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INSIDE
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Get to know Toby Keith
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Images of the Week
A Day in the Life: IM-4 FROM THE EDITOR
Well, this last week was not without its welcome distractions. In a twoday period, we got our country on and enjoyed the first swim call of Capt. Alexander’s 29-year Navy career! Seriously, less than 24 hours after hoisting our (sadly, empty) red solo cups in the air and waving them along to hit after hit from country music superstar Toby Keith, we put on our trunks and jumped right off this ship and into the middle of the ocean. Concerts by A-list recording artists? Swimming? What is this, a pleasure cruise? After we dried off, we got our answer: no. Then again, we aren’t out here to kick up our boots and learn the butterfly stroke, we’re here to do the nation’s business. Once we did the head count to confirm that no Sailors ended the swim call as shark chum, we got right back to the grind, keeping America safe for all the swimmers and country music fans back home. Now, if only we could get another port visit sometime soon...
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month Essay by HM1 Faviola Vail She glared into a one-way mirror at a line-up of men in order to identify the man who was responsible for her tears and crushing anguish. He was a father figure, her mentor and someone she looked up to. He betrayed her trust and at the same time, he took away her childhood. It always happened the same way, in the middle of the night. She dreaded the darkness, when he would return again. She wore her favorite purple Aladdin and Jasmine sweats to bed each night to make her feel safe. She could hear the floor creaking, a sound she was all too familiar with. The hallway light would dim, keying her in on how close he was. Like a creepy monster hiding in the closet, he would manifest himself, molest and rape her. He was an adult and she just an innocent seven-year-old princess. Now in her twenties, the scars from the abuse and the shame have drastically impacted her life; molding what should be a confident and smart woman into an insecure and ashamed victim. Sexual assault affects everyone and I know this from experience. The precious princess was my younger sister, Lucy. We all might find ourselves involved in a position to stop horrific crimes such as sexual assault. Will you be the one with the courage to stand up for the defenseless?
SAAM Essay by PSSN Megan McNulty Sexual assault is a chronic problem that seems to be on the rise. Making people aware of sexual assault through campaigns and acknowledging sexual assault awareness month is a great thing but now we need women as well as men to act on the information they are given. People need to be aware of how to prevent sexual assault and help others prevent this rising problem. To keep yourself safe from sexual assault, there are a few simple things one should always follow. When out drinking in public, make sure to always keep your drink with you. This is to avoid having a substance “slipped” into your drink. When walking outside at night
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Stopping by IS1 Johnny Cullum Knowledge is power, and gaining accurate knowledge is the first step in solving any problem. Most people have a picture in their minds of what a sexual predator looks like; the stranger in the alley waiting to pounce on a young woman or the creepy guy in the trench coat, stalking in the shadows. The reality is that nearly 90 percent of sexual assaults that occurred are by people the victims know. Curing the problem revolves around prevention. The prevention is all programs that can include all kinds of people; families, parents, the young and the old. Because the prevention is not all about stopping the assaulters from committing any action, but it is also about making everyone aware of the world and what happens around them. They should not be naive, on the contrary they should know they should not trust anybody. Of course they should have somebody to rely on, but not everybody. Friends and family members, whom they have known for a long time, are a perfect example of trustable people that they can hang on to. Programs like these should exist and take place in the work spaces. Moreover, LPOs and CPOs should be aware of what is going on between junior Sailors and take steps towards stopping any action that might be considered as crossing the line.
try to avoid walking alone or in dark isolated areas. Always keep your guard up and I recommend carrying pepper spray with you for self defense. Being aware of your surroundings is very important. Try to avoid putting in headphones or anything that can alter your alertness while in public. Lastly, it’s always good to know how to defend yourself if something goes wrong so taking self defense classes would be a good idea as well. In conclusion, incorporating this advice into your everyday life will make you less likely to be a sexual assault victim. Using your judgment and following these few simple steps will go a long way in protecting you as well as other’s safety. Let’s help each other and continue the fight against sexual assault.
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hen I heard Toby Keith was coming to visit Lincoln, I was ecstatic (to say the least). I have followed Toby’s career since I first heard his debut song, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” as a young kid. I knew I had to get an interview with him for the Penny Press. Then the thought occurred to me, ‘If I’m this excited to see Toby, I know there are plenty of other fans on this ship who are as well.’ Beyond a short handshake, an autograph and a quick picture, many of us are curious to know more about the country superstar. That’s when I made the decision to let Lincoln Nation ask him the questions they really wanted to know. Sailors submitted a lot of great questions--too many, in fact. Unfortunately, it would have taken hours to get answers to all of them. So here it is, Toby Keith answers your questions…well, some of them.
What does doing this USO tour mean to you? -Submitted by FC2 Michael Pettit TK: “It’s our tenth year. I was going to do a couple weeks just to honor my dad and the time in the service he did, and we just fell in love with it. We saw the need that the USO had in these polarized political times. It can be real difficult to get people, especially entertainers, to commit to doing this, because they think it will expose them politically and they don’t want to be in the spotlight. I never gave a damn about that. So I said, ‘Hey, I’ll be your guy.’ The men and women that serve had such a good time that the USO said, ‘They want you to go back.’ So we started going every year. Now 10 years and 180-something shows later, we keep coming back. It’s been a wonderful time.”
When and where was your most memorable USO performance? -Submitted by YN1 William Herbst and AS3 Angela Adair TK: “Coming out and landing on these ships is pretty wonderful, but the most emotional one was probably when we played on Memorial Day one year. I did “American Soldier.” The song was fairly new. So for a bunch of Soldiers, we did “American Soldier,” and it was pretty emotional for the crowd. It was goose bumps stuff, but there have been a lot of moments. We’ve been shelled several times (while in a combat zone) and had to quit the show. Everywhere you go, there’s something you have to adapt to, and it makes it interesting.”
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Colby K. Neal
THE PENNY PRESS
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
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What was it like growing up with a father who served in the Army, and how did your father inspire your sense of patriotism and the great respect you show our armed forces? -Numerous people asked different forms of this question TK: “When he was discharged from the Army, he came home with one eye. He was discharged honorably and came home to work in the oil fields. So, he was already out of the service before I was born. He instilled the respect that men and women in the military deserve for protecting our freedoms, and he let us know that from an early age. If a solicitor came by and knocked on the door, he was old school--you couldn’t get in his house, and he’d tell you to go away. But if a veteran’s organization came by, he’d open his door. He flew a big American flag in front of his farmhouse every day. If it got tattered, he would replace it. He took a lot of pride in his service. So as kids, we saw that. That’s why I did that first USO tour. I wanted to do it for him.”
albums, and I’ve got a number one on this album also. So just having that longevity and success is great. I’ve got around 80 million spins as a songwriter, which is a big-time number. Some of those numbers make you sit back and pinch yourself and say, ‘wow, I’ve been busy.’ Those awards and things they give out on television, I’ve got trunks full of them, but they’re just for the moment or the night. No one can remember in a week who won what. So those big songs, having crowds sing them to you, having a big fan base and getting to do things like come out here are bigger highlights to me. ” Is there anything you would like to say to all of the service members around the world who will read this? -(I had to ask this. It’s pretty much mandatory for every interview we do with a celebrity.)
What would you call the absolute high point of your career in country music thus far? -Submitted by AO3 Kendra Hetrick
TK: “I see the job you do every day. It’s a tough job. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard--I get to see it all. You do a wonderful job. Godspeed to you. As long as you’re out here, we’ll keep trying to come back, shake your hand and thank you for what you do.”
TK: “You know, there are a lot of awards and stuff you can get, but I would say having number one songs in every year of an 18year career is the biggest. We’re coming off of “Red Solo Cup,” one of the biggest songs in the world right now. I’ve put out 18
(Author’s note: due to the nature of Toby’s schedule, the Penny Press only had time to get the answers to five of your questions. We appreciate everyone’s submissions.)
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Josh Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Colby K. Neal
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Barry Riley
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
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housands of Sailors went for a dip in the North Arabian Sea (NAS) during a swim call aboard Lincoln, April 24. More than 2,500 Sailors leaped nearly 27 feet from one of the ship’s aircraft elevators into the NAS and swam about 110 meters to the aft stern dock. Air rescue swimmers from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 and shipboard search and rescue (SAR) swimmers stood watch throughout the event to ensure the swimmers’ safety. “It wasn’t that long of a swim to get to the stern, but I would definitely do it again,” said Airman Christyl Roper. “I felt really safe. There were a lot of rescue swimmers, and they all kept a close eye on us. They seemed really calm, which made us feel calm. We all just had a fun time.” Air Rescue Swimmer 2nd Class Jeremy Smith said he and the other rescue swimmers kept an eye on the Sailors from the moment they hit the water, to when they surfaced and returned to the ship. The rescue swimmers also kept watch for fatigued Sailors, changes in sea currents and dangerous sea life. “It was a thrill,” said Airman Danny Longoria. “It went by so fast. You have no idea what is going on and how fast you are dropping. It feels great to get that adrenaline and relieve stress. We’re on the flight deck all day, and an event like this really can jump-start your week.” Lincoln’s commanding officer, executive officer and command master chief were the first ones to leap in the water to kick off the event. For Capt. John D. Alexander, the ship’s commanding officer, it was the first swim call in a Navy career spanning more than 29 years. “After two extensions, this swim call was much-needed,” said Lt. j.g. Dwayne Scott, the event’s coordinator. “We needed something to uplift the morale of the crew, and this was the perfect way to do just that.”
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Barry Riley
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle
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U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Joshua Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MCSA Joshua Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Chris Johnson U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jonathan Idle
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f anything goes wrong with the aviation support equipment on the flight deck, flight operations are adversely affected. If a fuel line breaks on a tractor, it hurts the ship’s ability to launch planes. Without that launching capability, we cannot support our troops on the ground and the ship fails to execute our mission. “No air support without ground support” is their motto, and their role on the ship is very crucial to our overall mission. Welcome to a day in the life of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department’s IM-4 division. Their day starts at 7:15 a.m. at morning quarters in the IM-4 shop in hangar bay one. Lasting from five to 10 minutes, it is the only time of the day where everyone in the division is together at the same time. Throughout the day, they gather into subdivisions to perform specific maintenance on tractors, fire trucks and other aircraft servicing equipment on the flight deck.
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“We like to keep a pretty motivated environment during morning quarters,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Jonathon Younger. “The more motivated the guys are, that tends to come from how happy they are. The less seriousness there is during quarters, the better it is for the crew. Seriousness just brings me down. If we can laugh, joke and escape a little bit, then it’s always a better way to start the workday.” As soon as morning quarters is over, the workday starts with preoperational maintenance on several pieces of operational equipment in the hangar bay, as well as to equipment on the flight deck. “It’s not the same maintenance every day,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Apprentice Andre Booker. “We may work on the same equipment every day, but the problems range from bad fuel, to busted fuel lines and bad clutches.”
Preoperational maintenance must be performed before flight operations, which can be as early as 8:00 to 8:30 in the morning. Maintenance includes making sure all the equipment is functioning properly and all parts are in place while at the same time not making any unfamiliar noises or creating any smoke. “The thing that I love about the flight deck the most is that I can throw my cranial on and focus,” said Younger. “I don’t have to listen to anyone talk. It’s just me and the work that I’m doing. If I have enough time before flight operations start, I like to take my time doing my maintenance so it gets done right. I remember right before we pulled into Bahrain last time, we had a fuel line bust on a tractor right in the middle of the landing area while a plane was trying to land. When the handler gets on the 5MC and yells at you, it’s a reminder of just how important the work we do is.” The crew’s workday lasts until at least 7:15
p.m., twelve full hours of wrenching, greased hands and tedious maintenance. Even then, some crews will keep working after hours to get the job done. “When morale is high, the crew wants to stay together, and they want to work,” said Younger. “When you get in the mode, you get in the mode and you want to get that piece of gear and fix it so it won’t be broken anymore so you won’t come back to it the next day to find it still broken.” Outside of work, the division stays together to hang out when the ship is at sea as well as when Lincoln is in port. “We’re really close,” Booker said. “Being around each other all the time, you begin to have that brother and sister feel. We get on each other’s nerves, but when we go out on the town, we look out for one another. I like the people I work with,” he said. “The best part about it is the camaraderie you build.”
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VFA-2 T
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welcomes new
he Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 held a change of command ceremony, April 25, while deployed with Abraham Lincoln. Cmdr. James Bates relieved Cmdr. Patrick Greene as commanding officer. The airborne ceremony took place over Lincoln’s flight deck, while squadron crew members looked on. Greene passed the lead of the aircraft formation to Bates, symbolizing the transfer of authority and the official change of command. In traditional fashion, the officers of VFA-2 celebrated Greene’s last flight in the command by wetting him down upon landing. Following the wetting down, Greene briefly addressed the squadron. Capt. Dave Silkey, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, presented him with a Meritorious Service Medal. “It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the 52nd commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron Two,” said Greene. “I wish to extend my sincerest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to our officers, chiefs and Sailors for their extraordinary efforts during the course of two incredibly demanding combat deployments and two arduous work-up cycles. Our Sailors accomplish amazing things every day, and
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it has been an absolute privilege to have worked with them and the entire Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 team.” Greene assumed command of VFA-2 on March 18, 2011. During his tour, the Bounty Hunters earned the 2011 Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Pacific Fleet Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) and the 2011 CNAF Rear Adm. C. Wade McClusky Awards. Bates most recently was an instructor at VFA-106. He was born in Greenwich, Conn., enlisted in the Navy in 1987, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 and was designated a naval flight officer in November 1996. “I could not have asked for a better mentor to serve with during my tour as executive officer. Cmdr. Greene will be missed,” said Bates. “His leadership and all the hard work every Bullet Sailor has put in transformed VFA-2 into the finest strike fighter squadron in the Navy.” Bates’ previous assignments include flying the F-14 Tomcat; flying with Fighter Squadron (VF) 154; as a strike fighter tactics instructor at Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic (SFWSL); at VFA-213 flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet and as training officer of VFA-106. Story by Lt. Mitchell Cole; Photos by MC3 Carlos Vazquez
Photo and information provided by MCSA Karolina Martinez
Know Your Shipmate
MM2 Victoria Reasor Reactor Dept./RL Division
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achinist’s Mate 2nd Class Victoria “Vick Diesel” Reasor was born in Nuremburg, Bavaria, West Germany. When she was five years old, Reasor and her mother moved to Georgia, where she was raised and attended school. During her last months of high school, she and her mother moved to North Carolina. “I graduated high school with a 4.213 grade point average,” she said. “But because I wasn’t an N.C. resident, they wouldn’t give me a scholarship.” Soon after graduating, Reasor began attending an online college. It wasn’t too long before she decided to visit a Navy recruiter’s office to explore other opportunities. She went in to see the recruiter with one goal in mind: to take a job that challenged her. “I get bored really easily,” she said. “I needed a job to keep me interested.” When the recruiter mentioned that the Navy’s nuke program was the most academically challenging in the Navy, it captured Reasor’s interest. She accepted the challenge. “The best thing about being a nuke is that it allows me to be able to help out my family whenever they are in need,” she said. Reasor also said she has helped pay for her brother’s way through police academy and that she has a special savings account open as a college fund for her nephew. Currently enjoying the travel opportunities she has aboard Lincoln, she hopes to one day become an accomplished writer or to find success working in a power plant.
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Sterett Sailors Stay Connected to Family with United Through Reading
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ailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) stayed connected with friends and families back home by participating in the United Through Reading (UTR) program, April 20. UTR is a nonprofit organization whose mission is “to unite military families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading together,” according to the UTR website. The program works by recording videos of Sailors reading books and talking to their family, and then sending those videos back home. The reactions of children watching the videos are often recorded and sent back to the deployed service members. Sterett has been participating in UTR since deploying Dec. 7, 2011, with 38 Sailors using the program. In addition, Sterett Sailors have also recorded readings for Dailard Elementary School in San Diego, where Sterett is homeported, and the Corry Station Child Development Center in Pensacola, Fla. Sailors read for their own children as well as their children’s friends who attend these schools. “Having used the program myself, I believe this is a great way to let our children know we are thinking of them even when we are far away,” said Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Kristen Steele, one of Sterett’s UTR coordinators. “We get to see the smiles on our Sailors’ faces while they are reading, and I know their children are smiling at home as well.” Sterett plans to continue its participation with UTR throughout its entire deployment, said Personnel Specialist Gerardo Arbulu, another UTR coordinator. “We will continue to record the videos weekly and make sure that every Sailor knows of this great opportunity to stay connected with their children back home,” said Arbulu. Story by Ensign Steven Mulherin
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