weber. “Be safe, be responsible, and just like anything else in life, look out for each other. If everyone does that, we should live full and happy lives.”
CHIEFS CELEBRATE 121 YEARS
Story By MCC Aaron Strickland
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embers of the Chief Petty Officer Association aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated the chiefs' 121st anniversary with residents and patients of the Hampton Roads Veteran’s Administration (VA) Medical Center April 2. Thirteen chiefs handed out snacks, escorted the veterans to lunch, and played Bingo. The visit was just one of the events during a week in which Lincoln chiefs commemorated the 121st birthday of the chief petty officer rank. "This week is all about paying it forward," said Lincoln Command Master Chief (SW/AW/SS) Gregg Weber. "I remember my first chief and all he did for me." Chiefs at the VA hospital were able to serve veterans who once served the country. "The key is giving back to our veterans," said Chief Hospital Corpsman April Harrison. "It makes them feel good about their service. We want the veterans to have a sense of family because some of them don't have a family, and we want them to share their stories with us." One Lincoln Chief wanted an opportunity to show her appreciation. "I think it's important to spend time with the veterans because they came before us, and it's a nice way to say thank you," said Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Susan Mann. Lincoln chiefs also participated in the Hampton Roads Anchor Leadership 5K Run at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story. One of the Lincoln's runners said he joined fellow area Chiefs because it is an honor to remember the CPO birthday. "It's a great chance to network and mingle with other chiefs and see old friends," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist William Strickland. "It's important to celebrate things like this because chiefs are the backbone of the Navy and we make the Navy go round." Weber summed up the week saying, "New Chiefs come in and need to understand the tradition so we keep passing it down. You can never stop learning as a Chief."
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U.S. Navy Photo By MC3 Wesley t. Buckett
U.S. Navy Photo By MCC Aaron Strickland
OF DECKPLATE LEADERSHIP
U.S. Navy Photo By MCC Aaron Strickland
U.S. Navy Photo By MCC Aaron Strickland