Photos and information by SN Gregory Harden
Know Your Shipmate
AN Helena Gause S-8 Division
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irman Helena Gause arrived aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in October 2009. The 26-year-old Sailor, from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., joined the Navy because she wanted to find a job that she could be passionate about. “I chose to serve in the Navy in order to travel, which I’ve done a lot,” said Gause. “Also, I joined to ensure a successful future for myself.” Gause currently works in Lincoln’s Supply department in the Material Support Package (MSP) office. She is responsible for providing materials to meet customer requirements while managing an accurate item inventory. “When it comes to my job, the one thing I appreciate the most is the chain of command that I work with,” she said. “Supply pushes me and other Sailors toward success and always provides assistance if we ever come across a road block.” Recently striking into the rate of hospital corpsman, Gause received orders to attend “A” School in San Antonio. “Hopefully, after schooling, I’ll receive a shore duty billet and advance in rank,” said Gause. “To all of those undesignated Sailors: find a rate and go for it with all you have. Don’t lose motivation or sight of why we serve our country!”
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Stephen Doyle
Lincoln Embarks for COMPTUEX Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Benjamin Liston
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he aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) departed San Diego, Sept. 20, for a three-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of California. Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, and guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) will use COMPTUEX to evaluate the strike group’s operational readiness. To certify the strike group ready for operations at sea, training personnel will assess the integration of all CSG 9 units, including air, strike, information, surface and anti-submarine warfare assets. “COMPTUEX will mark the first and only time during the strike group’s current Fleet Response Training Plan cycle that all elements of the strike group will operate together,” said Commander, CSG 9, Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker. “The key to a successful exercise will be working together as a team, as well as our disciplined execution of the very busy schedule of events over the next three weeks,” Shoemaker said. “The men and women of this strike group have worked extremely well together during all of our pre-exercise training, and I look forward to building upon those important
relationships during this at-sea period,” Shoemaker said. “I’m confident the crews will excel in every phase of this readiness training.” The units in CSG 9 will be tested in all aspects of warfare training, including flight operations and air and surface defense of the strike group. Each part of CSG 9 will be evaluated on specific missions that they will be expected to execute on deployment. COMPTUEX is the final phase of training for Lincoln prior to the ship’s scheduled change of homeport deployment later this year. The exercises are designed to ensure the various strike group elements are fully operational and ready to work as a coordinated unit for the deployment and the transition to Virginia. Lincoln Commanding Officer Capt. John Alexander said the exercise will prepare the ship for deployment by getting the crew up to speed before she leaves her current homeport of Everett, Wash., for a scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in-port maintenance period in Newport News, Va. “This is the finest warship in the fleet, and our Sailors are true professionals in every sense. They execute their jobs with dedication and commitment every day,” Alexander said. “COMPTUEX just gives us a chance to sharpen our skills before the big deployment.”
Ship’s Sinervicemen : the barbershop Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Randolph
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he space is clean, cold and well-lit with comfortable sofastyle seating and mirror-paneled walls covering half of the rectangular room. Adjacent to the customer seating area is a wall rack filled with various magazines in genres ranging from health and fitness to fashion and glamor. A television plays in the background while the electric whirr of hair clippers fills the room. Enter USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) enlisted barbershop. Serving Abe’s crew of more than 4,500 Sailors, the enlisted barbershop is central to Lincoln’s haircutting needs. It is here that a Sailor comes to complete a neat and squared -away appearance while building the traditional rapport that can only be found between barber and customer. Armed with clips, clippers and combs, Lincoln’s adept barbers wrestle mounds of hair throughout the day to keep Abe Sailors up to standards. Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Keyshawn Coats, a supervisor and one of four barbers in the shop, said the ship’s Sailors keep them constantly busy. “When the ship is in port, we give around 10 haircuts a day, but when we’re out to sea with the full air wing on board, that number changes to a minimum of 60 haircuts a day,” Coats said. During these times, Coats said the ship’s barbers all aim to finish a haircuts in 20 minutes or less. With so many needs of hair to trim, the barbershop personnel take every measure to make sure the work space and equipment are kept clean and sanitized. Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jacquelyn Bouie makes
sure the shop remains tidy. She said they follow sanitation standards by spraying disinfectant on all open surfaces and using hand sanitizer. The equipment is all submerged in barbicide as well. Because heat breeds bacteria, the barbershop is kept cold at all times to discourage the incubation and spread of germs. “Sanitation is extremely important in here, so it always has to be cold and ventilated, otherwise we can’t cut hair,” Bouie said. Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Renea Porter said that although the work space is cold, it’s also a perk of the job. “The air conditioning is great to have, especially when it’s hot everywhere else on the ship,” she said. Sanitation in place and cool air blowing, the barbers continue cutting, tapering, trimming and fading throughout the day. Porter said that among the many different styles offered by the barbershop, the “high and tight” is preferred by many Sailors. “The high and tight is the most common haircut that Sailors ask for followed by the taper fade,” Porter said. Because Sailors depend on the services provided by the barbershop, each barber has a faithful customer base. “We build relationships in the barbershop. Everybody that has worked here for a while knows that, and most have a few customers that they know very well,” Porter said. The track record of these barbers is obvious from one look in the green “record book,” which is filled with prideswelling comments such as “Excellent!” “Outstanding!” and “Superb!”
Welcome To The Chief’s Mess Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kirk Putnam
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uring the 19th century, leadership in the Navy was determined by the commanding officer or was appointed based on a Sailor’s priority of rating and the placement of his name in the ship’s book. On April 1, 1893, the Navy created the rank of chief petty officer (CPO), beginning a venerable tradition of respect and leadership. Since then, the legendary Chiefs’ Mess has been a guiding force for Navy enlisted service members. It grows every year when more Sailors are chosen from among those wearing crows to put on anchors. Six weeks ago, USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) selectees began learning about what it means to be a chief. During a pinning ceremony aboard the ship, Sept. 16, 17 chief selectees, chosen from hundreds of board-eligible first class petty officers, donned a chief’s uniform for the first time. “It feels great. Becoming a chief is the most important accomplishment anyone can have in their naval career,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Carlos Siguenza of Engineering department’s Auxiliaries division. “It’s something every Sailor should look forward to. Nothing feels more satisfying.” Earning the rank of chief is a tremendous achievement for any Sailor, and the pinning of anchors is a special Navy tradition.
The ceremony signifies a chief’s new position of leadership and responsibility in the Navy and beyond. Earning the rank of chief means being a chief for life, requiring a constant effort and a vigilant eye on the people for whom they are responsible. Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Edward Thompson said next year’s class of chiefs are already on board, demonstrating the qualities that will lead to their selection. “Keep your head up,” Thompson said. “Keep doing the right thing. Mold your Sailors. Be good to them, and they’ll be good to you.” Once the chiefs received their anchors and covers from their brothers and sisters in the mess, they passed through side boys and were officially piped aboard as chiefs in the U.S. Navy. “It’s an incredible honor and an incredible responsibility. It’s a privilege to be able to take care of our Sailors and support the Navy’s mission,” said Chief Electronics Technician Jason Buonomo. After the ceremony, fellow Lincoln chiefs, officers and crew members had the opportunity to congratulate the new chiefs and to thank them for their efforts in making the Navy the best it can be.
Badass Sailors Through History VI: The Sharkman of the Delta
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Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano and Mass Communication 3rd Class Jimmy Cellini
he Badass Sailor series celebrates its triumphant return to print with a petrifying profile of one of the most controversial badass Sailors of all time. This is the story of a man too cool for any one nickname, a man you will literally never be as good as: Richard Marcinko (a.k.a. Rogue Warrior, The Geek, Shark Man of the Delta, Demo Dick). Ironically enough, the man who would become one of the most renowned killing machines on the planet started his naval career as a teletype operator at some cushy desk job in 1958 in Naples, Italy. Apparently, the lack of life-threatening obstacles associated with the position left something to be desired in Marcinko, who literally fought his way into Underwater Demolition School (UDS). For those who don’t know, UDS was the precursor to the special warfare training school known as BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL) today. As punishment for his fighting and disruptive ways, Marcinko was sent to the program in the hope it might put him in his place. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on who you ask), he excelled. Fast forward to 1967. Following a successful few years in the special warfare community and having earned a degree in international relations, Marcinko was commissioned and sent to Vietnam for his first command tour (much to the chagrin of the Viet Cong). While there, he led his men on a daring raid on Ilo-ilo Island, where they killed numerous of Viet Cong (literally) and destroyed numerous enemy assets. Having filled his butt-kicking quota for a while, Marcinko took some time off stateside. He would return just in time for the Tet Offensive, which you can imagine only made him angrier. Apparently deciding that the Army Special Forces were not performing up to his standards, Marcinko took SEAL Team 2 and headed into Chau Doc, smack dab into the middle of an urban street battle straight out
of Modern Warfare. Marcinko and his SEALS, doing what any other red-blooded American men would do, and proceeded to promptly rescue a group of American nurses stranded in the city’s hospital. Overall, his time in Vietnam would lead to 34 separate citations for valor and heroism, a theme that would continue for the rest of his career. Eventually, they just stopped giving him medals when he ran out of room on his uniform. By now, it was clear to the powers that be that Marcinko was a force to be reckoned with. After the Iran hostage debacle in 1979, he was asked to personally design and develop a full-time counterterrorism team, the first of its kind. Comprised of elite members from throughout the special warfare community, the team would go on to kick ass in Grenada, defuse some
hijacking situations, kick more ass in Somalia and, oh yeah, kill Osama Bin Laden. That’s right, he founded SEAL Team 6. True story: there were never actually six SEAL teams, and at the time there were only three. Marcinko deliberately named his team 6 to confuse America’s enemies and make them believe we had two more teams they were unaware of. That, and he just liked messing with Russians. It was the Cold War and the ‘80s, who didn’t? After commanding SEAL Team 6 for three years, Marcinko was tasked by the deputy chief of naval operations with the design of a new unit built to test the Navy’s vulnerability to terrorism. This team, unofficially known as Red Cell, worked undercover as terrorist
agents and attempted to gain access to naval bases, nuclear facilities, embassies and ships. Again, Marcinko did better than expected. He successfully infiltrated numerous bases and submarines, acquired top security nuclear launch codes and even got aboard Air Force One. He was somehow able to disappear after each incident and pretty much did whatever he wanted for the next few years. He retired in 1988, capping off 30 years of badass naval service. That, however, was just the beginning. Apparently, the Red Cell shenanigans embarrassed some higher ups, and they threw some shady misappropriation-of-funds charges at him. He spent a year in jail, where he finally had a chance to relax. Upon his release, he promptly defied all expectations and wrote a book. “Rogue Warrior” was a chart-topping best seller detailing the exploits of his unbelievable military career. He went on to write many more books, some nonfiction and a successful fictional series about the adventures of a team of special warfare commandos. These were adapted to a video game, starring legendary screen badass Mickey Rourke as the voice of Marcinko. He is currently CEO of Red Cell International, a private security firm, as well as a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He also consulted on the hit TV series “24.” Somehow, while doing all this, he found time to be a husband and a father of six, as well as an accomplished chef. Over his illustrious career, Marcinko was awarded a Silver Star, a Legion of Merit, four Bronze Stars with Valor devices and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, among many awards. Although mired in controversy toward the end, Marcinko’s career stands as a shining example of what one man can accomplish through sheer power of will and a ceaseless desire to better himself. Even today, at the ripe old age of 70, he is a physically and mentally imposing figure easily capable of beating up anybody we’ve heard of up to and including Chuck Norris (don’t hurt us, Chuck). Seriously, don’t look at his photo too long.
Lincoln Conducts Force Protection Exercises Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee
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ailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducted multiple force protection exercises, hosted by U.S. 3rd Fleet’s Force Protection Certification Team, while the ship was in port at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Sept. 20. The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate to the ship’s crew that Lincoln’s Security Force maintains adequate training, knowledge and the ability to defend the ship from any threat such as ship penetration and operational security (OPSEC) violations. “We’re focusing on overseeing the strike group’s capabilities in command and control situations. We look at how quickly all forces involved react and adapt to an unsafe situation and how the ship communicates with itself and other ships in the strike group,” explained Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Frank Lewandowski, U.S. 3rd Fleet’s N34 anti-terrorism deputy. “We need to make sure the strike group is able to protect itself in foreign seas and ports during its upcoming deployment.” Lincoln’s Anti-terrorism Training Team (ATTT) has conducted force protection training for these particular exercises quarterly since 2008, sustaining multiple scenarios such as a slow flyer, personnel and vehicle inspections and handling improvised explosive devices. “We haven’t wasted any time in training our guys,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Victor Arroyos, who has been an ATTT member for two years. “We have a good crew, and
they’ve all been working hard to show everyone what they are capable of.” One event was simulated with a car explosion and personnel in costumes and makeup. Chief Master-at-Arms Michael Mathis, of Lincoln’s Security Force, said that the realistic scenario provided a more hands-on experience that ensured the safety of the ship. “We can only train and assimilate so much with lectures, presentations and props,” said Mathis, a native of Dededo, Guam. “The introduction to the special effects and the realistic equipment only help prepare the Security Force. The scenario prepared them for the shock of similar situations so they can quickly react when there is any kind of threat to the ship.” Although the exercises were a simulation for Lincoln’s Security Force, Mathis said the success was the result of the efforts of the entire crew. “We couldn’t have done so well during the exercise if it weren’t for departments such as Medical, Engineering, Air, Weapons and Deck,” said Mathis. “The safety of the ship is a team effort; it needs everyone’s help.” “The successful completion of the exercises proved to the fleet and crew that Lincoln is all set in preparation for its upcoming deployment,” Mathis added. “This exercise really helped Sailors become more aware of their situation,” said Mathis. “OPSEC must be taken very seriously ito protect ship’s safety. We are a prepared crew , and we’re ready to respond.”
U.S. Navy Photo by MCC Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst
Briefly Graduate Opportunities Available for Officers
CNO Announces DADT Repeal
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
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hief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, announced to the Fleet Sept. 20 repeal of the 18-year old statute known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members to begin serving openly. NAVADMIN 271/11 is the 15th message in a series informing leadership and Sailors as the Navy moved through planning and training towards the repeal. In this message, CNO explained to the Fleet how this significant policy change will be effectively implemented through command leadership and adherence to Navy’s core values. “I have been impressed with our training, detailed preparation, demonstrated professionalism, and decency of our Navy as we prepared for repeal. You have supported the process admirably and treated all your shipmates with dignity and respect. Thank you for how you have conducted this transition,” said Roughead. “I know your superb professionalism will continue in the post repeal environment as our Navy continues to be a positive, inclusive environment for all.”
Immediately following that message NAVADMIN 272/11, offered further policy guidance regarding the repeal. The message explained that sexual orientation or lawful acts of homosexual conduct will not be considered as a bar to military service or admission to service academies, ROTC or any other accession program. The diversity of the force will remain a strength. Success of the Navy is enabled by the diversity of our Sailors, representing many different racial, religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds, and by the expectation that all Sailors will be treated with dignity and respect. Accordingly, there will be no changes regarding the exercise of religious beliefs. All Sailors, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to an environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent service members from rising to the highest level of responsibility possible. To learn more about the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” visit www. public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/ dadt/pages/default.aspx.
Naval officers unable to pursue full-time graduate studies have an additional education option with the FY-12 Graduate Education Voucher (GEV) program, announced Sept. 19. Detailed in Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 270/11, the GEV program offers eligible officers the opportunity to receive funded graduate education during off-duty hours. Through GEV, unrestricted line (URL) officers can apply to receive funding for Navy-relevant graduate education meeting the requirements of at least one subspecialty code as specified by the Navy Subspecialty System (NSS). Applicants select a regionally accredited school and choose a specific course of study meeting community subspecialty requirements. The plan is reviewed and approved for the Navy subspecialty code by the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). For additional information, visit the Navy College Program’s GEV Web page at: https://www.navycollege. n a v y. m i l / g e v / g e v _ h o m e . c f m . (source: navy.mil)
Academic Transcript Requests Online Active, Reserve, and separated Sailors will be able to order an official Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) online for delivery to academic institutions as of Oct. 1. Transcripts that have to be mailed are limited to two transcripts per 30-day period, whereas an unlimited amount can be ordered for schools that receive Web-only delivery. request. For more information about SMART, visit https:// smart.navy.mil. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www. navy.mil/local/cnet/. (source: navy.mil)