U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
Lincoln Arrives in Los Angeles for Navy Week From USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs
U
SS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and three other U.S. Navy ships arrived in Los Angeles, the week of Jul. 25, where several thousand Sailors visited the city and surrounding areas as part of L.A. Navy Week 2011. Navy Week was an opportunity for the officers and crew of the visiting ships to help the Navy showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens. Lincoln’s participation in L.A. Navy Week demonstrated to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an effective and vital tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women. The Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to showcase for Americans the investments they have made toward their national defense. Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, said the visiting ships and personnel were eager to interact with the people of Southern California. “We’re excited to be here in Los Angeles to participate in Navy Week exercises,” Shoemaker said. “We’re looking forward to showing the people here how much pride we have in our Navy and what we do in defense of our country.” Shoemaker said the visit to L.A. highlighted two complementary aspects that make the United States great. “The L.A.-Long Beach port is one of the biggest in the world. It’s an incredibly important part of America’s economy, and the Navy ensures sea lanes remain secure, open and free for trade and travel.” While in Los Angeles, Sailors contributed to the local economy by taking part in a variety of Southern California
activities, from attending an L.A. Dodgers baseball game to visiting the L.A. Zoo and Knott’s Berry Farm. In addition to having fun and enjoying the California sunshine, Lincoln Sailors also donated their time participating in community relations projects. They built homes for local residents in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity, helped restore the historic Rancho Los Alamitos park and helped feed the homeless at St. Francis Center. Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer, said he knew Lincoln Sailors would make a favorable impression on the people of L.A. “We have some incredibly talented and hard-working personnel serving aboard this ship,” Alexander said. “Every day, our Sailors positively contribute to the American way of life by serving in this great organization. No matter how remarkable the people of Southern California find our ships, they’ll be even more impressed by the pride and professionalism of our people.” Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 were Lincoln, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 31, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods ahead of a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary Hunt
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Seth Clarke
Los Angeles Tours the Ship
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Seth Clarke
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
to
live & fry
LA
in
Abe All-Stars Take Down Fancy Chef’s School Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano
F
our Culinary Specialists assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) competed against students from the Los Angeles Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in a breakfast-themed cooking contest held on board, July 26, and broadcast live on “Good Day L.A.” as one of the first events of L.A. Navy Week 2011.
“I couldn’t have picked a better team for this event,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jonathan Yates, the Lincoln team leader and a native of Greenville, North Carolina. “They’re all great chefs, and that’s important because in our world there’s a big difference between cooks and chefs.” Each team was instructed to plan and prepare a breakfast menu to be judged by three randomly
selected Sailors. Yates, as well as Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy Nguyen, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) William Felix, Culinary Specialist Seaman Adrian Flanery and Culinary Specialist Seaman Jeremy Pierre were voted the winners of the cook-off by a panel of their shipmates. “Cooking has always been a tradition in my family,” said Pierre, a native of New Orleans. “We’re
here today in our house, we couldn’t let ourselves lose.” “It’s a real pleasure to be here,” said Le Cordon Bleu Chef Instructor Michael Shane, himself a prior enlisted Mess Specialist 2nd Class. “Our guys cook the same way as these [Navy] guys. There is definitely a chain of command in the kitchen; it’s really the same job.”
The challenge was broadcast live from the ship’s galley as part of the daily “Good Day L.A.” news program. “This is the biggest cooking challenge I’ve ever been in,” said Yates. “We’re cooking against an actual culinary school, and a great school at that.” “It’s a great experience to come here and meet new people,” said
Salvadore Alvarez Jr., a Le Cordon Bleu student chef. “This has been so much fun.” “Bring on Bobby Flay,” said Yates. “I’m ready to throw down!” The winning menu consisted of spinach and feta cheese omelet, cheese and bacon breakfast potatoes, steak, a peach tart and orange/ pineapple juice.
Lincoln Lends a Hand From USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs
D
ozens of Navy Sailors in Los Angeles for L.A. Navy Week 2011 worked as volunteers with Habitat for Humanity to make two families’ dreams of living in safe, affordable housing come true, July 26 and 27. Wielding hammers, saws, trowels and drills, 25 Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4) put in one long day of work in Lawndale, Calif., July 26. The next day, 15 priorenlisted Sailors turned officers, or “Mustangs,” from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) gave up a day of their free time to work on the project. One of the homes is being built for local resident and pre-school teacher Candy Royce, her three adopted children and her mother Dawn Royce, who were selected to become the new homeowners from a list of 144 candidates. She was very optimistic about the participation by the Sailors and their teamwork with Habitat for Humanity. “I think it’s awesome how much work is being accomplished,” she said. “It’s unbelievable that these men and women go out to defend the country, and now they’re helping us right here in our own backyard!” Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for people in need, was established to help eliminate homelessness throughout the United States. In the city of Lawndale, a small community in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, Habitat for Humanity Senior Director of Communications
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
& Marketing Jo-An Turman has been very active with the building site where Lincoln Sailors worked throughout the week. “We were truly blessed with the arrival of these Sailors and that they chose to build here with Habitat for Humanity.” said Turman. “This is a
perfect example of volunteer work being used to create affordable, sustainable decent housing for every human being. Everyone deserves a place to live.” Erin Hale, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A., thanked the Sailors for their
to
Help the Southland
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary Hunt
U.S. Navy photo by MA2 Joshua A. Rich
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin
skill and professionalism in working alongside her team building two new homes. “We’re very excited that the Navy’s out here because we know that not only have these Sailors given tremendous service to our nation, they’ve also done a lot of service
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Jose Lopez, Jr.
and humanitarian aid while they’re out at sea,” she said. “The fact that while they’re here in Los Angeles at the port, they’re spending time with Habitat for Humanity means so, so much to us.” Royce, whose family is scheduled to move into one of the homes by
Thanksgiving, said she was honored to have Navy volunteers help build her new home and encouraged Sailors to leave hand-written messages on the unfinished walls. Although the notes will eventually be covered with drywall, Royce is collecting photographs of the faces and writings of everyone who has worked on her home. “Almost everyone writes messages on the walls,” she said. “They have some funny things that they say and some very sincere things. And I can say this house was built with love.” With instruction from regular Habitat for Humanity volunteers known as “Rusty Nails,” Sailors framed porches, built stairs, added trusses, put stucco on walls and performed electrical work. Lincoln Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Rockie Johnson enjoyed the chance to make a difference in the community. “We’re helping good people out here, a good family,” he said. “I wasn’t too fortunate before coming in, and to give to someone else that’s not, it just feels fulfilling.” During Navy Week, Sailors also lent a hand at the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens to help renovate its vast landscape. Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens is a non-profit organization and is a historical landmark in the extended community of Los Angeles County. Still more Sailors volunteered their time at the St. Francis Center for the homeless in Los Angeles, where they helped stock, sort and pass out groceries.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
Navy’s No. 2 Visits Abe in LA By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano
V
ice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert addressed a crowd of military and civilian guests during a reception held aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as part of Los Angeles Navy Week 2011, July 29. “These Navy weeks are very important,” said Greenert. “It’s important to bring Sailors to the city, to bring what we do back home to the U.S. because we’re the away team.” Other guests included Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce David Mills, Deputy Commander, Naval U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Luciano Marano
Surface Forces Rear Adm. Michael Shatynski and former Boatswain’s Mate Lyle Umenhoffer, a surviving crew member of USS Indianapolis (CA 35). Also in attendance were representatives from several other nations including Brazil, Vietnam, New Zealand, China and Japan. “This is an opportunity for you to see the Navy, not just the hardware but also the heart,” said Capt. John Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer. “I encourage you to meet the Sailors, either here tonight or out on the street.” Greenert said it was important to visit with the men and women of Lincoln. “It’s been a great experience to come here and hang out with the Sailors,” he said. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Luciano Marano
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Luciano Marano
Strike Group Sailors Visit VA, Children’s Hospitals By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kirk Putnam
R
ear Adm. Troy “Mike” Shoemaker, commander, Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, joined other USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and strike group personnel for a pair of visits to L.A.-area hospitals while the ship was in the city for L.A. Navy Week 2011. Shoemaker and Lincoln Sailors gave Navy ball caps and memorabilia to children as part of a Caps for Kids event at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, July 26. Shoemaker also visited the Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Hospital, July 28. Nationwide, the Navy’s Caps for Kids program aims to provide command ball caps to lift the spirits of children diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for cancer as well as those receiving chemotherapy to treat other lifethreatening illnesses. “You could see it in the children’s faces,” said Children’s Hospital Special Programs Coordinator Amber
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
Ayala. “Having new visitors come by really brightens up their day. It’s always great to have new faces. It was great to see their reactions when the Sailors walked in.” Caps for Kids became a national outreach effort in 2000. Navy personnel at more than 500 commands, including ships, submarines and squadrons, currently participate in the program. “Going to the hospital gave us a bigger perspective of life outside the Navy’s day-to-day operation,” said Lincoln Command Master Chief Susan Whitman. “I loved being able to color and play shuffleboard with the kids and put smiles on their faces. It was a great time. I just wish they could come see us on the ship. Hopefully we still brought a little bit of the Navy to them.” Shoemaker said the visit was a great opportunity for Sailors to visit and share their time with these wonderful kids. “We are blessed in our lives for this unique opportunity while we are here,” he said.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
t he h g i N A ith t w
larke Seth C 1 C M by Photos
U.S. N
oto by
avy ph
M C3 J
i Cellin immy
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Seth Clarke U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Seth Clarke
Lincoln Goes (Yacht) Clubbing
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Dollar
S
ailors from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in a couple of yacht club events as part of Los Angeles Navy Week 2011, July 27 and 28. The boating began with “Wet Wednesday Racers” at the Cabrillo Yacht Club in San Pedro, Calif., July 27. Four- and eight-member crews comprised of yacht club members and 25 Sailors raced a variety of sailboats on a three nautical-mile track around Cabrillo Bay. Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Amy Fulton said her first time aboard a sailboat was a thrilling adventure. “I had a great time,” Fulton said. “We got to pull in and pull out the sail and man the helm. Sailing is something that I’ve always wanted to do.” Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jeffrey Mericle, who was also sailing for the first time, said he found sailboat operations to be more complex and fun than he expected.
“I’ve never been sailing before,” Mericle said. “It was an interesting experience; it’s a lot of having to know what to do and when to do it. I can’t wait to go sailing again.” Members of the yacht club hosted Sailors at a barbecue at their clubhouse after the races to thank them for serving their nation. “We believe those who wear a uniform and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our way of life deserve special thanks,” said Carol Sharp, a yacht club member. “We wanted to do something special for our Sailors during Navy Week to show our appreciation.” The following evening, the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey hosted Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer, and several other Sailors at a dinner event at which Alexander was the invited guest speaker. Alexander spoke to the crowd about the importance of maintaining naval strength in changing times.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Mason Campbell
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by SN Dagan Alexander U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by SN Dagan Alexander
Sailors Go Downtown, Disney Style By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee
T
he happiest place on earth got a little happier when Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited Downtown Disney as part of L.A. Navy Week 2011, July 27. While there, the Sailors shopped for souvenirs, met supportive locals and tourists and enjoyed a performance by the Bluejackets Brass Band of Navy Band Southwest. They also ate at local hotspots such as the House of Blues and listened to other local bands playing in the area. The visit to Downtown Disney also gave Angelinos the chance to thank Sailors for their service. The Sailors, in turn, thanked many civilians for the expressions of appreciation and patriotism. “I think it’s great that the Sailors are out here and having some well-deserved relaxation and fun,” said Walter Prescott, a civilian Los Angelino who appreciated the Sailors’ presence. “I am so thankful for their service and hope they enjoy their time in the city.”
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
The band, from Navy Region Southwest, performed songs in support of L.A. Navy Week at Downtown Disney, the Hollywood and Highland shopping center and Dodger Stadium. “I love performing during Navy Weeks because it gives us an opportunity to bring something to civilians, as well as to those who have friends and family in the service,” said Musician 2nd Class Heather Downing, who plays the baritone saxophone and the piccolo
and sings for the band. “It’s even better when we boost morale for other Sailors. Performing is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our shipmates.” C r y p t o l o g i c Te c h n i c i a n (Technical) 1st Class Darryl Hitchcock said he thought the performance was a perfect addition to the evening. “The band was great, and I had a really great time,” Hitchcock said. “We’re in a great place with great people, celebrating together.”
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary Hunt
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary Hunt
U.S. Navy photo by AN Zumy Hoyt
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Zachary Welch
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Hooyah! Lincoln Sailors Enjoy a Day at the L.A. Zoo By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Zachary Welch
M
ore than 200 Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) toured the Los Angeles Zoo, July 29, for Navy Week. Sailors participated in several educational activities, visited a small petting zoo, attended a performance by the the Bluejackets Brass Band of Navy Band Southwest, rode virtual reality rides, and saw engineering and mathematics displays. A few had their faces painted with animal designs. The event also gave area residents an opportunity to meet Lincoln Sailors and welcome them to Los Angeles. “The reception we received was awesome,” said Philadelphia native Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David Harris. “The feeling of support you get when people come up and say ‘thank you’ feels great. It’s definitely a morale booster.” Hospitalman Jojuan Lee, a native of Detroit, said speaking to the people of Southern California made him feel proud to serve.
“After talking to a couple of locals here at the zoo, I began to walk around with my head held high and a smile on my face,” he said. “It gave me the confidence and the guts to see some of the scarier animals, like the gorillas and tigers.” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Recruit Kenneth Gilliam, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., said the best part of the day was the gorilla exhibit. “One word: gorillas,” Gilliam said. “As soon as we showed up to the exhibit, it was a show. We started clapping, they started clapping. We would wave, they would wave. Right as we were getting ready to go, one even swung down to the glass where we were standing. I guess he just wanted to say ‘hi.’ They were awesome.” Lee said he saw plenty of zoo animals that he found amazing. “They were jaw dropping,” he said. “I saw condors, eagles, elephants, tigers and animals I’ve never seen before. The zoo did not disappoint.”