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INSIDE
Words From Our CO
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FROM THE EDITOR
Fleet Ride
The ship is back to work, Lincoln Nation. As we prepare for the next chapter in this warship and crew’s life, the reality is that we’ve got a huge and difficult task ahead of us. Enough from this editor, read all about it in the Commanding Officer’s letter to the crew. Speaking of the crew, all of Lincoln’s Sailors needed someplace to stay now that the ship is in full-on, overhaul mode. A big undertaking coordinating the move of 2,000 Sailors, make sure you check out the barracks move-in layout for a complete recap of the move-out, move-in process. With all of the moving, renovating and overhauling going on, Lincoln’s motorcycle riding Sailors took a nice, rumble through the tunnel, as part of the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society’s Fleet Ride. A long, ardurous road lies ahead for Big Abe, but we will keep up the pace. Happy Birthday Navy...237 years of serving this great Nation.
CO's Corner
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hipmates and ABRAHAM LINCOLN Families, I am sincerely honored to take Command of ABRAHAM LINCOLN and to commence the next chapter in this warship and crew’s life. We’ve got a huge and difficult task ahead of us! It is a task that is vitally important to the security of our national interests. Our aircraft carriers play a central piece in our foreign policy and are in high demand around the world. As our nation shifts attention toward the Pacific Theater, that demand will only increase as aircraft carriers are a critical element to that theater’s strategy. The pre-shipyard preparations, early maintenance on difficult jobs, and refueling preparations we have started with “Smart Start” and SCOOP (Ships Consolidated Offload and Outfitting) will set the team up for success once we get to the shipyard. The maintenance we will conduct over the 44 months beginning in February represents 35% of the depot level maintenance for the 50 year life of the carrier. Because we take the time to properly conduct maintenance on our ships,
the United States Navy has ship readiness and might that is second to none. However, a carrier undergoing maintenance is not contributing to that carrier presence. That is why it is vitally important that we treat every job, task and evolution with a dedication to getting it done right so that we complete our mission on time and return ABRAHAM LINCOLN to the fleet. Right and On Time! You’ll hear that often. Your Critical Role: As we transition to the industrial environment, each of us has a critical part to play to accomplish the mission. Your part may not line up with the vision you had when you joined the Navy. As a crew, we won’t be pulling into exotic ports or launching and recovering aircraft. That doesn’t mean what you are doing is any less important. In fact, in many ways it is more important because you are building the readiness into this ship that will enable her to be on call and ready for nearly three decades--long after you or I leave the Navy. Individually, you might get the opportunity to get haze gray and underway on a different ship to work on qualifications or to train for that day when we get out of the shipyard. My pledge to you is that your leadership will look at your situation and help build a plan with you that is tailored to your career development and needs. I can’t promise you’ll get everything you want, but I can promise that your concerns and desires will be addressed and explained. If they aren’t, ratchet it up the Chain of Command.
Shipmates take care of Shipmates: I need everyone of you to look after one another as we move into this RCOH (Reactor Core Overhaul). I need this on several levels, and you’ll hear me emphasize these areas over and over because historically ships in RCOH have had an increase in personnel issues. Suicide Awareness: I need you to know the well being of your shipmate. I need you to ask one another how they are doing. I need you to ACT if you think one of your shipmates needs assistance. If you don’t ask; if you don’t take the time to find out what is on your shipmate’s mind or what troubles they may be going through… it may be too late. There is no harm or shame in seeking out assistance to deal with a tough situation—we have a lot of leadership, medical, and spiritual assistance on this ship and plenty of resources to get you help. Alcohol Related Incidents (Particularly DUIs): I need you to have the courage to intervene. Fact is, you party with your friends and most of your friends are the ones you work with on a daily basis. You know which one of your shipmates parties to excess, and you probably know who doesn’t drink responsibly or might cross the line. I consider crossing the line to include things like being disrespectful to authority or getting behind the wheel after drinking. It boils down to two areas: 1) Bringing discredit upon the Navy and 2) Endangering the lives of others. Fact is, even one beer/shot/glass of wine could be too much if you are going to drive. Fact is, once you have one drink your judgment and decision process begins to break down and it is easier to have a second, third, or fourth.
Fact is, you’ll never get a DUI if you don’t drink before you drive. And the final fact is, your Shipmate will appreciate you in the morning if you have the courage to tell them “no” or “stop” or “give me your keys” the night prior. Have that courage and have a plan before you party. Take your turn and be that designated driver. If you are by yourself and not with your shipmates, be smart and plan ahead—then STICK TO THE PLAN. Domestic Violence and Child Abuse: We are in the fortunate position to spend a lot of time with our families and children over the next few years. That is a great opportunity, but sometimes it causes friction that didn’t previously exist within our households. Only YOU know what kind of relationship you have with your spouse and children. If it is volatile at times, please get assistance before it gets out of control. Once again, we have many experts within our Command and on our naval installations. Don’t wait until it is too late. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be ashamed to discuss it with your Chief or Division Officer. Sexual Assault or Sexual Harassment: There is no place for sexual assault or sexual harassment in the work place, in the barracks, or when off duty. I simply won’t
tolerate it, and all accusations will removed to rig out equipment. be fully investigated by NCIS or the Temporary services are being command as appropriate. If you are a installed and strung throughout the victim, you should feel comfortable ship. Chipping, grinding and their bringing your concerns forward—I associated metal particles are flying encourage you not to be afraid to around the ship. It is loud. I need report all sexual assaults and sexual you to protect yourself with hearing, harassment, so that others do not eye and head protection. Keep your suffer. I also encourage all hands head on a swivel, and be aware of to be smart on liberty and to ensure your surroundings. You are too that you avoid situations that could valuable to be injured. leave you vulnerable. Be aware of Bottom line: You are a critical your surroundings, use the buddy member of the team to get this system, moderate your alcohol RCOH completed on time. Even intake, and if you witness behavior though it is nearly a four year that is inappropriate have the process, every day counts and we courage to intervene. There is right cannot afford to let the schedule and there is wrong and no gray on slip. Quite simply, we will discover this topic. The bottom line—“No” things we didn’t anticipate and it means “No”, and we must always is much harder to put a ship back treat our Shipmates with respect. together than to tear her apart. We Safety: Our hangar bay has need to be smart how we SCOOP quickly become an environment the ship. We need to work smartly much more dangerous than even on to get ahead of schedule. We need cruise when aircraft were moving to follow procedures and not take throughout the hangar bay. In the shortcuts. And we as a team need Navy, we carefully orchestrate to work side-by-side our teammates moves and we ensure we have from the shipyard to accomplish our U.S. loads. Navy Photo By: MCSN Zachary A.this Anderson walkers next to forklifts with mission of overhauling ship and We learn to keep our heads on getting her back into the fight. It is swivels and during our routine travel our ship and I expect us to maintain around the ship we know which ownership throughout. I look ladder wells are slick or steeper forward to working with you, and than others. Our environment is thank you for all you do. changing rapidly. Sailors are usually not behind the wheel of the forklift. Captain Karl Thomas Hatches and ladder wells are being Commanding Officer
National Fire (OCT 7-13) Prevention Week Story By: MCSN Joshua Walters Photos By: MC3 Zachary S. Welch
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uring National Fire Prevention Week, October 7 - 13, 2012 attention focused on promoting fire safety and prevention. Many potential fire hazards go undetected because people simply do not take steps to fireproof their home. Many bedroom fires are caused by misuse or poor maintenance of electrical devices, careless use of candles, smoking in bed, and children playing with matches and lighters. Most potential hazards can be addressed with a little common sense. For example, be sure to keep flammable items like bedding, clothes and curtains at least three feet away from portable heaters or lit candles, and never smoke in bed. Also, items like appliances or electric blankets should not be operated if they have frayed power cords, and electrical outlets should never be overloaded. To help foster fire safety and prevent fires from occurring during the holiday season these actions should be taken into account. Install and maintain a working smoke alarm outside of every sleep area and remember to change the battery at least once a year. Designate two escape routes from each bedroom and practice them regularly. Teach everyone the "Stop, Drop, and Roll" technique in case clothing catches on fire. Avoid storing old mattresses in the home or garage. Teach kids that matches, lighters and candles are tools, not toys. If you suspect that a child is playing with fire, check under beds and in closets for telltale signs like burned matches. Matches and lighters should be stored in a secure drawer or cabinet.
Lincoln Sailors Move
Into Their New Homes
Story By: MCSA Kayla King Photos By: MCSA Michael Raney
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incoln Sailors have started moving off the ship to accommodation barracks Oct. 1. The barracks are located in Newport News and Portsmouth. Lincoln is preparing for Reactor Complex Overhaul (RCOH), involves the refuelling of the rector core and a general maintenance fixup, 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 move was very organized
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considering the amount of people who were moving into barracks,” said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jewell Willis. Huntington Hall, located in Newport News, is equipped with a recreational center, laundry room, and a mini Navy Exchange (NEX) conveniently placed inside the barracks. The recreational center provides computers with internet service, game consoles, pool tables and a mini theater complete with a projection screen. The mini NEX supplies Sailors with items they need including food and hygiene products. A gym is available to
allow Sailors to maintain physical performance as well as a track and field for outdoor sports and recreation. There are three to four Sailors assigned to each room according to gender. The rooms are accommodated with a TV with basic cable, free wireless internet, refrigerators and microwaves. “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.” Navy Gateway Inn & Suites, located in Portsmouth, is equipped with a recreational center, laundry
room on every floor, and a gym located on the shipyard. Every room is supplied with its own refrigerator, microwave and shared bathroom. Some of the barracks located in Portsmouth have kitchens. “The barracks are definitely nicer than I expected,� said Willis. Barracks provide the amenities to help Sailors relax after work. It also gives them a comfortable place to live until the ship is overhauled. RCOH is a three to four year process which will require Sailors to live in the barracks until the process is over.
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SAILORS RIDE FOR NAVY MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY
ayside Harley-Davidson sponsored its annual fleet motorcycle event “Rumble through the Tunnel” October 6th for both military and non-military members at Naval Station Norfolk. Chief Nicholas Gourley, president of the Abraham Lincoln motorcycle club, along with several other members joined the ride this weekend. “The whole idea of having our motorcycle club is to make sure that Sailors are completely aware of motorcycle safety, not only on two wheels but also the drivers around you,” said Gourley. “We get to ride during working hours to create a type of connection here VOLUME 24 , ISSUE 29
“Navy-Marine Corps Relief between us all, like a family.” Society was honored when Kevin Bayside Harley-Davidson Ramey called us with the idea has created an atmosphere of ‘Fleet Ride’ and the turnout geared towards service members. Bayside’s manager, Kevin Ramey, has been amazing every year,” said retired Capt. Kathy Nelson, first created this event to show NMCRS director, Norfolk office. his support of the military in the “The value of having a ride like community and chose the Navythis is that everyone can come and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) as the benefactor for the connect with one another, Norfolk is such a military-friendly town and fundraiser. The NMCRS is a private nona great town to be stationed in.” This year over 2,200 profit charitable organization that participants came out to show their provides financial and educational support, not only for the military, needs to service members as well as their families. Last year the Fleet but to help raise money for a great Ride and Bayside Harley-Davidson cause. raised over $8.1 million for the NMCRS. Story and Photos By: SN Phylicia Sorenson
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ime travel as a storytelling device nowadays seems to be a fading premise in the science fiction film genre. Although enjoyable, movies that use time travel come few and far between, in my opinion they rarely disappoint. From the “Back to the future” and “Terminator” franchises started in the 80’s, to the 90’s cult classic “Twelve Monkeys” the most recent Hollywood blockbuster “Looper,” starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Joe) Bruce Willis (old Joe) and Emily Blunt (Sara), may prove to be a sleeper hit but can easily take its place among these groundbreaking classics. “Looper” seemingly has a plot recipe that harkens back to the classic 80’s and 90’stime travel movies. You get a dash of gritty hard-boiled characters; mixed with the prospect of a grim and inevitable future. Throw in dazzling visual effects, like hover bikes, a prosthetic nose plus telekinetic shockwaves, just to make things interesting and you’ve got yourself one of the better action thrillers of the year. Set in the near future of 2042, time travel becomes possible. However, due to the irrevocable harm it could cause, time travel is outlawed. Whereby, only the exuberantly wealthy and ruthless
Story by: MC3 Jeremiah Mills
organizations that exist 30 years in the future of 2072 have the political and financial power to use this technology for their own agenda. That agenda is to kill people. Due to the technological advancements of crime scene investigation it’s virtually impossible to conceal a murder in the future of 2072. Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) belongs to a group of assassins called “loopers”. The function of a looper is to exterminate targets that are sent to them from the future then dispose of their body via incinerator. Until one day Joe’s employers “close his loop” by sending his future self, old Joe (Bruce Willis) to be exterminated. Needless to say Joe is confronted by a wiser more cunning version of himself. A frenzy of noir-style violence ensues as Joe comes to grips with a grim and mind shattered reality- he has to kill himself, well his future self anyway... After an exhilarating chase scene Joe evades certain death and falls into the capable hands of Sara (Emily Blunt) who patches him up. In a seemingly standoffish relationship, Sara and Joe eventually grow on each other. Throughout the film the two share bond that reaffirms Joe’ sense of self-responsibility, while strengthening his resolve to do what
he must. Now Joe has to hunt down his future self before his employers kill both versions of him. In the plots pursuit of the theme “haunted by your past, hunted by your future” Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt have a distinct chemistry on-screen that translates well with the very kempt and stylish presentation of the film. Their collective portrayals of Joe’ overall character is distinct and emotionally layered, with many moral shades of grey to consider between two different men from two very different times. With a memorable score, that sets off very moody and haunting feel to the film their isn’t much to be taken away from “Looper” except that if you have a hard time keeping up with the concept of alternate realities and the whole space-time continuum then you might get lost or miss out. Conclusively, it was a great film especially as end of the summer thriller and was worth the trip.
4 out of 5
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his year's celebration of our 237th birthday is highlighted by anniversaries that have defined us as the greatest maritime warfighting force in history. Across the country, cities held Navy Week celebrations for the bicentennial of the War of 1812 which guaranteed our independence and ensured our future. These events have shown the contrasts of our modest beginnings with the original six frigates at the start of the 19th century to today's 21st century modern fleet. This year is the 70th anniversary of Guadalcanal which was one of our Navy's most important World War II victories in the Pacific. 2012 is also the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis that allowed President Kennedy to stand firm during the Cold War confrontation with the might of 140 ships of the fleet in the Caribbean. Since then, the Navy has continued to provide the flexibility our Commander in Chief needs to meet high-end conventional or asymmetrical threats, or provide humanitarian assistance in response to natural
disasters. We have remained a nation committed to the seas and to a strong Navy. While we have innovated and built the world's greatest fleet through the years, what makes our Navy part of the best expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known is our Sailors. You are standing the watch and sustaining peace in the global commons. The new defense strategy announced by the President in January is a maritime-centric strategy, so America needs your continued best. This is a time and a future when so much depends on our naval services and we will continue to take care of our Sailors and their families to make sure they have all they need to take care of our nation. You are part of a Navy warfighting team that is reliable, flexible and ready to respond worldwide - on, above and below the sea. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the years ahead. Thank you, happy birthday and semper fortis.