Know Your Shipmate
U.S. Navy photo and information byMCSN Gregory Harden
PS3 Hellen Streeter Admin Department/ Y-2 Division
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ersonnel Specialist 3rd Class Hellen Streeter arrived aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in August 2011 just before the ship’s scheduled Composite Training Unit Exercise. In 2006, Streeter moved to Detroit from Nairobi, Kenya. She went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree in international business management. Currently, Streeter is putting together a package for submission to Officer Candidate School (OCS). “I would really like to go into the supply community if I get accepted for OCS, since it is related to my college degree,” said Streeter. She works on the ship’s muster report and re-enlistment contracts and also charges used leave days in Lincoln’s Personnel office. “When it comes to my job, I really enjoy the people that I work with,” she said. “I also like being able to interact with my shipmates when I’m helping them with their concerns.” Streeter, a recently frocked petty officer 3rd class, was surprised when she heard she was being advanced because it was her first time taking the exam. “Everyone kept telling me that advancing off the exam for the first time would be impossible, but I kept studying,” she said. “I was very surprised when the results came out; I had an amazing sense of accomplishment due to my hard work.” Now walking the deck plates as a petty officer, Streeter looks to add surface and air warfare pins to her uniform during the ship’s deployment.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin
Lincoln Hosts United Through Reading Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sean Hillier
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nited Through Reading (UTR), a program that helps Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) keep in contact with their loved ones while out to sea by reading books on video for their loved ones
Duprey, one of Lincoln’s chaplains. Since the program was founded in 1989, United Through Reading has reached out to more than one million families. Apart from the emotional benefits, UTR works to build back home. children’s self esteem, improve vocabulary and language UTR is a nonprofit organization that seeks to unite skills to prepare for academic success, and develop children’s families facing physical separation issues caused by Sailors’ imaginations and their joy of reading. UTR promotes the deployment. belief that reading is a powerful tool for raising a child, and Lt. Cmdr. Howard Pryor II, a medical surgeon aboard works to instill the eagerness to read at an early age. Lincoln, said the program will allow him the opportunity to According to the Carnegie Corp. of New York, one in feel closer to his son while the ship is out to sea. three American kindergarteners arrive at school unprepared “Deployment can be really disruptive for children under to learn, and 25 percent of American high school graduates the age of six,” Pryor said. “The videos are completely read below the 8th grade level. confidential, so I plan on telling my son jokes and being as Sailors can sign up to participate by visiting the goofy as I normally am with him.” Lincoln’s SharePoint page under the CMD Programs tab. Filming takes place in the Lincoln Room. Sailors who The United Through Reading tab is on the left hand side wish to participate must check in with Religious Ministries under sites. Click on Shared Documents and then select the and sign up for a date and time. There is no limit to the most current excel document. Pick your time and book and number of times or books a Sailor may record. show up when your time comes. “It’s really special because these children will watch “All Lincoln Sailors with younger children should take their DVDs over and over like it’s their favorite Disney advantage of this,” said Pryor. “Not just for themselves, but movie, but instead it’s their mom or dad,” said Lt. David for their kids’ sake.”
M ail Call, Mail Call! R
ules to follow to ensure smooth mail delivery during the holidays
Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Josh Walters he holiday season is coming up, Lincoln lost. If you do send a valuable or breakable item, wrap it Sailors, and while being on deployment in bubble wrap, paper or newspaper. And if you insist on will keep you from enjoying them with sending liquids, put them in a ziplock bag so they don’t your family and friends back home, sending ruin someone else’s package.” and receiving mail will allow you to enjoy Solis also advises Sailors to fill the available space your holidays a little more. when packaging anything for shipping. Logistics Specialist Seaman Henry Solis said the “If the package isn’t filled, the box will get smashed most important thing for family members to get right when another box is set on top of it. The package on top when shipping a package to the ship is the proper address. of your package could break your things.” Ensure your loved ones include your department and While in port, mail usually takes approximately five division when addressing mail so your packages arrive to seven business days to arrive on the ship. Mail that is successfully. sent while the ship is underway can take up to two to three “The right address makes it easier for us to stick your weeks to arrive on board. mail in a box or a bag and give it to you,” said Solis. “That “When we’re in port, mail only has to go from point A way, we don’t have to take it downstairs, find you on the to point B,” said Solis. “When we’re at sea, the mail has to ship’s roster and then take it back upstairs. It saves a lot of go much further. Also, there is limited space in the aircraft man hours and helps you receive your package earlier.” that transfer mail. Supplies and parts take precedence, but Solis said Sailors should advise their family and we try to take advantage of all the space that is left to friends to be cautious when sending breakable or sharp us.” items, valuables or liquids. Don’t let being on a ship prevent you from enjoying “Sailors should also think twice before sending some the holidays. Sending and receiving mail to your family items home. We recommend that Sailors not ship valuable or friends can help you feel closer to them, so follow these or irreplaceable items,” said Solis. “Just wait until you guidelines to ensure successful delivery for the holidays get home.You don’t want to chance it breaking or getting and beyond.
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V-4 Brings on the Gas , Readies for Flight Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeremiah Mills
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ir Department’s V-4 division aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN72) took on three 50-gallon barrels of motorized gas, Nov. 29, as a pre-deployment requirement. Motorized gas (mo-gas) was the fuel of choice for equipment in the Navy prior to the introduction of JP-5, the current jet fuel standard. Used with decreasing frequency over time due to its volatile nature, mo-gas has been nearly entirely replaced by JP-5 aboard aircraft carriers. Though rarely used, mo-gas is still needed for emergency equipment such as the K-12 chop saw used by Air Department’s V-1 and V-2 divisions. The K-12 is used to sever arresting gear and aircraft parts in the event of emergencies on the flight deck. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) 1st Class Leonard Zaborowski, assigned to Air Department’s V-4 division, spearheaded the coordination of the mo-gas evolution. He said the evolution required the cooperation of all Air Department personnel. “It can become difficult to maintain fluid communication in one division sometimes, much less
between several division during an evolution such as this. But we pulled it together and got the job done in a way that made this event look fairly easy,” said Zaborowski. “From purchasing the gas to transporting it to the ship safely, it took teamwork to accomplish our mission.” Once the mo-gas was successfully craned onto the ship, Air Department personnel transported it to its own separate storage area where it was properly secured. The fuel is required to be kept on a jettison-capable sponson as a fire precaution. “Motorized gas can become very dangerous aboard an aircraft carrier because all it takes is a spark to ignite it. Fire safety is a very important precaution,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) 2nd Class Yolanda Morales. The mo-gas onload also served as a marker for when the ship would deploy, the evolution being one of the many requirements prior to departing. “The fact that we successfully completed this onload with no problem speaks to how serious we take safety and how important communication is during not only this evolution but evolutions to follow on this deployment,”said Morales. “If we keep up this momentum and teamwork, deployment will go smoothly.”
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Wesley T. Buckett
Lincoln Departs Everett for Deployment
Story by Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 Public Affairs
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arrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, embarked on its flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), along with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and USS Momsen (DDG 92), got underway Dec. 7 for the last time from Naval Station Everett for a scheduled routine deployment. The deployment will be to the western Pacific Command and Central Command areas of responsibility, culminating in Lincoln’s eventual change of homeport to Newport News, Va. CSG-9, Lincoln and Momsen will be joined by USS Sterett (DDG 104) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), both homeported in San Diego. Lincoln Strike Group will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts while deployed, both of which help establish conditions for regional stability. “Our Navy’s ability to be globally deployed provides a significant contribution to maritime security. Lincoln Strike Group is ready to respond across the globe in support of our nation’s global interests and as a force for peace and stability,” said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander Lincoln Strike Group. “We have only had one underway period as a full strike group since returning from our last deployment in March,” said Shoemaker. “But the team performed exceptionally well in all warfare areas and we are ready to go. We also had the opportunity to support a spirited LA Navy Week, conduct bilateral US-Japanese operations along with our Composite Unit Training Exercise certification, and operate along with USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during her pre-
deployment preparations. The Chief of Naval Operations, Commander, Third Fleet and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, along with many other dignitaries, visited Lincoln while we were in Los Angeles or underway for training.” The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed naval forces that support maritime security operations, Fleet Commander engagements and exercises with other coalition maritime forces in international waters around the globe. “The crew of this ship is excited, prepared and determined to make a difference in the world. They execute their jobs with dedication and commitment every day,” said Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer. “Abraham Lincoln will forever be tied to Everett and the Pacific Northwest,” Alexander said. “The city has been home for the ship and our families for some 15 years. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for the support this community has provided.” The Navy announced in December 2010 that USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will replace Lincoln in Everett upon completion of a docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Bremerton, Wash. Lincoln has been homeported at Naval Station Everett since January 1997. “I wish to thank all the people of Washington and the Everett area for their enormous efforts on our behalf throughout the years,” Alexander said. “They are all great Americans and are to be congratulated on their undying contributions to the Navy.”
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Gregory Harden
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jerine Lee U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Sean Hillier
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mason Campbell hen the ship pulls into San Diego, a and various modern idiosyncrasies. You wouldn’t expect the good way to spend your time (without Muppets to take themselves seriously, and they don’t. In this blowing all of your funds on a night on regard, the movie keeps it pretty real. the town, only to realize later how much money The film starts with the life of two brothers, Gary (Jason you don’t have the next morning) is to head to Segal) and Walter, who looks like a Muppet to the viewer the movie theater for a couple of hours. And luckily for you, but yearns to become one. Don’t struggle with the concept there are a couple of movies out now that are well worth your of a human and a Muppet sharing the same mother; it’s a time. Muppet movie--give ‘em a break. Walter is the focus of the Of these, I encourage you to move “The Muppets” to the story’s themes involving the questioning of one’s existence, top of your list. Instead of seeing another corny Christmas the power of fandom and the feeling of estrangement from action flick or whatever this year’s holiday spirit piece is, do society. At one point, Walter tries to jump through his TV yourself a favor and reconnect with America’s most beloved screen to join the Muppet Show to join his own kin. Since the puppets. Muppets are so far away, Walter strives to become their #1 fan It’s been about a decade since their last film came out (one while struggling in his own fabric skin within human society. I’m sure few remember) and Hollywood seems to be running Later on the timeline, Gary and his girlfriend Mary (Amy out of ideas, so a Muppets movie was overdue. Enough time Adams) travel to Los Angeles on a dream vacation and bring has passed to allow the franchise to feel fresh. As it turns out, Walter along. They come upon the old Muppet theater, which the adoration I felt for these characters as a child translates has fallen into disrepair. The old Muppet crew (Kermit, Piggy, pretty well in my adult life. Gonzo, etc.) have all gone their separate ways and have I don’t think anyone can dislike the Muppets. I’m sure long since lain to rest their old Muppet lives. To complicate just about everyone can recall a time in his or her life when things, Walter and Gary find out that an evil oil baron, Tex these felt-and-plastic animals entertained or affected him or Richman (Chris Cooper), plans to raze the theater for his own her in some way. The film is full of the innocent silliness and vile exploits, presenting the old Muppet crew with a grand good-heartedness you remember, and still plays like a modern challenge: come up with $10 million to save the theater. comedy. From then on, it’s a “get the band back together” plot in Using the original charm of Jim Henson’s creations and which Walter finds himself at the core of the process to rerelying on the massive nostalgia that comes to mind at the unite the Muppets and keep the show together, showcasing his mere mention of Muppets, this flick invites you to see it with extreme fandom to inspire the disenfranchised. your friends, even if you can’t go with your family. It’s neither It’s the same kind of musical format of previous Muppet vulgar nor too G-rated. Although there were times when the films, featuring more than a dozen songs, including the revisited humor falls flat, it’s only when intended (and Jack Black classic “Rainbow Connection.” And it’s very endearing to see was actually funny in this movie--when’s the last time that Kermit pick up the ol’ banjo once more. happened?) All in all, Muppet fans young and old will be quite pleased These are the same adorable creatures you remember with the reboot. It transitions seamlessly from the original accompanied by the script that constantly pokes fun at itself series to resonate with a modern audience.
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Briefly SECDEF’s Message to Pearl Harbor Survivors:
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kasey Krall
SECNAV Addresses ISS Delegation By Lt. John Ripley, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs
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Navy message released Nov. 22 announced revisions in special duty assignment pay (SDAP). NAVADMIN 356/11 lists updated SDAP levels for active-duty and Reserve component full-time support and qualified selected Reserve Sailors on active duty. Increases to existing SDAP levels are effective immediately and reductions are effective 60 days from release of NAVADMIN 356/11. Sailors whose SDAP will be eliminated will receive half of their previous SDAP entitlement for 12 months, or until the Sailor completes the tour, whichever comes first. The SDAP program is an incentive pay ranging from $75 to $450 a month used to entice qualified Sailors to serve in designated billets that are considered extremely difficult or entail arduous duty. Program levels change to reflect
the current environment associated with each billet and to sustain adequate manning levels. In order to qualify for SDAP, Sailors must be assigned to and working in a valid billet on the Command Manpower Authorization Listing. This billet must be authorized by the Bureau of Naval Personnel as a special duty assignment billet. Commands holding SDAP billets are required to complete an annual recertification. NAVADMIN 356/11 supersedes previously released SDAP rates. More than 25,000 Sailors currently receive SDAP. Sailors can read OPNAVINST 1160.6 and talk with their command career counselor to learn more about SDAP. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy. mil/local/npc/.
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta released a message to Pearl Harbor survivors, Dec. 6. “Seventy years ago on a December morning, our nation sustained a cruel and destructive attack at Pearl Harbor. Our enemies thought that by this sudden and deliberate raid, they could weaken America. Instead, they only strengthened it. That day truly awoke a sleeping giant. “As we join you in remembering the events of December 7, 1941, we honor you and your fallen comrades for your indomitable will - and we remember the sacrifice and shared purpose of the American people, as well as the strength of our elected and military leaders during the war. “December 7, 1941 was indeed a day that will live in infamy. But in the memories of that day we continue to draw determination and conviction to protect our freedoms, to sacrifice for our fellow citizens, and to serve a purpose larger than self. You, the survivors of Pearl Harbor and of the war that followed, embody this conviction, this determination to raise high the torch of freedom and sacrifice. From your stories, posterity records for all subsequent generations the emotion, the heroism, and the tragedy of a harrowing attack and the titanic struggle that would later unfold. . “We treasure you. You have brought everlasting credit to your fallen comrades. The men and women in today’s military stand on the shoulders of your individual and combined sacrifice and service to our nation. Your example inspires those in uniform today, strengthens our nation’s moral fiber, and proves that with united resolve our country can surmount any challenge. Thank you for your service, for your sacrifice, and for your endless zeal to see to it that our children and grandchildren can pass along a better life to the next generation. This has always been the American dream, a dream we can realize because of the determination of our citizens to defend it. “God bless you, God bless our troops, and God bless the United States of America.” (source: www.navy.mil)