INSIDE
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Lincoln Leadership
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Tastefully Yours
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Lincoln Night
Faces Of Abe
A Word From Your CCC
ob specialty inanplain sight. If you are unrated Sailor and your ASVAB scores e left sleeve, consist of qualify you for your dream nd chevrons indicating job, but your package isn’t altygetting markapproved, indicating you may be confused. Well here is the gletruth, are your worn for E-3 AC AD career counselor really doesAB want youAirtoTraffic have Aviation Boatswain’s Controller Aviation Machinist’s ratings have historical Mate Mate thesjob of your dreams, but here are the issues… You may wainí mate), others ABE - Equipment ABF -the Fuel Navy may not qualify forin themodern rate of your dreams, but chnology ABH – Handling ne system technician). need more people in that rate at the time. Another issue may be you. I’m not saying you’re a bad Sailor, but allow me to paint a picture. The Navy may only need three Corpsman for the current month, but there are 250 applying for the CM are your evals CS and PRT scores? CT Have you done DC EA job. How Construction Mechanic Culinary Specialist Cryptologic Technician Damage Controlman Engineering Aide CTI - Interpretive any on the job training that your counselor can put in your CTM - Maintenance CTN - Networks professional apprenticeship careerCTR tracks (PACT) application - Collection - Technical notes? Are you warfare qualified?CTT Ask yourself, “What makes me so special?” When the rubber hits the road and you want that job, it’s the same in the Navy as in the civilian world. You have to stand out. IC IS IT LN LS point is thatSpecialist the Navy may not need more of ce Interior Another Communications Intelligence Information Systems Legalman Logistics Specialist Electrician Technician what you’d like to be. It’s not the most pleasant decision to make, but you may have to ask yourself, “Do I want to get rated as something so that I can take the advancement exam and make more money, or do I want to hold out for my dream job? AllowQM me to put it intoRP perspective forSB you. PS SH al Personnel Specialist Quartermaster Religious Programs Special Warfare Ship’s Serviceman There’s a counselor that works in our office that didn’t get n Specialist Boat Operator their dream rate until they were in the Navy for 12 years, but they made a decent paycheck for 10 of those years in rates that weren’t their dream rates. Sometimes you have to do t Aviator Professional Aviation what you Naval have(Pilot) to do to get whereNaval you Flight want Officer to be. Maintenance Officer The bottom line is that it’s your choice to stay unrated until you get the job you want. However, you could be missing out on money along the way. Also, for those of you Marine Corps Combat Aircrew Special Warfare Special Operations (SEAL) st who joined in August of 2013 or later, in accordance with the new PACT contract that you signed at military entrance processing station (MEPS) the Navy has the option to choose e Surface Warfare Supply Corpsbeen in Submarine Warfare or at yourSubmarine Warfare a rate for you once you’ve for 24 months (officer) (enlisted) rps permanent duty station for 12 months, whichever comes later. My advice to you is to not wait too long. Sometimes choosing the lesser of two evils turns out better than you Basic Parachutist fare Seabee Combat Warfare Naval Parachutist ) Specialist (enlisted) could imagine. I hope this helped some in your decision making process. -Your Friendly Neighborhood ce Fleet Marine Force Diving Diving Command Career Counselors (enlisted) (officer) (medical) Please submit any questions you may have to CCC@ cvn72.navy.mil
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Deep Submergence (enlisted)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (officer)
Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal
AE
Aviation Electrician’s Mate
AG
EM
MA
Aviation Structural Mechanic AME - Equipment
EN
Electrician’s Mate
Master-at-Arms
AM
Aerographer’s Mate
EO
Engineman
Equipment Operator
MC
Mass Communication Specialist
SO
Special Warfare Operator
ST
Sonar Technician STG - Surface STS - Submarine
Avi
Ex
MM
Machinist’s Mate
SW
Steelworker
Naval Aviation Observer and Flight Meteorologist
Flight Surgeon
Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman
Surface Warfare (officer)
Submarine Warfare Medical Corps
Submarine Engineering Duty
Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Specialist
Information Dominance Warfare (officer)
Master Diver
Diver (medical technician)
Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal
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Lincoln Recognizes its Outsanding Leaders Story and Photos by MCSN Christopher Huot
Three Sailors, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), were named as recipients of the Stennis Center’s Lincoln Leadership Awards at an awards ceremony in Norfolk, Va., April 25. The awardees, Lt. David Duprey, Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Kevin Nowlin and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Glenn Walter, were named as recipients of the Stennis Center’s Lincoln Leadership Award for displaying the qualities of mentorship, good judgment and for being outstanding role models. The Stennis Leadership Awards Program
recognizes personnel who reflect the spirit and service of the late Sen. John C. Stennis. This program recognizes distinguished officers and senior enlisted personnel who have demonstrated exceptional leadership on board their respective aircraft carriers with the following three awards, statesman, union and liberty. Receiving the “Statesman” award, Duprey, one of Lincoln’s chaplains, has been on board for three years and has served Lincoln by coordinating numerous community relations projects (COMREL) and training Lincoln’s Sailors in suicide prevention. “The greatest achievement to me is being in a position to serve Sailors. It could be counseling a brand-new Seaman out of ‘A’ school, an Admiral or the Captain. I am prepared to serve them.” Nowlin, Lincoln’s G-5 Division Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) and LCPO of Lincoln’s berthing team, has been on board for five years. He helps supervise the ship’s duty sections and assists in numerous events including Captain’s Cup tournaments and COMRELs. He received the “Union” award. “One thing that I see now in the Navy, is that sometimes people are so quick to want to lead but they don’t know how
‘The greatest achievement to me is being in a position to serve Sailors’
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to,” said Nowlin. “Leadership is all about learning and not being so quick to criticize someone if they make a mistake.” Receiving the “Liberty” award, Walter, Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of Air Department’s V-2 Division, has been on board for three years and has served Lincoln by leading the command’s housing department after the 2011-2012 deployment. Walter also earned the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal by logging his 500th hour of community service. “Don’t be afraid of taking a challenge,” said Walter. “If you find a problem in something, don’t complain about it. Come up with an alternate plan or make a new policy to fix the problem.” Nowlin stressed that it isn’t difficult to get noticed for one’s efforts, even while Lincoln is in the shipyard. “It’s not that difficult to be noticed in this type of environment because even though a Sailor will be stuck doing the same job over and over, there are plenty of other collateral duties they can do to stand above the rest of the crew,” said Nowlin. “It can be anything from being on the in-port emergency team to participating in a Captain’s Cup tournament.” Duprey encourages Sailors on board Lincoln to get their qualifications out of the way while in the current environment. “After you get all of your required stuff done and out of the way, then you can look for things outside of the ship,” said Duprey. “You can accumulate a lot of training here. If you’re all qualified, and they ask for volunteers, you raise your hand and you go.”
Sailor Aboard Lincoln Also A Tribal Chief Story and Photos By MC3 Danian Douglas
A junior Sailor aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is also a chief in his American Samoan village of Leone. Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Mathew Atoe was born in San Francisco, but migrated to American Samoa when he was just seven years old, growing up in an unspoiled, lush green jungle, surrounded by turquoise beaches and a cornucopia of fruits, flora and fauna, a stark contrast to the urban expanse of San Francisco. “Growing up with a machete in your hand to gather food in the mountains is a way of life,” said Atoe. “I would also have to fish and do household chores before going to school. On my way to school, I would also be picking food from trees for my lunch.” The muscular giant received his primary and secondary education in American Samoa, where he learned to appreciate other cultures. “I was integrated with foreign kids who are military dependents and I was very different from them,” said Atoe. “They would have their lunch boxes; meanwhile my woven basket would be filled with fresh fruit.” It was during this period that Atoe, whose father is a matai, or high chief, underwent his Samoan chief initiation. “Being a high chief’s son, my father wanted to
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ensure that I started my leadership journey at humble beginnings, so I was put in charge of the laborers.” said Atoe. “I appreciated my level of responsibility.” Chief Interior Communications Electrician Cindy Lambert, Atoe’s leading chief petty officer, who spent six years observing Pacific Islanders’ cultures while stationed in Hawaii, affirmed his character. “I notice the people in the Pacific Islands have strong family orientations and deep respect for their elders,” said Lambert. “Atoe displays these family qualities every day at work.” Although he has six brothers and five sisters in the U.S., Atoe said that his childhood memories of living close to nature help him to stay strong. “I miss the isolation. I go to my beach house and have absolute privacy with no visible neighbors. I visit my parents and one sister back home and I don’t have to worry about trespassing. That is my escape,” said Atoe. Despite being only 16 years of age at the time, Atoe was well received by his entire village during his welcoming ceremony because of the way he led them and earned the family title of “Moliga,” a position for the entire Western district of the island, which was held by an elder for 50 consecutive years. Upon graduating from Leone High School in 2004, he returned to the U.S. at 18 and completed two years of computer science at Portland State University before joining the Navy in August 2009. He has been assigned to Lincoln for almost five years. Considering the stereotype that paints indigenous cultures as primitive, Atoe said that the navigational techniques used by his people would baffle the average person without a smart phone in their hands. “During my training, I learned how to explore and fish using the moon and the North Star to navigate,” said Atoe. “My father and the elders were much more advanced, so they also used Orion’s Belt and all the celestial landmarks.” Atoe’s technical expertise became wellknown during the 2011-2012 deployment when
the ship’s aft steering alarms went off. Despite being a junior Sailor, Atoe held his composure to troubleshoot and restore the equipment quickly. “He is now the lead technician in our division and is accountable for all repair work to interior communications equipment,” said Lambert. “Sailors come to him for technical advice because they know he will lead them in the right direction and teach them hands-on. He carries the demeanor of a natural leader.” Atoe explained how his leadership has been developed through the Samoan culture of strict discipline, respect, hard work and dependability, which mirrors the values of being a good Sailor. His cousin fills his position as a proxy until he is back on Samoan soil. Atoe said that many American Samoans, who are American citizens, enlist in the Samoan army, which is actually an extension of the U.S. Army reserves, to tap into the opportunities found in the military, and therefore are an essential asset to U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific region. “They are forced to earn the things most people take for granted, so they appreciate the importance of the role they play, either as leaders or subordinates, and how it corresponds to mission readiness,” said Lambert.
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A Week With Lincoln
Photo by MC3 Wesley T. Buckett
Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson
Photo by MCSN Robert Ferrone
Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas
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Lincoln Sailors Honored By Norfolk Admirals
Story and Photos By MC3 Brenton Poyser
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) watched the Norfolk Admirals knock off the Hershey Bears 5-3 during an American Hockey League game at the Norfolk Scope Arena, April 16. Lincoln’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Karl Thomas, alongside Lincoln Command Leadership Award winner, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Glenn Walter, dropped the puck to kick off the game. “Dropping the puck was a great, and humbling experience,” said Thomas. “You don’t realize that you’re standing in front of so many people in the middle of the arena, you just hope you don’t slip and fall on the ice.” More than 150 Sailors came out to the event organized by Lincoln’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team. “It’s great that we have an MWR program for our Sailors due to the fact that the work we do is very hard
and the environment we work in is challenging. Events like this are a great way to unwind,” said Thomas. “They allow our Sailors the oppourtunity to get out and enjoy the camaraderie that will build better teamwork resulting in success in the workplace.” Lincoln’s color guard presented the American flag before the game, and Airman Apprentice Aaron Clark sang the national anthem during the pre-game ceremony. “It was a little nerve-racking, but once I started singing the butterflies went away,” said Clark. “I was very proud to represent the Lincoln and my fellow shipmates. This will make a great memory!” Sailors can look forward to MWR providing more opportunities to attend similar events throughout the year. “It was great to represent the Abraham Lincoln and its outstanding crew,” said Thomas. “It was great to see the crowd give recognition to Lincoln Sailors to show they appreciate what we do.”
Lincoln Sailors Assists Tastefully Yours Setup Story and Photos By MC3 Jontiel Johnson
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) volunteered at the Hampton Convention Center in preparation for a local fundraising event, April 16. Lt. Stephen Haggard, Lincoln Air Department V-4 division officer, found out about Tastefully Yours while volunteering at the event’s sponsor, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “We first heard of Tastefully Yours through representatives of the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank,” said Haggard. “They needed help with the setup process, so I thought it would be a good way to help the community.” Lincoln Sailors helped set up soft drink stations, booths, tables and even manicured the indoor garden. “It’s not just an opportunity to get off the ship, it’s also an opportunity to help people less fortunate,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Brandon
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Harrison, one of the volunteers from Lincoln. Tastefully Yours combines the experience of helping the community with an opportunity to experience the local flavor of Virginia. The event features food from over 35 local restaurants with live music, photo booths and funny-money gaming tables.
“This is our largest event of the year, so it can get hectic when it comes to organization and setup,” said Michele Benson-Howell, chief development officer for the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. “We really appreciate Lincoln helping out. You guys are awesome for all the work you do.” Benson-Howell went on to describe the importance of Tastefully Yours. “The purpose of this event is to raise funds for us to continue our multitude of programs that provide hunger relief across the Peninsula,” said BensonHowell. “It’s a lot of fun and is a great relief to the community as well.” Haggard said he thinks it’s important for Lincoln Sailors to help with setting up for the event. “We’re just here to help any way we can,” said Haggard. “Whatever they need us to do, we’ll be more than happy to oblige.” The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank is a community relations organization geared at fighting hunger in all Virginia areas. It hosts a variety of events to acquire, store and distribute food to charitable agencies that directly help the needy. Since its inception in 1986, Foodbank has distributed nearly 131 million pounds of food to families in the Virginia area.
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‘Iron Gator’ Underway for First Time in Nearly 2 Years By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph Ebalo, USS Essex Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Naval Base San Diego April 28 for the first time in almost two years to conduct sea trials after completion of a historic 20-month Dry-Dock Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA). The “Iron Gator” received more than $200 million worth of DPMA related repairs and upgrades including complete overhauls on the flight deck, boilers, communication systems and the hull. “It’s great to be underway again,” said Capt. Joker Jenkins, Essex’s commanding officer. “This is our first big step for Essex in 2014 - getting underway. Thank you for all your hard work.” Jenkins emphasized the importance of safety and situational awareness while underway. He also praised the efforts and contributions of each department, especially the ship’s engineers. “Thank you for working through the weekends and for keeping our plant up to speed,” Jenkins told the crew. “I appreciate what you’ve done to get the last couple of things taken care of to get the ship back up and running.” Sailors from the repair, electrical, auxiliary and main propulsion divisions worked around the clock for more than
140425-M-VU249-078 DJIBOUTI (April 25, 2014) Landing support Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), await a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter for a helicopter supply transfer during a U.S.-France bilateral exercise. The 22nd MEU is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alisa J. Helin (Released)
two weeks in order to ensure the ships boilers were functioning properly prior to leaving the pier. In addition, calibration technicians from the aviation intermediate maintenance department and interior communications electricians from the combat systems department worked hand in hand with the engineers to test and evaluate the equipment. “There is no greater satisfaction for an engineer than to make turns on time while out to sea,” said Chief Warrant Officer Torrence Morgan, Essex’s underway engineering officer of the watch. “We had a nearly flawless underway evolution this morning and I’m extremely proud of everyone involved.” For some of Essex’s more seasoned Sailors, getting underway was a long time coming. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Nicholas Rhodes, who stands the lee helm, and Quartermaster 3rd Class Kyle Hill, the master helm, were both on board prior to the DPMA period and said they couldn’t wait to get back out to sea. “It put a smile on my face to finally leave the pier again,” said Rhodes. “Now we can do training with our folks that have never been out to sea and help them get the qualifications they need. This is the beginning of something great for our crew.”
140426-N-KE519-031 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 26, 2014) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Bernard Boling signals to Sailors as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189). Donald Cook, the first of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to be forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is serving on a scheduled patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the president’s European phased adaptive approach to ballistic missile defense in Europe. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Edward Guttierrez III (Released)
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THE PENNY PRESS
Story and photo by MC3 Christina Naranjo