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January 4, 2013
USS Abraham Lincoln Year in Review The Penny Press
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3 6 Naval Ghost Stories
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Stories and photos by Lincoln Media Department FROM THE EDITOR
Change. The one consistent element of 2012 was change. We changed coastlines through an eight-month deployment around the world. We changed missions from forward deployed to RCOH (Refueling Complex Overhall). We changed commanding officers, saying goodbye to Capt. John D. Alexander and welcoming Capt. Karl O. Thomas. As we reflect, we have accomplished many things through trial and adversity and we are ready to face the challenges of the future.
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Abraham Lincoln A
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braham Lincoln was born February 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Kentucky. His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died in 1818, and his stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnson, inspired the ambitious but unschooled boy to discipline and educate himself. The legendary stories of Lincoln reading by firelight enabled him to overcome a very limited formal education to become one of the greatest statesman this country has ever known. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln received the presidential nomination of the new antislavery Republican Party. Although he had stated a willingness to tolerate slavery where it existed, Lincoln's election as the 16th president of the United States on November 6, 1860 precipitated the secession of the southern states and the formation of the Confederacy. In the years of the civil war that followed, the inexperienced Lincoln proved to be one of the most extraordinary political and moral leaders the nation has ever seen. He first defined the war as a fight over secession rather than slavery. However, when the time was right, Lincoln announced the Emancipation Proclamation (Sept. 1862), turning the war into a crusade against slavery. With his immortal Gettysburg Address, Lincoln further defined the war as a struggle for the preservation of the democratic idea, defined by a "government of the people, by the people, for the people." Abraham Lincoln served his country during one of its most bloody and trying times. As Commander in Chief, the victory of the Union over the confederacy was his, and he had every right to treat the southern states with malice and contempt. Instead, he treated them with dignity and honor, gladly accepting their return to the union. He did not view them as enemies, but as brothers. He did not exalt in their defeat, but glorified that the nation "Shall not perish."
Shall Not Perish
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n January we made port in Thailand, where strike group Sailors visited with the locals, experienced the local culture and participated a series of community service projects to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Cmdr. Denis Cox, Lincoln's chaplain, said the projectss were a great opportunity for Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 Sailors to get to know the people of Thailand. “Our Sailors got to interact with the great institutions of Thailand and meet Thai people in their community,” Cox said. “They’ll get to know our Sailors for what they really are:
servants, leaders and genuinely good people.” After leaving Thailand, we entered into the 5th Fleet's area of responsibility (AOR), Jan. 19. Lincoln conducted work ups for months to train, man and equip the CSG prior to deployment in the 5th Fleet AOR, in order to support maritime security operations, counter-piracy operations, theater security cooperation efforts and conduct air missions over Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. "Our strike group has trained countless hours to ensure our Sailors are ready to conduct vital operations," said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, CSG 9.
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February
uring the second month of deployment Lincoln celebrated the 203rd birthday of her namesake in the ship's hangar bay, Feb. 15. The celebration included an ice cream social, a cakecutting, a reading of the Gettysburg Address and a mass reenlistment ceremony presided over by Capt. John D. Alexander, the ship's commanding officer. "Being able to plan an event like this is the best part of my job," said John Porter, Lincoln's Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinator. "We have the crew together to celebrate the achievements of a great leader." During the festivities, 29 Sailors from Lincoln's Reactor Department reenlisted. The total in reenlistment bonuses was $1.8 million. "It's an awesome thing to see Sailors reenlist," said Master Chief Navy Counselor Paul A. Tyquiengco. The ship took home the 2012 Edward F. Ney
Memorial Award for outstanding food service in the aircraft carrier category, Feb. 3. "The NeyAward is given to the best of the best, but it's not only a competition, it's also a guideline for everyday business about the mess decks," said Chief Warrant Officer David Webb, a Ney inspector. Taking a break, the crew visited Bahrain during a port call. Lincoln hosted a reception and Sailors participated in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored tours and volunteered for several communityrelations events (COMRELs). "It's always good for the crew to take a few days to relax in port and recharge their batteries," said Capt John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer. "Our Sailors do outstanding work when we're out to sea, so it's important they get the opportunity to take a break, see new places and experience a wide range of cultures with our partners in the region."
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n addition to port calls, Sailors have other diversions to raise their morale. Celebrities and popular bands visited Lincoln to raise the morale of its crew. Bowling for Soup, a Grammy Awardnominated punk rock band entertained hundreds of Sailors during an underway concert in March. Jaret Reddick, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the Denton, Texas-based band, said he appreciated the opportunity to play for the crew. "We're over there living it up, while you guys are out here keeping us safe," Reddick said. "It's the least we can do to come out here and try to entertain you for 90 minutes, get to know you a little bit better and let you know we haven't forgotten about you. We appreciate all of your sacrifices." Sailors assigned to the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 celebrated the squadron's 60th birthday March 12. The crew of more than 200 HSC 12 Sailors, embarked aboard Lincoln, gathered in the ship's forecastle. After opening remarks from Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, CSG 9, and Cmdr. Anthony Roach, Golden Falcons commanding officer,
the crew enjoyed birthday cake and other desserts. Roach joined the squadron's youngest Sailor, Aviation Structural MechanicAirman Recruit Jeremy Shadden, for the traditional Navy cake-cutting ceremony. "It was unexpected, but I'm happy to be part of the squadron, and it was a good experience to be part of the celebration," said Shadden. In March, Vice Adm. Mark Fox, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, visited Lincoln in the Arabian Gulf, March 19-20. During his visit, Fox met with leadership from Lincoln, embarked CVW 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and CSG 9. He also toured the ship and spoke to Sailors during an all-hands call. Fox discussed numerous topics including Operation Enduring Freedom, the future of Cyber Warfare and the importance of the 5th Fleet AOR. "We as a nation have interests all over the world," Fox said. "The Strait of Hormuz and this particular part of the world in general are vital to the overall well-being of the global economy. We are all interconnected."
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welcomed reprieve from the stresses of deployment, sailors from Lincoln were visited by three Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters and country music superstar, Toby Keith. 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 April 17. “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.” Six days later, April 23, Toby Keith performed for more than 4,000 Sailors during an underway concert in the hangar bay. The concert was part of a tour sponsored by the United Services Organization (USO)
in conjunction with Navy Entertainment to boost the morale of deployed Sailors. The Sailors gathered in the hangar bay to hear Keith perform several of his numerous hit songs, including "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue," "American Soldier," "Should've Been a Cowboy" and "Red Solo Cup." Keith, who is currently on his 10th USO tour since 2002, said he started performing for service members as a way to honor his late father's memory, but after his first tour, he knew it was something he wanted to continue doing. "I was going to do a couple weeks just to honor my dad and the time he did in the service, and we just fell in love with it," Keith said. "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."
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uring the 5th month of deployment, Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, visited the ship. She performed for thousands of Sailors while aboard. The visit to Lincoln was her first to a deployed U.S. naval ship. Scanlan signed autographs, posed for pictures, ate meals with crew members, learned about various jobs Sailors perform on the ship and accompanied the ship’s band during a concert in the hangar bay. "It may sound cliché, and I can't say it enough, but there are no words to express my gratitude," she said. "There's no way I can ever say ‘thank you’ enough. Our whole country—every American is saying ‘thank you.’" Miss America was not the only person we said goodbye to. We held a Change of Chanrge Ceremony for Command Master Chief (CMC) Susan “Suz” Whitman. CMC Gregg Weber relieved Whitman. “I am honored and I am humbled to have worked side by side with each and every one of you,” Whitman
said. “When I get on that flight to leave the ship, know that I have given you everything I have had to give and that you will be truly missed. I will not say ‘goodbye,’ but I will say, ‘see you in Norfolk.’” May also hosted the annual Damage Control (DC) Olympics. The DC Olympics are 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 quickly they can get tired,” 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.”
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ith the arrival of June, summer barbeques are plentiful back in the states. Not to be outdone, Lincoln had its own picnic on the flight deck June 1. "It's our chance to give back to our Sailors," said CMC Kevin Martin of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, embarked aboard Lincoln as part of CVW 2. "Every day, they work hard for us. The least we can do is give them a break." Taking another break, cast and crew members from the film "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" visited the crew at sea, June 12 to interact with the crew and debut the new film. "We made a movie about freedom, and you are the reason we have freedoms," said
Benjamin Walker, who plays Lincoln in the film. "We wanted to show it to you guys first." June was not without its milestones either. Sailors from the Air Department’s V-2 division celebrated the 50,000th successful consecutive trap by arresting wire 2 and commemorated the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a wreath-laying ceremony on the ship's fantail. "While we look back on the incredible achievements of Midway and reflect on what it took for those Sailors to win, we can also look forward with great confidence," said Shoemaker. "I know that the challenges we face today will be overcome by Sailors with the same devotion, spirit and uncommon valor of those who fought and won at Midway.
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he arrival of Independence signaled we were almost done with the cruise. The allvolunteer, California-based organization brought more than 4,500 Harris Ranch, 12-ounce New York center-cut steaks to Lincoln Sailors to show appreciation for their service and to help them celebrate Independence Day at sea. Celebrating the holiday, Sailors also spent the afternoon relaxing and enjoying a variety of recreational events. They competed in a touch football game, raced remote control cars, hit golf balls off the fantail and listened to music. To provide a little friendly competition and build camaraderie, Culinary Specialists of CSG 9 faced off in an “Abe Lincoln Strike
Group Culinary Showdown”, aboard Lincoln. The event put Culinary Specialist 1st Class Christopher Williams, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Aldan Johansen, and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Timothy McDowell’s culinary skills to the test, with only 20 minutes to prepare each course of the meal; appetizer, entrée, and dessert, with a random mandatory ingredient for each course. Lincoln’s Iron Chef Showdown came just before Lincoln’s last port visit, Antayla, Turkey. Sailors started their journey to Antalya by hopping on one of the three ferries leaving to and from the ship, located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. From there, Sailors could enjoy any of the various activities MWR had set up for the port visit. Sailors enjoyed some well-deserved the R&R in Antalya.
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incoln spent nearly 8-months moving around the world accomplishing its mission and she would finally return to a new home. Sailors from Lincoln welcomed friends, family members and special guests onboard for a “Tiger Cruise” as the ship departed Naval Air Station Mayport, Florida Aug. 4. The “Tiger Cruise” was an opportunity for Sailors to show their loved ones what
it was like to live and work on a ship. Family members were able to to hit golf balls of the flight deck and sample the galley’s cuisine. Also, the air wing put on an air power demonstration so tigres could experience the type of dedication and percision used to launch and fly aircrafts. The Tiger Cruise was the last experience of our deployement before pulling into Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 3.
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ollowing the completion of the leave periods, Lincoln held a change of command ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, Sept. 21. At the ceremony, Capt. Karl O. Thomas relieved Capt. John D. Alexander as Lincoln’s commanding officer in front of the ship’s crew, family members and friends. Participants included Rear Adm. Ted Branch, commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, and Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine. Alexander said he will always remember the Lincoln crew and their unmatched professionalism and dedication. “This has been the most physically and mentally demanding job I have ever had and, without a doubt, the most rewarding,” he said. “This crew and this strike group team have been enormously successful. It has been that way for one reason and one reason alone:
a collective selfless commitment to excellence.” One of Capt. Thomas’ first duties along with Capt. Timothy Kuehas, Executive Officer of USS Abraham Lincoln, was giving a tour to dozens of Virginia children, Sept. 24. The children toured Lincoln and launch model rockets from a Norfolk Naval Station softball field. Retired Rear Adm. Bill Hayden, executive director of Starbase Victory, led the students on a tour of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, which included stops in various spaces aboard the carrier, including the flight deck, bridge, forecastle and fantail. “It was an amazing experience for the children, because they were exposed to real life applications of math and science,” said Hayden. “The visit not only sparked more curiosity, but also gave the children pride and respect for those who serve in the military.”
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n the month of October, the crew assigned to Lincoln moved off the ship into barracks located in Newport News and Portsmouth. Lincoln is preparing for RCOH, a process to replace nuclear fuel and to perform general maintenance, renovation, and modernization of the ship. Sailors will no longer be able to live on the ship due to this massive undertaking, so buses waited outside the ship to transport Sailors to their appropriate barracks. The change has some welcome amenities. “The gym is very nice and has a lot of equipment,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Tori Thornton. “It is also nice that we have cable in our rooms.” Although no longer facing the dangers of deployment, the crew had to remain vigilant to
protect against a natural disaster, Hurricane Sandy. Lincoln performed an emergency evacuation from Naval Station Norfolk to Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Portsmouth) Oct. 26 while the FAF was moved to Newport News Shipyard. In preparation for transporting the ship, safety precautions were implemented to ensure the well-being of the ship and the crew. “As far as the ship, we did some time critical ORM to look for the most high-risk processes to prevent injury and damage to equipment,” said Cmdr. Daniel Jurta, Safety Officer. “On the move back up, we were able to do a more deliberate ORM analysis and provide that in with normal navigation brief.”
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ovember was filled with mixed emotions. While Thanksgiving was approaching, we lost a shipmate and friend. We remembered Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Alonzo Gladden Jr., Nov. 8, during a memorial service in the ship’s forecastle. Gladden’s drive for success, reliability, unsurpassed intelligence and utmost integrity made him a great mentor and role model for Reactor department Sailors. As a result, he was hand-selected to be Reactor Mechanical division’s representative for Reactor Training division. “The Navy quickly noticed the natural leadership abilities of Petty Officer Gladden, and he was constantly put into leadership positions,” said Thomas. He was a mentor, a shipmate, a friend, a beloved son and a Sailor we were all privileged to know and serve beside. He is missed, and his family will always be in our thoughts. “He had the ability to always bring a smile to your face,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Spurlock. “He was always pushing his fellow
shipmates to be better.” During tough times, we must press on. Sailors aboard Lincoln continued in the first stage of RCOH, which is Ship’s Coordinated Offload and Outfitting Plan or SCOOP. SCOOP began on Lincoln Oct. 1, continued in November and was scheduled to be finished Dec. 11. The latest equipment to be removed in November was the catapults. “It takes 40 to 45 personnel to remove the catapults and a week to do so,” said Lt. j.g. Matt McCauley, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) maintenance officer. Each component of the catapult will be refurbished. The catapult is scheduled to be installed into the flight deck late 2015. The ship began to look more and more like a construction site and less like a naval war vessel.
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s the temperature got colder and the holiday season approached, Sailors from Lincoln made an effort to help residents affected by Hurricane Sandy. Lincoln Sailors teamed up the New York-based non-profit organization Friends of Firefighters to clean and restore several Brooklyn residences that sustained extensive flood damage in the aftermath of the hurricane. In the morning, the Sailors went to the distribution office to help organize and set up relief items for firefighters in need. In the afternoon, they helped clean out houses that were flooded by removing damaged items and ripping out the floor boards. “These guys worked very hard helping out these families,” said Lt. David Duprey, a Lincoln chaplain. “Friends of Firefighters greatly appreciates all the hard work we put in at the distribution office and cleaning the flooded houses.” After the hurricane hit the area, Friends of Firefighters started organizing help for firefighters whose property had been destroyed in the storm. Volunteers from around the country pitched in to distribute clothing, food and other relief items to firefighters in need.
Also in December, many of our sailors were frocked. A total of 352 Lincoln Sailors 36 percent of all the ship's test takers were promoted to the ranks of third, second and first class petty officer during the ceremony. Capt. Karl O. Thomas, Lincoln's commanding officer, congratulated the newly frocked Sailors for their achievements as they walked across the stage of the C-9 auditorium on base. Thomas praised Lincoln's frockees for their milestone achievements. "Another advancement cycle is here, and once again, Abe Sailors are leading the way," Thomas said. "Our young men and women continue to impress me with their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment to doing things right--whether on the ship or when representing the Navy out in town. You all make me incredibly proud to be your commanding officer." 2012 has been an amazing adventure across the world and we are now settling in our new home in the Hampton Roads area. What better way to end a challenging and exciting year than with a party? So, we threw on our ties and dresses and headed down to the Embassy Suites in Hampton for dinner and dancing at the Holiday Party.
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Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other. -Abraham Lincoln Jan.
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MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION
AND KEEP IT!