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From the Editor Greetings Lincoln Nation! It’s been an eventful two weeks with a lot of hard work, good deeds and some fun thrown in for good measure. The Norfolk Tides gave us a chance to go out to a ball game for Lincoln Day at Harbor Park. Ball park peanuts and some Sailors in their cracker jacks made it so fun that I’d love to go back. Abe medical hosted a health fair to make sure people are choosing a healthy life style. There were tips for diets, safe behavior and so much more. Lincoln hosted Ballast Training to set a course for new horizons for some Sailors. They even got a chance to hear from Big Abe’s very first CO! We’ve had COMRELS, fairs, days out and we’re still working hard to maintain a vigilant watch over Big Abe. So stay smart. Stay safe. Stay Navy.
Helping Retired Veterans
Lincoln Sailors Volunteer Their Time Story and Photos by MC3 Joshua Walters
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ailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) volunteered their time to bring a barbecue lunch to residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in Washington July 19. Sailors helped set up and escort the AFRH residents to and from the recreational room for a barbecue. “The staff really needed help to get the assisted residents down to the barbecue and back,” said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Eric Paschal. “The nursing staff has to be with the residents all the times and there are only so many nurses.” Not only did the Sailors assist the resident to and from the recreational room but they also help set up the tables, brought food to them, handle the food and passed out drinks. “It feels great coming up here and helping out at
the Armed Forces Retirement home,” said Interior Communications Electrician Fireman Daniel Lyon. “It gives the chance to give back to the veterans for what they have done for this country.” Once the residents were finished eating, Lincoln Sailors went around and talked to the veterans. “It’s great coming out here helping retired veterans and talking to the folks,” said Paschal. “It helps the veterans remind them what they were like when young. It also shows our younger Sailors there are people who truly love the military.” The Armed Forces Retirement home was established in 1851 after the Mexican War as a place for the senior citizen veterans a place to live final years. The home was first established it was funded by military personnel. Lincoln spent a lot of time at Soldiers’ Home, which is now known as the Lincoln Cottage.
Batter Up N T H L D orfolk
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Story and Photos by SN Phylicia Hanson
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imitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) teamed up with the Norfolk Tides for Lincoln Day at Harbor Park July 25. Lincoln’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Karl O. Thomas, and Lincoln’s Sailor of the Year, Aviation Support Technician 1st Class Vincent Carmona, exchanged ball caps on the first base line with the Tides’ General Manager, Joe Gregory and Team Manager Ron Johnson. “I am proud to say that we support our military as a team,” said Tides Coach, Jose Hernandez. “I don’t think that my boys would have it any other way than to come out today and enjoy playing America’s favorite pastime to boost the morale of Lincoln Sailors.” More than 1,300 Sailors from the Lincoln attended the game. The entire event was coordinated by Lincoln’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department representative Shannon Smith, along with the cooperation of the Norfolk Tides Director of Military Sales, John Muszkewycz. Thomas threw the ceremonial first pitch and reflected on the special day for his Sailors, “It’s great that the team opened their doors for us and dedicated a special day to honor Lincoln Sailors.” The Lincoln Color Guard presented colors during the singing of the National Anthem. Thomas, Lincoln’s Command Master Chief Gregg Weber, and Carmona stood near the Tide’s bullpen during the National Anthem. “I had a lot of fun at the game,” said Quartermaster Seaman Brianna Suits of Navigation. “I haven’t been to a baseball game before so it was a great experience. It was a beautiful day outside to have the day off!” “I’m not one for baseball, however, I did get to hang out with my friends,” said Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class James Hyde. “So that made going to the game totally worth going to.” To cap off the day, the Norfolk Tides beat the Pawtucket Red Socks, 6-5. The Tides are the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
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Staying Heal hy
Lincoln Hosts Fair to Promote Wellness Story and Photos by MC3 Jonteil Johnson
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted a health fair at Huntington Hall in Newport News July 24. “We have Sailors from the galley, medical department, safety department and morale, welfare recreation department supporting us,” said Lt. Jeremy Slocum, Lincoln’s medical service corps officer and health promotions coordinator. “It’s good to have a little bit of everybody from the ship.” During the health fair Slocum discussed smoking cessation, a program aimed at eliminating tobacco use from the Navy. “I want my shipmates to know just how dangerous smoking is and how it adversely affects the crew’s readiness,” said Slocum. Culinary Specialist 1st Class Virginia Durbin spoke about proper nutrition and exercise display. “Many Sailors may not know how important
proper diet and exercise are,” said Durbin who enjoys being a part of the health fair to share vitally important information with the crew. “I’m glad I can be here to help my shipmates and share my knowledge.” During the health fair Durbin shared an assortment of recipes for the benefit of the attendees. “It’s not always easy to eat healthy,” said Durbin. “These recipes are great for time management and are excellent dieting aids.” Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Mary Perez, presenter of the women’s health display, said she wants to educate men as well. “Women’s health is something not only female Sailors should be aware of, but male Sailors as well,” said Perez. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Huriel Riveraaponte explained how regular check-ups are important to catch early symptoms of health problems. “It’s important to keep up with our health,” said
Riveraaponte. Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nicole Stanley brought in her personal motorcycle to aid her display. “I want Lincoln Sailors to know how serious I am when it comes to motorcycle safety,” said Stanley. “I think the fact that I brought in my bike shows how passionate I am about the topic.” During the fair, Stanley explained how to properly maintain a motorcycle as well as provided tips for driving in Virginia. “The more you know about your bike the better your chances of driving safely,” said Stanley. The health fair is a Navy-wide program used to relay important information Sailors may not know or otherwise have access to. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding a divsion of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense.
Ballast Training Giving Sailors A Second Chance Story and Photos by MC3 B. Thomas Liston
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln ( CVN 72) conducted a Ballast Training class July 22-26 to help Sailors realize their potential in today’s Navy. The course featured guest speakers, community relations projects and a field trip. “I didn’t think I needed to go to this training,” said Seaman Ronald Rogers. “Now that I’ve attended every session, I’ve come to realize where I was going wrong in my career and I have Ballast Training to thank for making me a better Sailor.” The training started with opening remarks from Capt. Karl Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer: Capt. Randall Peck, Lincoln’s executive officer and Command Master Chief Gregg Weber.
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“The name of this course comes from the ballast on a ship. We put it at the bottom of the keel and it gives us stability,” said Thomas.” It’s used to right the ship and give it balance in rough conditions. We used a nautical term that’s all about righting the ship and hopefully this will help you get some stability in your life.” Force Master Chief Kenneth Daniels spoke with the students July 23 about how to make good decisions and how to capitalize on the opportunities that good decisions lead to. “I’m not saying to go out and not have any fun,” said Daniels. “I just ask that you to do so responsibly.” Daniels went on to talk about how his decisions have affected his career and asked for participation
from Sailors by having them do learning exercises. Daniels has served his country for 29 years and is currently the Force Master Chief of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT). The training class volunteered at the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank by making grocery bags for less fortunate people of the Hampton roads area July 24. “Being able to volunteer and help out the community I live in gives me a sense of accomplishment,” said Seaman Mishawn Ewart. “I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to volunteer here if it wasn’t for this class.” Later that same day, the class hosted a speed mentoring session to help the students find a mentor to help guide them in their careers. “I really enjoyed the mentoring session we had,” said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Henry Hernandez. “I’ve been in the Navy for 12 years and I’ve always enjoyed helping junior Sailors make career choices and helping them with their problems.” Twenty-five First Class Petty Officers, throughout Lincoln, participated in the events. Each
of them told their story and got acquainted with the students. July 25 the Sailors were visited by Lincoln’s first commanding officer, retired Rear Adm. Bill Hayden. “I wanted to speak with them and let them know that anyone can bounce back and have a successful career,” said Hayden. “With the resources Sailors have today, the opportunities are limitless.” The final day of Ballast training started with a visit to the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) Museum in Norfolk. The Sailors learned about the experiences of past Sailors. “I love history,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician Jeremy Crandall. “Being able to come out here and see these Sailors’ faces and their reactions to how people lived outside of the carrier world is, not only entertaining, but it shows me that they appreciate their history just like I do.” The course wrapped up with a final visit from Thomas, Peck, and Weber. “We’re invested in you,” said Thomas. “We wouldn’t have taken you out of your work spaces and placed you in this course if we didn’t think we could help you become better Sailors and better people.”
Ballast Graduation
ABEAN Michael Downes
SN Mishawn Ewart
AT3 Jerome Mathews
ABH3 Christopher Fuentes
DC3 Travis Goff
ITSN James Horsman
CSSN Earl Oliver
SN Ronald Rogers
MMFN Mitchell Stankiewicz
AOAN Derek Thorpe
ATAN Michael Zapata
ABHAN Donald Watts
First CO Story and Photos by MC3 Kathleen Church
The first commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visited Newport News to speak to Lincoln Sailors attending ballast training July 25. Ballast training is designed for at risk junior Sailors to help push them back in the right direction during their Navy career. Retired Rear Adm. Bill Hayden visited the training to reflect and share his wisdom about Lincoln’s current refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Hayden was there for a monumental moment in Lincoln’s history called “acceptance,” the moment when the Navy takes responsibility for the ship. “We got to raise the flag at the stern of the ship for the first time,” said Hayden. “At that moment I became the commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit.” Hayden reflected on receiving honors after crossing the quarterdeck after acceptance of the aircraft carrier. “I remember the morning they first rendered me honors,” said Hayden. “I looked around for this big tall guy with a top hat on and realized they meant me.” Hayden said that coming back to Lincoln after so many years has brought back many memories of the shipyard and he plans on continuing to support the carrier and its Sailors. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense.
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LIFAC: Bay 3 S Story and Photos by SN Phylicia Hanson
ailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at Lincoln’s Light Industrial Facility (LIFAC) are keeping their noses to the grind stone as the ship is continually being taken apart piece by piece during its Refueling Complex Overhaul. The Sailors assigned to bay three in LIFAC are a mixture of rates including Machinist’s Mates, Electrician’s Mates and Damage Controlmen. Bay three is where pumps, motors, valves and hoses are sent for repair. Once the repair orders for these types of jobs are received by the ship and sent to LIFAC, the Sailors in bay three begin the complicated process of running tests, determining what needs to be repaired, and then working to fix it. “This is where most of the ship is going to end up,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Steven Speed. “Maybe not the larger items, such as the doors, but every single motor on the ship will come through this bay over the next four years.” “We would like to think that the ship is coming to us in
sections from forward to aft, that however isn’t the case,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Amanda Hatch. “We will get pumps, valves and motors from all over the ship, mostly from Engineering and Air Departments.” Along with taking apart and repairing the different pumps, valves and flex hose , another main part of bay three is the motor shop. This is where motors are taken apart to determine the issue, rewired, tested, tested again and then sent to the ship or to the General Electric warehouse until needed. These motors vary from fluid pump motors to ventilation van motors. If the shop is lucky the fix is as easy as replacing fuses, however, it can be as complicated as the entire internal electrical intake being fried. “These motors can take up to 40 plus man hours to fix,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Austin Hale. “When we have to rewire the entire motor, it is a slow meticulous process, and with only three of us working on the job orders it can take a while. We want ensure we do it right the first time though.”
In-Port Emergency Teams Training for Any Occurrence Story by MC3 Jeremiah Mills Photos by MC3 Jonteil Johnson
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ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conduct damage control response and rescue training during an in-port emergency team (IET) drill for duty personnel July 24. “It’s important to know how to respond to an import emergency,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Petty Officer Vincenti Mendes, IET drill corpsman. “The ship is still a dangerous work environment where fires and injury can occur just as easily as if we were out to sea.” IET drills include first aid responses, such as stretcher bearing, wound repairs and rescue breathing. Damage control instructors also train Sailors on how to investigate, report and respond to fires and flooding. These simulated emergencies require instructors and trainees to act efficiently and quickly. “We have to stay
sharp and well trained because anything can happen and we have to be ready for that,” Hull Technician Fireman Miguel Gonzales said. “From first aid response to damage control drills we are taught to handle these situations. We train so we can be prepared for anything.” Even though Lincoln is in refueling complex overhaul, drills are still conducted daily. “There are still casualties that can occur while we are dry-docked so we try to maintain our readiness and keep the training fresh in the minds of our trainees,” said Mendes. Lincoln Sailors continue to train and maintain damage control readiness for the ship and its crew. “I understand that we can get rusty on this subject,” said Mendes. “However, it’s still our job and it’s important for us to stay grounded on this aspect not only for ourselves but for those around us.”
Sailors attached to the in-port emergency team train for fire casualties during an import emergency team drill (IET) aboard the Nimitz-aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
Serving the Community
Lincoln Sailors Devote Time To Less Fortunate Story and Photos by MC3 B. Thomas Liston
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) traveled to the Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk, Va. to help feed the less fortunate July 18. The church provides meals to the less fortunate in Norfolk and its surrounding areas every week. “This was a great opportunity to come out and help the city of Norfolk and the people who call this place home,” said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Gordon Rudolph. The Sailors helped the church by making more than 50 meals for the homeless. “We’re happy to be here helping those who are less fortunate than ourselves,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Brandi Washington. “It helps us realize that we’re not only here for the Navy but the people in these
communities as well.” The COMREL was coordinated through Lincoln’s Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) at a moment’s notice. “We received the message from CRMD and we drove down here to help right away,” said Rudolph. “I’m amazed to see how fast people were willing to volunteer.” The meals included a sandwich, fruit cup, condiments and a small dessert. “With this heat coming through the area right now and being in it all day, every little bit helps out,” said Quartermaster 3rd Class Jermaine Price. “This meal is probably one of the best things they’ll have all day.” Lincoln is at Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipyard for a Refueling Complex Overhaul.