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INSIDE
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What’s Your Playlist?
Images of the Week
DC Olympics
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12 FROM THE EDITOR
From time to time over the course of this deployment, the skipper or the admiral will get on the 1MC and announce information of critical importance to the crew. We found this out the hard way when we learned our deployment was being extended from May 2 to June 28. Then it was from June 28 to __________ CensorED . That got us thinking--what if we don’t make it home in time to watch the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London? How ever will we fulfill our quadrennial yearning to award first, second and third prizes to groups of people competing in various relays and shows of strength? Behold, the official deployment 2011-2012 Damage Control Olympics, Big Abe’s answer to the Greek games of old. Participants rushed around the ship attempting mind-boggling feats of damage containment, including pipe patching, dewatering, AFFF and repair locker relays, and the firefighting equipment challenge. Some Olympics offer you rhythmic gymnastics, equestrian dressage and the 100-meter hurdles. But don’t try saving a shipmate’s life with a hula hoop, a hurdle and a horse--it simply ain’t gonna happen.
VFA-151 Receives TOP HOOK
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Story by Lt. j.g. Matt Chesney
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
Award
he Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 were named as the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 Top Hook squadron for carrier landing performance aboard Lincoln. Top Hook is awarded to the squadron with the highest landing grade average during a line period. The Vigilantes had a landing grade average of 3.527 and a boarding rate of 96.6 percent for the third line period. Each pass, or landing attempt, is graded by the landing signal officers (LSOs) of CVW-2. An LSO’s primary responsibility is to safely and efficiently land all fixed wing aircraft aboard an aircraft carrier. An LSO’s secondary purpose is to grade each pass, which is debriefed to every pilot for learning and trend analysis purposes. Over time, these grades have become a source of pride and competition among air wing pilots, leading to increased carrier aviation safety. Vigilante pilot Lt. Jaime Moreno was separately recognized as a top five “nugget” with a 3.380 landing performance and a 96 percent boarding rate. Other VFA-151 pilots recognized in the air wing top 10 include Cmdr. Robert Loughran (3.742 landing grade average/100 percent boarding rate), Lt. Cmdr. Jason Dalby (3.75/100 percent), Lt. Cmdr. David Whitmer (3.762/100 percent) and Lt. Cmdr. Mike Strong (3.833/100 percent). “The competition was incredibly fierce this line period,” said Lt. Ted Reeves, VFA-151’s senior LSO. “It definitely feels good to earn this award considering how many top-notch ball flyers there are in CVW-2.”
Lincoln New
Welcomes
Command Master Chief Says Goodbye To Former CMC
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incoln held a change of charge ceremony, in which Command Master Chief (CMC) Susan “Suz” Whitman was relieved by Command Master Chief Gregg Weber. Whitman served as CMC since March 2010, undertaking responsibilities as the commanding officer’s advisor on enlisted matters, policies and procedures and ensuring the personal and professional well-being of Lincoln Sailors. Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer, said Whitman’s tenure aboard Abe was finishing as strong as it started. “This 4-foot-9-inch lady showed up, and this place exploded with energy. The chief’s mess became uncontrollable,” Alexander said. “We were contenders within a month, and no one could believe it.” Under Whitman’s leadership, the crew’s advancement rates increased and the number of Sailors qualified in the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) programs increased by more than 300 percent. “The crew pulled together and took this ship from worst to first, and we are now a Battle ‘E’ carrier,” Whitman said to the crew during her farewell address. “As any proud mother or CMC would say, we are the best carrier in the Navy.” “She led from the front in this command and has had a major impact on our lives,” said Alexander. “Every success is directly traceable to her impact on this command.” Whitman thanked all of her shipmates and her family for their continued support. “I am honored and I am humbled to have worked side arrives by sidehen withLincoln each and every in oneHampton of you,” Roads, she said.Sailors “When with a desire to further their education want to I get on that flight to leave the ship, know thatwill I have given know where to start and what schools are available you everything I have had to give and that you will be truly to them. TheI Hampton Roads area boasts than‘see a dozen missed. will not say ‘goodbye,’ but I more will say, you in colleges and universities that offer nearly every type and level Norfolk.’” of degreeWhitman imaginable. will report next to Naval Safety Center in Not onlyVa., does varietywill ofbeeducational Norfolk, the Virginia same city offer whereaLincoln homeported opportunities for Sailors and their G.I. Lincoln Jobs at the completion of the ship’s currentfamilies, deployment. Magazine rates Norfolk State University (NSU), left her former homeport of Everett, Wa., in December Old 2011 Dominion andtothe College of William and in orderUniversity to relocate(ODU) to Norfolk undergo a refueling complex Maryoverhaul, (W&M)which among some theinmost military-friendly will keepofher the yards until 2015 at in the the country. earliest. Three of the relocation area’s schools--Hampton University, ODU Weber’s to Norfolk brings him to Lincoln and W&M--are of the National Institute Aerospace following amembers tour as the CMC of Joint Base of Pearl Harbor-
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(NIA). NIA is one of the nation’s leading aerospace research programs that allow students pursuing master and doctorate degrees the opportunity to take classes at over a half dozen colleges up and down the east coast. For prospective student-Sailors looking for a nontraditional school, Tidewater Community College, in Norfolk, and Thomas Nelson Community College, in Hampton, cater to students looking for lower tuitions and more flexible classroom hours. Additionally, East Virginia Medical School in Norfolk offers a variety of medical degrees. There are many more colleges and universities available to Sailors in Virginia. Contact your command career counselor or conduct independent research online for an in-depth look at all the schools that may interest you. U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
Hickam in Hawaii. “It is truly a humbling experience to fill such a prestigious assignment. I look forward to serving as your command master chief,” said Weber, addressing the Lincoln crew. “I would like to thank Master Chief Whitman for her outstanding turnover. I walked around the spaces with her and met motivated Sailors, and it has really impressed me. You have some really good stuff going on here.” Weber, a native of Oakdale, N.Y., said his main goals while aboard Lincoln are to ensure the ship’s safe transition from an operational to a shipyard environment and to reunite Lincoln’s Sailors with their families in Norfolk. “I would like the Sailors to know I am here for them,” he said. “Their success is my success, and their failures are my failures. I don’t mind if they come up to me and ask for a few minutes because I will find the time for them.” Story by MC3 Carlos M. Vazquez
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos M. Vazquez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos M. Vazquez
PLAYLIST FEATURE: ANYTHING BUT PARTY ROCK (I WORK OUT!) Hard. Fast. Singles. “What’s In Your Earbuds When You Hit The Gym?” The album, to many music enthusiasts, is a piece of art. Two sides can convey many different attitudes, feelings or states of mind. Album-oriented artists often have a concept or recurring theme running through their records that strings the songs together, conveying a consistent emotion or telling a story. The single, the big hit--the one everyone can sing along to--doesn’t always fit. With the magic of the MP3 player, you can now ignore all that artsy-fartsy track arrangement nonsense the artists intended for you to hear. Now you can make your very own mega-hit playlist! Of course, the most popular Frankenstein playlist variation is the work-out playlist. Just play something pumpin’ to pump that blood!
ABEAN Reggie Carter, AKA ISWAG
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Keith Sweat “Nobody”
Today’s music can’t be like the old days. In the old days, words told a story and had more meaning to them. They put you in that mindset that you can do whatever you want. “Nobody” was my ex’s favorite song, and when I hear it, I get mad and it can push me. It makes me strive to be better. That song motivates me.
Marvin Gaye
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“Let’s Get It On”
“Let’s Get It On” makes me think about famous actresses. I hear it and, well... It’s my favorite song in the world.
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Michael Jackson “Billie Jean”
“Billie Jean” just makes me want to dance. I’m pushin’ and then I’m dancin’... It pushes me in my workout, so once I’m done, I still want to dance! I still have the energy! I look in the mirror, and it makes me want to move!
The Dells
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“Oh What A Night”
The Dells are old-school ‘50s/’60s stuff. The Dells were a strong, strong group, and the track “Oh What A Night” that I use for workouts is just that. It recollects all the good nights. Oh what a night that was. I love their music.
Al Green
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“Tired Of Being Alone”
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“Tired Of Being Alone” is all about frustration. I listen to that song, and I’m just, like, “Man, one of these days, I’m going to get where I need to be. And that girl will come.” I’m tired of being alone. Quote that too!
THE PENNY PRESS
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“Heard anything good lately?”
OTHER WORK-OUT TOP FIVES AROUND THE BOAT... AOAN Alexandra Dusek Don Omar
LCDR Bryce Butler Mastodon
“Danza Kuduro”
“Blood And Thunder”
LMFAO
Amon Amarth
David Guetta
Slayer
Justin Bieber
Metallica
Romeo Santos
Samhain
“YES”
“War Of The Gods”
“Memories”
“Seasons In The Abyss”
“Somebody To Love”
“Master Of Puppets”
“Promise”
“Descent”
AOAN Brigitte Orona
CS3 Jose Gomez P.O.D.
Arch Enemy
“Alive”
“We Will Rise”
Machine Gun Kelly
Godsmack
Lil’ Wayne
Gwen Stefani
Wale
Moby
Breaking Benjamin
The Transplants
“Wild Boy”
“Moon Baby”
“Rollin’”
“What You Waiting For?”
“Chain Music”
“Extreme Ways”
“Until The End”
“One Seventeen”
This Will Destroy You - “Young Mountain” M83 - “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” I Killed the Prom Queen - “Music for the Recently Deceased” Little People - “Mickey Mouse Operation”
- “Opus Eponymous”
AO3 Isaac Garza Ghost
Blake Shelton – “Pure BS” Nickelback – “All the Right Reasons” Molotov – “Dance and Dense Denso” Josh Turner - “Your Man” Hombres G - “La cagaste ... Burt Lancaster”
CS2 Nisse Fonseca
Sade - “The Ultimate Collection”
- “Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition”
IT1 Yossarian Jackson Common - “The Dreamer, The Believer” Jay-Z & Kanye West - “Watch The Throne” Maxwell - “MTV Unplugged” Young Jeezy
WHAT’S YOUR PLAYLIST? Send your “top five” to
wade.oberlin@cvn72.navy.mil
for a chance to show off YOUR favorite tracks!
REWIND: TOP 5 CHILLING OUT/TOP 5 DEPLOYMENT 2012 RECORDS
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U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos M. Vazquez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Joshua Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy D. Godbee
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos M. Vazquez
Images of The Week
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy D. Godbee U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Joshua Walters
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Zachary S. Welch
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
DC Shipboard
Olympics
Readiness
On Display
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy D. Godbee
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U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Carlos Vazquez THE PENNY PRESS
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
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he Damge Control (DC) Olympics is a practical training competition pitting the ship’s 10 repair lockers against each other in a host of contests to test their DC knowledge and their physical skills. “The DC Olympics gives Sailors the opportunity to handle damage control situations under pressure and to actually hold a 150 psi hose in their hand and see how tired they can get quickly,” said Cmdr. Kenneth Belkofer, Lincoln’s damage control assistant. “It also puts them under a stressful situation where they have to put on a firefighting ensemble and experience how long it can take to put that gear on.” Belkofer said the event allowed Sailors to demonstrate their knowledge of general damage control equipment and several fire extinguishing systems, from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) to other fixed firefighting systems. The Olympics also provided Sailors with opportunities to work in teams. The competition consisted of multiple relay races, such as advanced protective chemical gear dress out, fire fighting ensemble dress out, hose handling on the flight deck and AFFF stations.
U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Timothy D. Godbee
U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Karolina Martinez
The Reactor division team representing Repair Locker 5 won the overall shipboard competition. For their efforts, the victorious locker received a plaque along with head of the line passes for chow, the ship’s store and the liberty brow for the ship’s next port visit. “It’s fun and it’s good training for the overall crew,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anthony Castille. “It helps us have more fun doing the training evolutions rather than just looking at it as work. It helps keep people more active, and it will get other people to try different things rather than being restricted to one task.” Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Bryant Guest said the event reinforced mission readiness, preparation, fun and a feeling of purpose in the participants. “I had a great time,” said Guest. “We train to make sure, should an actual casualty occur, that our shipmates are prepared, that they know what to do and that they are going to have each other’s backs.” Story by MCSN Martinez VOLUME 24 ,Karolina ISSUE 18
VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 19
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around the fleet
Navy Seeks Candidates For New Career Opportunity Program
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he Navy is accepting applications from eligible officers for the Fiscal Year 2013 (FY-13) Specialty Career Path (SCP) Program, according to a Navy message released May 29. The SCP Program provides officers alternatives to the traditional command-at-sea-career path and supports demand for senior unrestricted line officer expertise in growing mission areas, according to NAVADMIN 167/12. The program is designed to develop and utilize selected officers in the following distinct specialty career paths: Operations Analysis Financial Management Naval Operational Planner Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Shore Installation Management Anti-Submarine Warfare Mine Warfare Missile Defense Strategic Sealift Education and Training Management The FY-13 SCP Selection Board will be held July 23 27, 2012 at Navy Personnel Command (NPC). Applications must be received at NPC no later than June 25. Eligibility
U.S. Navy Photo
information and application procedures can be found in the NAVADMIN. Officers who meet eligibility requirements may apply for up to two specialty career paths. The board will select eligible officers best qualified to serve the needs of the Navy in each specialty career path. Selectees will retain their original officer designator and will receive an additional qualification designator that indicates their area of specialization. Specialty career path provide selectees jobs with increasing complexity and responsibility. Officers will gain experience and develop management and leadership skills that will best serve the Navy while providing enhanced opportunity for successful career transition upon retirement. The FY-13 SCP Selection Board will also screen previously unselected SCP Lieutenant Commanders and Commanders for SCP executive (XO) and commanding officer (CO) billets within their mission areas. SCP XO and CO screened officers will be eligible to fill designated SCP milestone billets. For more information read NAVADMIN 167/12 and visit the SCP section of the NPC website at http://www.public. navy.mil/bupers-npc/officer/Detailing/surfacewarfare/ Pages/SpecialtyCareerPath.aspx.
(source: www.navy.mil)
Photo and information by MCSN Joshua Walters
Know Your Shipmate
AN Rafael Vela HSM-77
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irman Rafael Vela, a plane captain assigned to the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, is a hard-charging Sailor with huge dreams. Vela, a San Antonio native, joined the Navy in July 2011 to gain a greater sense of responsibility as well as to become a better person. He carries an enormous responsibility as a plane captain. He performs maintenance, cleans and performs corrosion control and inspections on the helicopters assigned to the Saberhawks every day. He also directs the landing of helicopters and secures them to the flight deck with chocks and chains. Vela’s favorite part of naval service is the sense of family he gets meeting new people and getting to know them. “I would rather be on a small boy than an aircraft carrier,” he admitted. “On a small boy, there are less people and I wouldn’t get lost.” He plans on staying in the Navy for at least 10 years and seeking a degree in science during his time on active duty. “I feel if I stay in the Navy for a minimum of 10 years, I will be able to experience everything I wanted to when I joined,” he said. “Four years is just too short. I’m undesignated, so I have to wait two years before I can even strike for a rating.” When not on the ship, Vela likes being outdoors, deep sea fishing, horseback riding and camping. When Vela gets out of the Navy, he plans to continue his college education and intends to earn his master’s degree and a doctorate in science. He said that learning how everything works is what appeals to him the most about science. “I love learning about everything that deals with science,” he said.
Briefly Navy Announces TERA Application Update
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he Navy announced revisions to Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) application procedures May 29. According to NAVADMIN 168/12 applications for TERA must be submitted with command endorsement by the applicant’s Command Career Counselor (CCC) instead of by the local Personnel Support Detachment. CCC must enter program code “E” to identify the application as a TERA request. Applications must be submitted to Navy Personnel Command (NPC) no later than June 15, 2012. Applicants may check the status of their application through www.bol.navy.mil. Additionally the Public and Community Service (PACS) program registry requirement announced in the initial TERA application procedure message has been eliminated. TERA retirees are not required to register for PACS. Provisions from NAVADMIN 140/12 not referenced in the new message remain in effect and eligible members should consult both messages when applying. Navy authorized TERA for Sailors considered but not selected for retention by the Fiscal Year 2012 Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) who will have completed at least 15 years of active service as of Sept. 1, and whose active duty service date (ADSD) is Sept. 2, 1997 or earlier. Eligible Sailors desiring to apply for early retirement under TERA, whose current expiration of active obligated service (EAOS) as extended, or “soft” EAOS, is prior to Sept. 1, may submit a short term extension request to NPC, as outlined in the NAVADMIN 140/12.
(source: www.navy.mil) VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 19
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