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From the Editor Greetings Lincoln Nation! Another week of dry dock down and many more to come! The many associations of Big Abe have started firing up the grills in support of MWR, Sailors and shipyard workers working through dry dock. Our Abe Warriors out at LIFAC are hard at work cutting, drafting and blasting away at parts of Abe to make sure she floats when it’s all said and done. Captain’s Cup games continue with some high energy indoor volleyball. Lincoln is spiking down it’s opponents. We have some true Abe Warriors who have risen above the rest. The CO took the time to celebrate their outstanding efforts with a personal thank you. Keep up the good work Lincoln Nation!
Survey Says
Medical Top-Notch Story by SN Phyicia Hanson Photos by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
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SS Abraham Lincoln’s Medical Department is working towards improving its services to Sailors through an ongoing patient satisfaction survey. The command first surveyed the crew during the 2011-2012 deployment. Upon entering Refueling Comprehensive Overhaul (RCOH), Medical slowed down the release of surveys to be able to determine an accurate number for patient satisfaction. They fixed the deficiency and the numbers look promising, according to Ship’s Nurse Lt. Abdon Galera. “With the numbers being calculated,” said Galera. “The survey shows us that less than 5 percent of our patients are dissatisfied.” The surveys are handed out to patients at the customer service desk. Once the surveys are received back from the patients, Galera personally reviews all of the surveys. On the survey, patients can express how they feel about the quality of their medical department experience: completely satisfied, somewhat satisfied, undecided,
somewhat dissatisfied or completely dissatisfied. For the patients who feel their medical experience was somewhat or completely dissatisfied Galera personally contacts the patient to investigate why the patient was unhappy with their visit. “Normally the complaint is about having long lines,” said Galera. “I believe the survey is very important to our quality of work. It gives us a big-picture view of where some of our gaps are and where we can fill them.” Once the surveys have been reviewed and investigated the surveys are then forwarded to Naval Air Forces Atlantic Command. Galera asks to take the survey seriously. “Surveys are what we base our improvement upon,” said Galera. “We don’t know how we can improve our quality of work if we are giving defective or halfhearted answers.” Since life on board the Lincoln has shifted during RCOH, the Medical Department aims to keep its standards high as it serves the medical needs of its Sailors.
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A be Grill C S ooking up a
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Story by MC3 Benjamin T. Liston Photos by MC3 Joshua Walters
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SS Abraham Lincoln is hosting a fantail cookout three days a week called “Abe Grill” to raise funds for Lincoln associations as well as the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program. Abe Grill involves every association Lincoln has to offer including the Officer’s Wardroom, Mustang Association, Chief Petty Officer’s Association, First Class Petty Officer’s Association, Second Class Petty Officer’s Association and Junior Enlisted Association. “This event is to support these associations and raise money for future command events such as the command picnic and holiday parties,” said Lt. j.g. Chadwick Bradford, Abe Grill’s coordinating officer. Each organization receives a portion of the earnings from Abe Grill. The remainder goes to MWR. “The turnout, so far, has been exceptional,” said Bradford. “The morale throughout the associations has been outstanding, and the Sailors really seem to be enjoying what we have to offer.” Sailors aboard Lincoln continue to show their appreciation and support of the Abe Grill. “I feel good knowing the command is providing the option of food that isn’t out of a vending machine and it’s a plus that it’s going to help fund MWR events that I can enjoy later,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Alexander Wade. “The Abe Grill is a convenient option for when I forget a lunch or want something fresh and tasty.” The associations work in rotation, with each picking the days to volunteer their time for the Abe Grill. “The grill gives the Chief’s Mess the opportunity to give back to Lincoln Sailors,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Miguel Mudahy. “As an organization we look forward to serving and supporting Lincoln as a whole.” Abe Grill is open on Lincoln’s fantail every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
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LIFAC Bay One Gettin’ Things Done Story by MC3 Danian Douglas Photos by SN Phylicia Hanson
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s USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) undergoes a 48-month refueling complex overhaul (RCOH), a reassigned crew of mechanicaltrade Sailors are busy constructing, repairing and refitting components from the ship, at Newport News Shipyard’s satellite Light Industrial Facility (LIFAC). There are three bays that function as an assembly line, using 68 personnel that operate 135 different machines to process the items that are brought in from the ship. Although production is an important aspect, LIFAC’s Training Coordinator, Aviation Electrician’s Mate Michael Shipley emphasized the facility’s main responsibility is safety. “Our primary focus is safety,” Shipley said. “These machines are very dangerous, and therefore all personnel go through a rigorous training program to keep them qualified and proficient to operate with efficiency to meet the ship’s schedule.” Bay One Supervisor, Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Perry Anderson, explained the different production stations that he is responsible for. “The ‘Paraloft’ fabricates the air crew’s readyroom chairs, barber chairs and flame-resistant Herculite covers which protect machinery in the ship’s engineering spaces,” said Anderson. Sailors who work in the wood shop use an array of carpentry skills to make plywood covers for heavy machinery and standard award plaques. The wood shop has also produced 100 customized aircraft carrier-shaped plaques called “skateboards,” a coveted ship memorabilia item made from discarded wooden pallets, according to Anderson.
“After the pallets are carefully disassembled to minimize physical damage, the woodshop cuts, shapes and smoothes the boards into the basic design,” said Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Rafael Martinez. “The boards are then laser engraved with customized messages on behalf of the commanding officer.” The machine shop Sailors have also been valuable to the ship’s schedule. Using universal milling and lathe machines, these Sailors produced almost 100 foreign material exclusion plugs used for hydraulic hoses in the ship’s aircraft elevators. The highlight of the machinists’ production however, is the computer numerical controlled (CNC) plasma cutter which cuts metal up to fiveeighths of an inch thick into any shape or size. Within just two weeks, the plasma cutter has completed 2,000 precision-cut deck drain covers. The correlation of proper training to safety, as well as production, was reiterated by Shipley, who is responsible for implementing NAVOSH safety training, personnel qualification standards and in-rate training for the entire department. “If we send out fire hose fittings to the ship, but they do not meet specifications because the person who worked on them was not proficient, we will have to buy new stock, recall the item and redo the work,” said Shipley. “This can cause a domino effect which can delay the ship’s schedule.” Shipley summarized that proper training along with utilizing all-in-one facilities as LIFAC can reduce operational cost for the Lincoln, as well as the Navy.
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Captain’s Cup
Volleyball Story and photos by MC3 Christina Naranjo
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ight Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors from various departments teamed up to compete in Naval Station Norfolk’s volleyball tournament April 23 and 24. The team is ranked third in the ten team tournament and has spent 6 weeks building camaraderie and morale. Lincoln’s volleyball team is Yeoman 1st Class Darrell Johnson (team captain), Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Jose Cova, Yeoman 2nd Class Hayley Rienstra, Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Tito Siatu, Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Joseph Passi, Hull Technician Petty Officer 3rd Class Miguel Gonzalez and Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Chinil Hurst. Since March, the team has played against 10 other sea and shore commands, at Naval Station Norfolk. Their games are played at the N-24 gymnasium on base Monday through Thursday evenings. “Playing for the Lincoln team makes me proud to be a part of the command,” said Cova. Lincoln’s volleyball team has won eight of 10 games. Some of their victories are the result of blow out wins. Their goal is to win the tournament and bring the trophy back to the ship April 25. “I feel super excited because we know we can do it,” said Cova. “We play well together and we have good team communication.” Along with their outstanding performance, the team has taken advantage of the opportunity to build sportsmanship with one another. Johnson sent an e-mail to the 1st class community to encourage players to join. The team gathered for their first game March 11. In spite of constantly changing schedules the team has been able to stay together. “Once the season is over we will continue to play out in town together,” said Johnson. Even though the season may be coming to an end, the team plans to continue to play together.
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obert Windham, a Newport News Shipyard worker for 30 years, was named one of three Warriors of the Week in the conference room of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) April 18. Lincoln’s commanding officer, Capt. Karl Thomas, recognized Windham for his can-do attitude, setting an example among other associates and helping to repair various cranes. Windham mentors novice associates and new engineers in the refueling area. The first shift team leader for the purple team of the Refueling Team’s Surface Ship Support Barge, he was awarded a Lincoln skateboard, a Captain’s Coin and acknowledgement among his leaders.
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ob Laubengayer, the Lincoln Aircraft Electrical Servicing System (AESS) Production Manager, was honored as Warrior of the Week for the week of April 18. Laubengayer was recognized for his superior project management. He was able to hire an abatement contractor once encountering hazards while working on complex hatch and trunk repairs to address safety concerns. Laubengayer ensured a smooth transition of AESS work as the ship transitioned into Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) and helped enable a successful CVN 72 Smart Start (the preparative work conducted to begin RCOH). Thomas also presented Laubengayer a Lincoln skateboard and a Captain’s Coin.
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nformation Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice Mark Daen earned Warrior of the Week for the week of April 18. Capt. Thomas applauded Seaman Daen for taking charge of his teammates, selfless attitude and hard work. Daen was able to lead his team to make the command’s computers functional. He repaired 75 workstations, 11 laptops and four printers. “I feel honored and proud to know that my hard work is being noticed by the chain of command,” said Daen. Capt. Thomas awarded Daen a Lincoln skateboard and a Captain’s Coin.
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lectrician’s Mate 2nd Class Branden Wagner was awarded Warrior of the Week for the week of April 11. Wagner and his team stayed onboard for 96 straight hours to set up the new reactor work complex. They set up Propulsion Plant Local Area Network (PPLAN) computers, ran cable and set up the network for the ship and the Floating Accommodation Facility. Wagner said that PPLAN ensures Reactor Department maintains the continuity of its vital resources. “While I appreciate being acknowledged, I’d rather have my entire team receive the acknowledgement rather than myself,” said Wagner. Wagner was acknowledged among his leaders and shipyard directors and was awarded a Lincoln skateboard and a Captain’s Coin.
Story by MC3 Christina Naranjo
VIRGINIA
PENINSULA
Foo ank Lincoln Sailors
Assist Food bank Story and photos MC3 Danian Douglas
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ailors from USS Abraham Lincoln volunteered to assist setting up Virginia Peninsula Food Bank’s (VPFB) 20th Annual “Tastefully Yours,” a food and wine tasting fund-raiser, April 16 and 17. The premiere food and wine tasting event showcases area restaurants April 18 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. VPFB’s volunteer coordinator, Maria Quigley, said that 100 percent of the proceeds go back to the food bank which, during 27 years of operation has distributed more than 121 million pounds of food and related products to the needy in the North Hampton Roads region. “Our volunteers are our lifeblood,” said Quigley. “Without them we would not be able to make this event successful.” Lincoln Sailors hauled in supplies, decorated chairs and tables, arranged flowers and lighting and assisted with cleanup. “We put out word throughout our department that we needed manpower for the event, and
people responded and showed up to work,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joanna Madrid, Lincoln’s coordinator for the event. Quigley said that each event grows bigger and better and they are expecting 3,000 to 3,500 patrons for this year’s event. “I’ve done community relation events before but never like this one,” said Personnel Support Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Unuame. “It is a great way to give back to our community through the Navy.” “We are very fortunate to live in a community where we have such a big military presence. We get a lot of military support for our programs from all military branches including contractors,” said Quigley. “Whether it is to sort frozen meat, move mounds of dirt or distribute food products, our military is a huge source of physical and financial support to our program.” Madrid reiterated the importance for Sailors who live in the area to be involved with community projects. “It is important to show that the Navy as an organization is willing to give back when we are here, by helping the community and not just be passers-through,” said Madrid. “It shows that we are a total force and not just war fighters.”
Fleet and Family
Support Center
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Story by MC2 Kyle R. Henley
he Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) in Newport News, Va., is provides Sailors and their families working in the Newport News Shipyards with a variety of free services to support them personally and professionally. “When they first arrive in the area we offer relocation services,” said Erica Charity, a life skills educator for FFSC. “We help with family employment, we have life skills classes and parenting programs, and we also have financial educators to help.” Life skills education includes areas such as anger and stress management, relationship building, parenting and individual counseling. FFSC also offers courses in communicating effectively with their command and the family. “If there are any resources that people should take advantage of it’s our communication course,” said Charity. “We have a class about maintaining respect in the work place, where we teach people how to draw the line and handle their issues. We also help people communicate with different generations of Navy personnel.” The educators, counselors and assistants of FFSC not only help from their office, but also come to Sailors as well. “Our relocation manager can help people transfer by contacting other bases to aid the transition,” said Charity. “We have the access we need to go to people where they are. We’ve got the hard hats to do it and all of our programs can be done outside of our office.” A key part of FFSC’s support is dealing with Sailors leaving the Navy
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transitioning into other careers. “We meet with prospective employers around the area and ask what they’re looking for,” said Charity. “We want to help Sailors learn how to properly market themselves and succeed in whatever new venture they choose. We have resume workshops and oneon-one counseling for anyone interested.” Sailors from around the area are encouraged to access the services the center has to offer. “We take care of the families that come to us, and introduce them to their community,” said Charity “It’s important for people to know they have the support they need, when they need it.” The Newport News FFSC is on the second floor of the Maritime Square Building (also known as the 2600 Building) at the corner of Washington Avenue and 26th Street in downtown Newport News.
Contact Information Phone: (757) 688-6289 Hours: Mon. - Thurs 0730-1630
Friday 0730-1400
Military Child
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ore than 90 Sailors participated in a week-long reading event at the Wiloughby Child Development Center on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk April 15-19 in support of the Month of the Military Child (MOTMC). April was designated as the MOTMC by former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger in 1986. The month-long observance is set aside as a time to recognize military families and their children for the daily sacrifices they make and the obstacles they overcome, such as frequent moves, separation from their active-duty parents and school changes. Veanna R. Sutton, new parent support specialist at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) Mid Atlantic, said she was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers. “It is so wonderful to see this many Sailors give their time to the children,” said Sutton. Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Hughes, a Lincoln Sailor volunteering for the reading event, said he is always happy to lend a hand. “As a father of a military child myself, I know how important it is to support the
programs available,” said Hughes. “It is always an uplifting experience to give back to military children who make up such a special part of our nation’s population.” Capt. David A. Culler, Jr., NAVSTA commanding officer, said although April is recognized as the MOTMC, military children deserve full support year-round. “While we often recognize the service member, it is important to remember that kids serve too,” said Culler. Kathleen C. Thompson, an FFSC Mid Atlantic work and family life consultant, said MOTMC is important to remember our military children and the connection they hold with their families. “So often we forget that they need the love and attention that is often missed unintentionally. Their lives are precious to our future,” said Thompson. There are many MOTMC events in the Hampton Roads area this month in addition to the reading event including a spring safari and a children’s festival. For more information on the events taking place, contact the Fleet and Family Support Center Newport News at (757) 688-6289.
Story and photo illustration by MC3 Zachary S. Welch
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Month
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THE PENNY PRESS
Story and photo by MC3 Christina Naranjo