Dec. 30, 2011 -- Penny Press

INSIDE

Lincoln Welcomes a New Fitboss Photos of the Week

Air Department’s Gear Dogs

11 FROM THE EDITOR

hy does the Penny Press look different? What’s going on around here? I was just getting used to the look of the old layout! We at the Penny Press know that words put you right to sleep, but photos of your shipmates get you reaching for the scissors. “Oh, this one’s going on the bulkhead in our office!” or “I can’t believe she made it into the Penny Press, she just got here last week!” So we’re trying to trick you. If we give you more pretty pictures and sneak the words in like a magazine, we’re hoping you’ll take the time to enjoy every page, from cover to cover like your families do. And more pretty pictures will make them happier, too. Especially if you leave your office once in a while to step in front of one of our cameras!

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T I M E TO GET

FIT WITH FIT BOSS

viation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class George Coleman, a licensed level one cross-fit trainer, assumed the duties of USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) fitness director, or “fit boss,” Dec. 10. Command Master Chief Susan Whitman chose Coleman to fill the fit boss billet, which had been vacant for a few months, just prior to the ship getting underway. Whitman said she selected Coleman based on both his passion for fitness and his 11 years of Navy experience. Coleman said operating a health club has always been his dream job. Aboard Lincoln, he has the opportunity to manage seven gyms that must accommodate the fitness needs of more than 5,000 Sailors. “I really enjoy it. It’s a huge eye-opener for me to see what it’s like to run a gym,” he said. Coleman’s job as fitness director is to push Sailors to a higher limit of fitness. “I want to get people to tap into what their limit is and raise it higher. There are too many people who work out but don’t push themselves to their limits,” he said. The new fit boss’s duties also include making a wide variety of fitness activities available throughout the ship. Coleman personally leads several classes, such as

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Hangar Bay Beatdown, to encourage more of his shipmates to push their fitness limits to the next level. “I think he’s the perfect person to be the ship’s fit boss because he motivates everyone else, and he’s in great shape himself,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Stacey Sobieski, who frequents Coleman’s Hangar Bay Beatdowns. “It’s extremely gratifying to see people in any class I teach. It feels good to get ‘thank yous’ in surprise e-mails from people telling me the classes are outstanding. It’s showing me that the little bit that I’m doing is going a long way,” he said. Sobieski highly encourages people who are intimidated to attend one of his classes at least once to see what they entail. “He tailors the workouts to fit your fitness level,” she said. “This is one of the jobs that fits me the best. I love being a fit boss more than I love being an ABF. This is my passion, and it’s helping people out. It’s a calling, and I can’t go against that.” A variety of fitness programs including step aerobics, zumba, a “Biggest Loser”-style weight loss competition and a ship triathlon are headed for the fitness schedule during Lincoln’s 2011-2012 deployment. Story and photos by MC2 Brian Morales

“It’s my passion, and it’s helping people out. It’s a calling, and I can’t go against that.” 6

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U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Josh Walters

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Gregory Harden U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy Godbee

U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Josh Walters U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy Godbee

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LINCOlN ENJOYS HOlIDAYS

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade T. Oberlin

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Gregory Harden

72, practiced for nearly two weeks prior to the performance. With a short time to prepare for the event, the participants said they were impressed with how well the quick-fused event came together. “Everyone did their part to make it happen with no complaints,” said saxophonist and vocalist Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Antoine Oliver. “The event was special because we were able to give the crew a way to celebrate Christmas out at sea. Working with the different associations went flawlessly. They provided a lot of help and support across the board.” Oliver said the efforts of the Religious Ministries department and the Diversity Council were essential to success of the band members and other performers. “For the band, they helped bring our equipment to the stage from our practice space the day of the show and helped haul it back

See ‘Holidays.’ Pg. 15 U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Sean Hillier

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle

o celebrate the holiday spirit, members of the Lincoln’s Religious Ministries department and the ship’s Diversity Council joined forces with volunteers from several other departments on the ship to throw a two-part holiday celebration inside the ship’s hangar bay, Dec. 24. The celebration, which began with Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Gail Tyrell singing our national anthem, included an invocation delivered by Lincoln’s Command Chaplain Cmdr. Denis Cox, a series of choir vocals, and a variety of band arrangements that captured holiday customs from around the world (including a series of Christmas rock songs). The event’s coordinator, Lt. Cmdr. Joselito Tiongson, said the party was successful because a lot of dedicated volunteers pitched in to put the show together. “Everyone knew to be ready when Christmas Eve arrived, and it all came together in the end.” he said. The ship’s band, River City

SeA

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Adam Randolph

Gear

Dogs

“ We are the unsung heroes of flight operations. We work nonstop to ensure the safe recovery of all aircraft.” -ABE3 Jeremy Baker

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safe landings. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Jasmine Tothill works in the tower as a primary operator. She is responsible for setting the weights of the aircraft for the arresting gear engines and making sure that the aircraft landing is centered. “I originally joined the Navy to see new places, to get away from home and to go to college for interior design, but being a part of the gear dogs is a very large responsibility and it is teaching me a lot,” she said. For gear dogs working the day shift, their day begins two hours before flight operations and finishes two hours after they conclude. The four hours of pre-op and post-op are spent conducting equipment inspections and maintaining the cleanliness of all workspaces. The day shift consists of five Sailors topside on the flight deck and twelve Sailors below. When the night check comes in, they perform all maintenance required before the next scheduled flight operations. That following morning, day shift personnel man their stations once again. During Lincoln’s month-long composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in September, the gear dogs helped safely recover 1,674 aircraft. Lincoln averaged 600 to 700 traps each month during the last deployment. To this day, Lincoln has safely completed more than 170,000 successful aircraft traps since February 1998. From the gear dogs working below, on and above the flight deck to the dogs on night shift performing maintenance, the gear dogs ensuring the equipment needed for flight ops is ready to go. “We are a team driven by our shared experiences and long hours,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Matthew Whitt. “Together, this family plays a vital role in the success of our ship’s mission.” Story by MCSN Gregory Harden

“We are a team driven by our shared experiences and long hours. Together, this family plays a vital role in the success of our ship’s mission.” -ABE2 Matthew Whitt

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Christopher Dollar

he sound of a sonic boom roars in the sky as an F/A-18C Hornet swings around aft of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and approaches the flight deck, closer and closer. In the blink of an eye, the wheels touch down on the non-skid surface. The smell of burning rubber mixes with the smell of fuel as the tailhook catches an arresting wire, allowing the aircraft to come to an abrupt stop. With sorties running around the clock, day in and day out aboard Lincoln, the safety of the pilots and flight deck personnel is paramount. That’s where the “Gear Dogs” come in. The Gear Dogs of V-2 division are Air department’s arresting gear team. Their mission is to maintain the four arresting gears and barricades on board as well as to safely trap all incoming aircraft. “We’re the unsung heroes of flight operations,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Jeremy Baker. “We work nonstop to ensure the safe recovery of all aircraft during flight operations.” Baker recently qualified as a topside petty officer. He maintains the safety of his personnel and ensures that all equipment is in optimal condition to safely recover incoming aircraft. Baker’s area of responsibility is ten feet aft of wire one to ten feet forward of wire four. “Anything that happens within that area falls under my responsibility, so I have to keep my head on a swivel to protect the lives of those around me and the incoming aircraft,” he said. In addition to the hard work they do on deck, gear dogs also work above and below the flight deck. Below decks, personnel troubleshoot systems by venting, isolating fluids and opening valves so the wires can retract. The gear dogs must work long, stressful hours and complete large workloads in short times. They also stand four-hour steam watches to verify and change the weight sets and pressures of the wires, settings that vary according to the type of aircraft that is preparing to land. From there, they communicate with personnel in the ship’s island to ensure

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Travis Mendoza U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Travis Mendoza

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NAVY ReSIDeNT HOUSING CONCerNS? Story by Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs

avy Region Mid-Atlantic officials reminded Sailors and their families that they and Lincoln Military Housing (LMH) are continuing their work to resolve housing concerns of LMH residents Dec. 22. “The health and safety of our military personnel and their families is always our highest priority,” said Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “Since we were first informed of this issue, we have been engaged with Lincoln Military Housing and continue to assist them in addressing these concerns. The Navy will continue to work with Lincoln to insure that these issues are appropriately resolved.” Approximately 75 families attended a series of three housing forums that took place throughout Hampton Roads from Dec. 14-19. LMH and the Navy held the forums in response to concerns by residents about their Lincoln homes. Alexander hosted the housing forums to ensure all residents had the opportunity to learn about available military resources, locating appropriate rental housing and resolving landlord/tenant problems. Leadership from LMH and the Navy attended along with representatives from Fleet and Family Readiness Program and Navy & Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC). Addressing the residents’ concerns was the main reason for the forum, but assuring them that the Navy understands and takes responsibility for its Sailors and families was stressed throughout. Two weeks ago, the Navy began meeting individually with military families who have reported unresolved issues in their LMH homes. During those meetings, the families had the opportunity to express their specific concerns with Navy officials. In addition, citing concerns from several residents that leaking windows may be responsible for mold/mildew issues, the Navy is currently ordering independent inspections of several homes. So far, 10 special Lincoln maintenance teams, in conjunction with Navy personnel, have inspected 610 homes. The purpose of the teams is to conduct interior safety and water intrusion inspections.

Although inspections are underway, Alexander stressed that he needs the help of the residents to expedite the process. “My staff and I cannot do this alone - we need your help. If you live in one of our LMH homes and have concerns, your first touch point is with your Lincoln community management team,” said Alexander. “If they do not resolve your issue to your satisfaction, I want to hear from you.” If a resident has a concern about their unit or neighborhood, their primary contact is with the local community/property manager. If the resident is dissatisfied with the property management response they should inform their chain of command and then contact a Navy representative at the Housing Welcome Center. The Navy provides oversight of LMH by conducting annual condition inspections of the property (with Navy Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and LMH leadership. The Navy monitors development, construction and renovations, as well as reviews financial statements of the Public/Private Venture Housing (PPV). LMH has responsibility for day-to-day management of the business entity and running the company, in accordance with the business agreements that were developed. For housing issues in Norfolk or Virginia Beach, contact the Navy Housing Service Center by calling (757) 445-2832 or (800) 628-7510. For housing issues on the peninsula, contact the Navy Housing Service Center by calling (757) 847-7806 or (800) 704-5488. Counselors are also available to advocate issues in the community. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic is responsible for the operation of Navy installations from North Carolina to Maine and provides support programs and services for the fleet, fighter and family. A personal video message from Alexander and CNRMA Command Master Chief John Fuston on the housing issue can be found on You Tube at this link: http://youtu.be/LG_xN9y3Fu0. Follow Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s Facebook site at http://bit.ly/9fKiGJ or you can visit their Twitter site at http://twitter.com/CNRMA.

Know Your Shipmate

HOLIDAYS

Photo and information provided by MCSN Gregory Harden

AOAN Travis Graham VFA 151 “Vigilantes”

viation Ordnanceman Airman Travis Graham, assigned to the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, joined the Navy to step out of his comfort zone and see what military life had to offer him. “I chose the Navy because I was in search of a better life and I wanted to provide for my family,” he said. “Along the way, I’ve realized that I’m here for a greater purpose. Not for myself, but to serve my great country.” Graham, from Ocala, Fla., is responsible for troubleshooting and ensuring that all weapons systems on the aircraft are operational. He conducts weekly release and control checks on each aircraft to ensure it is operational. “One aspect of my job that I like is knowing that the hard work my shipmates and I perform directly affects the safety and success rate of our squadron,” he said. In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids and he likes to go bowling with the guys. Graham successfully earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin last week--his final board was on Christmas night. Now he’s focused on studying in-rate material for the March advancement exam cycle. “I hope to obtain a college degree in the near future and I look forward to taking my petty officer third class exam in March and passing it,” he said.

when we finished. For us, that was a huge task last deployment. We had to bring everything and set up, do a sound check and rush to shower and eat before our performances,” said Oliver. “Every association was where they needed to be when we needed them.” Drummer and percussionist Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Eric Garfield said a lot of the credit should go to lead guitarist and overall event coordinator Master Chief Logistics Specialist Joselito Tolentino. “Master Chief Tolentino did a great job coordinating between the Supply and Religious Ministries departments in preparation,” Garfield said. “I feel that this is the most talented band that I have performed with in the last ten years. Many of the distinguished visitors that have been on the ship recently have shaken our hands and told us that we’ve given the best performance they’ve seen in a long while on a ship.” Tolentino created a set list and an events schedule in a short amount of time, meshing new and old band members together in preparation for the concert. “I felt it was really successful. This celebration was special in that it was the most unique way I’ve ever celebrated Christmas,” said Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Ashley Nepomuceno. “I was on a stage behind a keyboard performing in front of thousands of Sailors in the middle of the ocean, during the most untraditional winter weather. My family missed me for Christmas, but they were especially excited to hear about my gig in front of the commanding officer!”

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