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Lincoln enjoys Steel Beach Picnic
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Images of the Week
Grappling with UFC Fighters
FROM THE EDITOR This week, the Penny Press staff brings you a grab bag of stories that run the gamut from a visit to the ship by notable UFC tough guys to how to become the Navy’s largest, most imposing medical officer (it all boils down to hard work and a genetic link to the titans of myth). We recommend that you read this issue from front to back: be inspired by Cmdr. Jacobs’ perseverance and dedication in the first story, and wrap up your Penny Press experience reading about how some of our Sailors are working on the stories of their own college educations. In between, you’ll read about Lincoln’s efforts to lead the charge to make the Navy a sexual assault-free environment. Also in these pages, take a break with us at our “steel beach picnic” (no sunscreen required for the print version) and look at some pretty pictures. See how great a time a time we had when a few mixed martial artists stopped by their favorite warship (seriously, Rich Franklin is considering changing his nickname from “Ace” to “Abe.” Sounds like an improvement to us). Enjoy!
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H
e stands out on the ship, that’s for sure. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, his broad shoulders and large frame lend him the appearance of an offensive lineman, not the sort of Sailor you typically see popping up through scuttles. When you talk to Cmdr. Michael Matthew Jacobs, Lincoln’s senior medical officer (SMO), you quickly discover his fervent and genuine passion for the medical field. You also realize that his success as a physician wasn’t simply handed to him. It was the result of perseverance and dedication. Jacobs’ dream to work in the medical field began as a child. Raised in Orange County, Calif., his father was an officer in the Marine Corps, and his mother worked two jobs after their divorce. Because they were always absent due to their busy work schedules, parental supervision was minimal for Jacobs. In the sixth grade, he learned about Dr. Christiaan Barnard, a surgeon in South Africa who performed the first human heart transplant in 1967. Jacobs started dreaming of one day entering the medical field. “I saw a Life magazine article on Dr. Barnard,” said Jacobs. “And that captivated me.” Soon thereafter, Jacobs received a microscope and a dissection kit, gifts that launched him on a path of discovery that culminated in premedical and medical school. Jacobs always approached the classroom with a
great deal of seriousness, knowing that early scholastic achievement was a prerequisite for his medical ambitions. “I knew in eighth grade that if I wanted to go into medical school, I had to be very serious about how I approached high school,” he said. “I had to prepare myself for pre-medical college.” While his goal was always primarily to become a physician, Jacobs said he was almost pulled in a different direction: pro football player. The quarterback (and captain) of his high school football team, Jacobs’ athletic abilities nearly landed him a career on the gridiron. One spring, former Cincinnati Bengals punter and wide receiver Pat McInally paid a visit to Jacobs’ high school and asked the football team if any of them could throw to him. Jacobs was able to hit his target, and soon the two became great friends. Coming out of high school, he was heavily recruited by a wide variety of schools, but none as much as the University of Oregon. Yet the question of how to balance his goals remained at the forefront of his mind. “I wanted to play Division One college football, and I also wanted to be a physician,” said Jacobs. “Trying to go to pre-medical school while playing Division One college ball was really ambitious.” McInally, a Harvard graduate, convinced Jacobs that if he played on an Ivy League football team, he would be able to pursue his athletic goals while simultaneously fulfilling his medical aspirations.
See SMO, page 15
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
ailors aboard Lincoln took a break from their operational schedule to enjoy a picnic on the ship’s flight deck, April 13. The “steel beach picnic” included a barbecue for more than 4,000 Sailors, a dodgeball tournament, a slamdunk contest, a water balloon contest, basketball, live music and two golf tee boxes. “It’s a great morale booster for the Sailors because it gives us a reward for all of our hard work and a chance to unwind,” said Aviation Boatswain’s
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Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jose Bautista. Volunteers from the ship’s chiefs’ mess started the food preparation when the grills were lit early in the morning to begin cooking the large meal. The menu included hot dogs, ribs, grilled chicken and hamburgers, pasta salad, assorted fruits, deserts, water and soda. “Every day, the Sailors are doing things for us; cooking for them gives
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
us a chance to give back,” said Chief Information Systems Technician Allen Jones. Many Sailors found their own entertainment. With plenty of open space on the flight deck, Sailors organized games of soccer and football, while others sat in the sun and socialized. “It gave me the chance to get outside and meet people who are not in my shop,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Matt Murphy. “Also, the break from work was a great plus.” Story by MCSN Kathleen Church
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Barry Riley
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
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U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Josh Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Christopher Johnson
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Kathleen Church
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Christopher Johnson
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Kathleen Church
Images of the Week
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
A Karolina Martinez
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pril is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a yearly reminder to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual violence. This year’s theme, “Hurts one, Affects all…Preventing sexual assault is everyone’s duty,” focuses on the effects of sexual assault on mission readiness. To help spread the message, several activities have been scheduled aboard Lincoln throughout the month. An open mic poetry night, Story which took place April 9 in the hangar bay, was by MCSN subsequently broadcast Kathleen Church on the ship’s internal training channel. An essay
contest promoting new ideas for prevention, intervention and solutions for sexual assault is scheduled for the third week of the month. Additionally, a sexual assault awareness information kiosk on the mess decks will provide awareness pamphlets and solutions cards on which Sailors will be encouraged to write down ideas for further development of the program. Chief Logistics Specialist Eric R. Coleman, the command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) advocate, said that sexual assault awareness is a multifaceted effort for which t h e
VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 15 command has to leverage all of its resources to get the message out. “You have to use all departments and resources, the Chaplain’s Office, Media department, Medical department, Navy Knowledge Online (NKO), social media, in-house lectures—you name it,” said Coleman. “With the help of all hands, we as a command can make sure the crew maintains a high level of awareness, and we can influence mission readiness.” Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Carl D. Voss, Lincoln’s Drug and Alcohol Program Advisor (DAPA), said that sexual assault is an important topic that deserves the utmost attention from all hands. As soon as a Sailor lets his or her guard down, bad things tend to happen. “ I t ’ s extremely important to always have selfawareness a n d not selfindulge. When y o u
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don’t have self-awareness, you are putting yourself in a dangerous position for an incident to occur,” Voss said. “One incident is too many, which is why we train our Sailors in depth about the many facets that involve sexual assault.” Coleman said the ship has taken an approach of complete accountability, from the commanding officer to the deckplate Sailors. “There is a distinct absence of the Navy’s core values in victimizing anyone. Eighty percent of victims will not come forward and report that they’ve been subjects of sexual assault, which means we are dealing with a courageous 20 percent,” said Coleman. “The chain of command will do everything within their means to support victims, explain reporting options and offer the highest degree of training on prevention possible.” Sexual assault prevention and response is also a key element of the readiness area of the 21st Century Sailor initiative, which consolidates a set of objectives and policies to maximize personal readiness, build resiliency and hone a combat-effective force. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to prevent sexual assaults, to support sexual assault victims and to hold offenders accountable. Story by MCSN Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Mason Campb
uFC FighterS ViSit
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hree Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters visited Lincoln, April 17. Rich “Ace” Franklin, Keith “The Dean of Mean” Jardine and Stephan “The American Psycho” Bonnar toured the ship, visited with Sailors, signed autographs for fans and gave a grappling demonstration in the ship’s hangar bay. “It was awesome,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Recruit Chris Spires. “I’ve watched these guys since I was little, and they inspired me to start training in mixed martial arts (MMA). My buddies would never believe I actually got to meet these guys.” Shortly after flying aboard, the fighters met with Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. After a quick briefing, the fighters visited crew members throughout the ship. “We were more than happy to visit Lincoln, especially because the UFC has always had strong support from service members,” said Franklin.
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“It’s great coming out here to the ships because everybody has been serving and working hard for so long,” added Franklin. “If coming out here helps boost the morale, then it’s the least I can do.” Though the fighters were only on board for a few hours, they managed to make a lasting impression on a few Lincoln Sailors. Airman Richard Gunther said he was excited to have the opportunity to meet some of his heroes. “The sport is so cool,” Gunther said. “Everyone back home will be very excited when they see the pictures. This is one of the coolest experiences of my time in the Navy.” Franklin is a former middleweight champion and is the co-creator of the Keep It in the Ring Foundation, a group that advocates nonviolence and character building for American youth. Jardine is a light heavyweight known for victories over Forrest Griffin and Chuck Liddell. Bonnar, also a light heavyweight, works as a personal trainer. Story by MCSN Mason Campbell
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Mason Campbell
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Mason Campbell
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Mason Campbell
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U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
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Momsen Sailors while
schooled S ailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) are pursuing their education while underway through the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE). The NCPACE program offers Sailors academic skills, developmental and college-level courses, both undergraduate and graduate, from regionally accredited institutions. “Before I joined the Navy, I dropped out of high school and got my [General Education Diploma],” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class James Anthony Covert, an NCPACE-enrolled student majoring in electrical engineering. “I definitely never thought I’d go to college, and here I am.” Covert, who has been taking distance learning courses while the ship has been deployed, said that ultimately, his goal is to earn a master’s degree. Distance learning classes are self-paced and are administered on CDs, which do not require internet access, and books, which include lessons and quizzes. Currently, nine Momsen Sailors are enrolled in distance learning classes. “For deployment, NCPACE is the way to go because it is not subject to internet restrictions,” said Ensign Andrew McCarthy, Momsen’s education services officer. “You have all
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get
underway
your materials already with you.” Tuition for NCPACE courses is free for students who decide to take classes on board. Participants are only required to pay for textbooks and other course-related materials. Sailors, who balance studying as well as performing their duties underway, have three months to complete each course. When using tuition assistance, the Navy allows them to seek as many as 16 credits per year. “The Navy pays for the course,” said Covert. “I just pay for the books.” Obtaining a college degree enables enlisted Sailors to earn promotion points and will also aid those who intend to apply for officer or limited duty officer programs. “This is the perfect time to do it, while we’re at sea,” said Covert. “I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want to take advantage in the first place.” McCarthy said NCPACE also helps Sailors advance in pay grade and can prepare those Sailors who intend to separate from the Navy or join the Navy Reserve. “You will have those credits in your pocket, and it opens up your options in whatever career path you choose,” McCarthy said. “There are so many benefits. I just wish more people would take advantage of them.” Story and photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez
Photo and information provided by MCSA Benjamin Liston
Know Your Shipmate
PSSN Megan McNulty Admin Dept./ESO
P
ersonnel Specialist Seaman Megan McNulty, of Admin department’s Education Services Office (ESO), joined the Navy to further her education, to meet new people and to explore the world. McNulty is responsible for processing good conduct medals, preparing the command for Navywide advancement exams and helping Sailors use the distance learning portion of the ship’s Navy College Program for Afloat College Education. McNulty said one of her favorite parts of working in ESO is meeting all the different personalities Abe has to offer. “When people check into the ship, one of their first stops is in our office,” she said. “I get to make a good first impression and set the tone for what the Sailor thinks of his or her new duty station, and I also get to teach them about furthering their education while serving.” Her current goals while in the Navy are to become a petty officer 3rd class and to earn her secondary warfare pin. “I am a very hard worker if I set myself up for it. They aren’t hard goals to achieve, so I think I can complete both on this deployment,” she said. After attending community college, the Hamburg, N.J. native joined the Navy in May 2011 to broaden her experience. “I have three years of nursing school under my belt, but I really wanted to get out of New Jersey and see the world,” she said. When not helping people further their education, McNulty enjoys riding motorcycles, off-roading and camping. “I love my bike, and I love doing outdoor activities and trying new things every chance I get,” she said. “I like to go out of my comfort zone and press the limit.”
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SMO (Continued) Jacobs enrolled in Harvard sight unseen, played football, majored in history and fulfilled all of his pre-medical requirements. After graduating, Jacobs continued his education in Washington, D.C. He had offers from the Cincinnati Bengals and the Canadian Football League but decided to keep his focus on his goal of becoming a physician. Since all that schooling didn’t come cheap, Jacobs made the financial decision to join the Navy. “It was the last thing on my mind,” he said. “It was just a way to afford medical school with the Navy’s financial aid.” Little did he know, it would become more than he ever expected. He has since been on many tours, including being a flight surgeon with the Marines in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and being the team physician for the Naval Academy athletic department for football and baseball. “There are infinitely less interesting ways to work in the medical field than to be a military physician,” he noted. Now that Jacobs has been aboard Lincoln for 18 months, he describes it as the biggest emotional and physical grind he has ever experienced. Nevertheless, he said the whole operation of the ship really captivates him, from the flight deck down to the engineering rooms. He loves nurturing and ensuring the health and well-being of his Sailors as well as contributing to the development of their careers. Overseeing the health of the ship is an enormous task that Jacobs takes great pride in and that leaves him feeling intensely gratified. “It’s the personalities, talents and the backgrounds of the people with whom I serve that I find myself intrigued by most on a daily basis,” he said. “As I reflect on my 21 years in the Navy, I am so grateful.” Although he considers himself fortunate, Jacobs’ successes and opportunities haven’t been the result of sheer luck. His achievements come from tireless preparation, hard work and perseverance.
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