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From the Editor Lincoln is causing waves across the nation! Greetings Lincoln Nation! It’s been an exciting two weeks full of The Guinness Book of World Records confirmed that one of our Abe awards, achievements and good deeds. Warriors set a new world record! Big Abe’s CPO Selectees are running all over the place, at the Floyd Carter Memorial 8K trail run, across beaches and up and down the Hampton Roads Area. The Dental Corps celebrated its 101st birthday! Congratulations dental on another year of keeping our Sailors mouths fighting fit! Air Department’s V-1 division went out on a mission of good will to help renovate an elementary school just in time for the new school year. Big Abe and the Abe Warriors are making history even during RCOH, so keep up the great work! Stay safe. Stay smart. Stay Navy.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
For Safety
Lincoln Begins E-Leave
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s we move forward through RCOH the crew will begin to be exposed to new hazards. It is the desire of the Safety Department to make you all as safe as possible. The best way to do this is through education. In this issue of the Penny Press we would like to talk about a hazard that many Sailors encounter on a regular basis, just not to the scale we will see in RCOH. Let’s talk about painting, preservation and prep work for these activities. Many Sailors spend their days painting/ preserving ships on a small scale using hand tools and paint brushes. In RCOH divisions will be asked to prep most of the spaces by sanding the bulkheads with hand orbital sanders. In the rare case that the paint needs to be removed to support preservation, needle guns, grinders, and belt sanders may be used. It is imperative that P100 half-mask respirator be used. Due to the age of the ship the paint will contain chromates. During routine preservation (using hand tools) there is no exposure at harmful levels. When mechanical/pneumatic tools are used to remove the paint these elements are ground to dust and are then able to be breathed in. P100 Respirators are highly effective at removing this dust from the air. Additional PPE would include wearing long sleeves and gloves during the paint removal operations. A face shield or goggles is necessary for use of needle guns or grinders. Deck Department will be prepping a mockup of a properly prepped space for training purposes. If you have any questions about proper PPE please contact your Divisional Safety Petty Officer, the Safety Department or the Industrial Hygiene Officer Lt. John Engel. For further guidance on removal of paint and preservation safety please consult OPNAV5100.19e Section C Chapter 18 “Painting and Preservation.”
Aug. 29, 2013
-Lt. John Engel
Story by MC3 Jonteil Johnson
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he Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) began using the Electronic Leave (E-Leave) system Aug. 19 through the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS). “E-Leave is a more efficient way of submitting and tracking leave requests as opposed to using paper,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Gina Parsons, one of Lincoln’s command leave administrators. “It allows for a quicker turn around with requests.” E-Leave is a streamlined electronic system for submitting and approving leave requests and allows Sailors to easily submit and track their requests. Ensign Jose Jimenez, Lincoln’s personnel officer, discussed the effectiveness of using E-leave. “This system is more accurate and it benefits our Sailors in the long run,” said Jimenez. Master Chief Personnel Specialist Paul Matheny, personnel’s leading chief petty officer, said E-leave allows for everyone involved in the submission and approval process to check on the status at any time. “The system is a time-saver for both the Sailor and the command,” said Matheny. Matheny said that the personnel office will be available to help the crew through this transition. “There are going to be a lot of questions about E-Leave, but personnel are always here to help,” said Matheny. “I think it will be an easy concept to grasp. The product remains the same, the process is electronic now.”
Around the Ship
(Above) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Stephen Bugaj, a Sailor aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, (CVN 72) looks at a tour-guide magazine in the Newport News vistor’s center during a naval heritage tour as part of command indoctrination Aug.21. (Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas)
(Above) Damage Controlman 1st Class Jonathan C. Fleming transfers damage control equipment through the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an in-port emergency response team (IET) drill Aug. 20. (Photo by MC2 Zachary Welch)
(Right) Hull Technician Fireman D’Andrea M. Loud inspects an electrician’s kit during an in-port emergency response team (IET) drill aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Aug. 20. (Photo by MC2 Zachary Welch)
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
(Above) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Motorcycle Club prepares to leave on a group ride after completing a motorcycle safety seminar Aug. 27 in Newport News, Va. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
(Above) Yeoman 2nd Class Kevin Ellsworth and Fire Controlman 2nd Class Tony Cox stand by to perform evening colors on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (Photo by MC3 Zachary Anderson)
(Left) Aviation Ordnance Airman Recruit Edgar Villatoro applies lagging tape to seal a pipe in the forecastle aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Aug. 21. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
Aug. 29, 2013
Lincoln Sailors Participate
In Floyd Carter Memorial 8K Trail Run Story and Photos by SN Phylicia Hanson
More than 100 Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) took part in the 8th annual Floyd Carter Memorial 8K Trail Run at the Cheatham Annex in Yorktown, Aug. 16. The Floyd Carter Memorial Trail Run was established after Floyd Carter, a Navy civilian physical fitness trainer, was killed in a car accident eight years ago. “It is a huge honor for us to have Lincoln Sailors here to show their support,” said Donna Wallace, a Navy nutritionist. “Carter would have been thrilled to see this turn out; this run would have made him so happy.” Lt. Mark Rinschler, USS Abraham
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Lincoln’s “fit boss” informed Sailors of the fitness opportunity. “Seeing this turn out of our Sailors is really encouraging to me,” said Rinschler. USS Abraham Lincoln’s newest chief selectees and their sponsors also participated in the memorial run. “I think that it is really important to be out here with the selectees,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Kathryn Rogers. “When I was going through this exact same process last year, I wasn’t a runner to say the least, but having people around me to encourage me and cheer me on while I ran was so helpful for me. I want to be able to do the same thing to this next class of chiefs.”
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
(Below Left) Sailors attached to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pray before beginning the Floyd Carter 8th annual Memorial Trail 8K Run at the Cheatham Annex, in Yorktown, Va., Aug. 16.
Aug. 29, 2013
(Above, Below)Sailors attached to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) run in the Floyd Carter 8th annual Memorial Trail 8K Run at the Cheatham Annex, in Yorktown, Va., Aug. 16.
Lincoln Celebrates Dental Corps 101st Birthday Story and Photos by MCSA Ellen E. Long
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated the Dental Corps’ 101st anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony, Aug. 22. Cmdr. Randy Stanton, dental officer, USS Abraham Lincoln discussed the importance of dental readiness. “There is a false sense that dental health is not medically important to the overall well being of our Sailors,” said Stanton. “Dental problems can be debilitating to the Sailor and his or her overall effectiveness, but having a dentist close by who can alleviate that pain and suffering is cost effective and a benefit to not only the Sailor, but the command as well.” The oldest Lincoln representative from the Dental Corps, Lt. David Myers, as well as the youngest Lincoln representative, Lt. Peter Ham, were joined by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Asterik Knotts, Lincoln’s Dental Corps’ Sailor of the Year, during the annual cake cutting to mark the milestone anniversary. “We’d like to encourage people to get their treatment done,” said Myers. “Even while we’re in the shipyard, it’s important to understand that you have to have these things done.” The Dental Corps was founded Aug. 22, 1912 by an act of Congress that was signed by then-President William Howard Taft. “All of us play a big part in having our forces ready to go out and deploy,” said Hospital Corpsman
1st Class Chan Bellamy, Dental Department’s leading petty officer. “Dealing with dental or medical pain is going to hinder you from doing your job because you’re going to be more concerned with what’s going on with your body.” Capt. Randall Peck, executive officer of the Lincoln, attended the ceremony and reflected on the rich history of the Dental Corps in keeping Sailors mission ready. “Dental Corps is one of those units that has a great history of service, accomplishment, sacrifice and valor in the Navy and they serve every day to benefit the quality of life of the Sailors. Without them, we cannot accomplish our mission,” said Peck, who helped cut and pass out cake to the ceremony attendees. “This is a great opportunity for us to recognize the achievements of one particular group of people that exists totally to serve the larger body. We should be thankful for what they bring to us.”
“Dental Corps is one of those units that has a great history of service, accomplishment, sacrifice and valor in the Navy...” -Capt. Randall Peck
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
(Above) Sailors from Dental Department assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attend a celebration in honor of the Dental Corps’ 101st anniversary.
(Above) Lt. Peter Ham, Lt. David Myers and Capt. Randall Peck, speak to Sailors at a celebration in honor of the Dental Corps’ 101st anniversary.
Aug. 29, 2013
Capt. Randall Peck, executive officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), speaks to Sailors at a celebration in honor of the Dental Corps’ 101st anniversary. (Below) Capt. Randall Peck, Lt. Peter Ham and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Asterik Knotts pass out cake at a celebration in honor of the Dental Corps’ 101st anniversary.
Lincoln Sailors Renovate School Story and Photos by MCSA Ellen E. Long
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) helped renovate John B. Cary Elementary School in Hampton, Aug. 21. More than 20 Sailors from Air Department rallied to repaint six classrooms in preparation for the first day of school scheduled for Sept. 3. “We had a list of priority things that needed to be done,” said Heidi Brazinski, principal of Cary Elementary School. “We just needed bodies and Lincoln was the first command to offer us any help.” The community relations project was coordinated by Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Mario Johnson. “My daughter goes to school here and we were looking for mentoring opportunities,” said Johnson. “The school said they needed bodies to prepare the building for the upcoming year so we thought it was a good opportunity.” As the freshly painted walls dried Johnson reflected on future volunteer opportunities with the school. “We hope to build some kind of relationship with the school so we can continue to help them,” said Johnson. This is Brazinski’s first year as the principal of Cary elementary school and her first time working with the Lincoln. “They are awesome,” said Brazinski. “We were thrilled to have their help to get the school prepared for the kids.”
(Above) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Shane Green, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), repaints a cabinet to help renovate Cary elementary school in Hampton, Va., Aug. 21.
(Right) Airman Jeffrey Staring, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), repaints a wall to help renovate Cary elementary school in Hampton, Va., Aug. 21.
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The Penny Press Vol. 25 Issue 16
Lincoln Home to Identical Twins Storyby MC2 Amanda Kilpatrick
Enlisted siblings are a rare occurrence in the Navy, siblings serving aboard the same ship are even more rare. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) houses not just siblings, not just twins, but two sets of twins. Identical twins Electronics Technicians 2nd Class Adam and Erik Stevenson, and Aviation Ordnanceman Airmen Otis and Tito Siaitu are assigned to Lincoln and even share workspaces. The Stevenson’s both joined the Navy from their hometown of Glen Ellyn, Ill., in 2011. Though they joined at the same time, they went to boot camp several weeks apart. “We only saw each other a few times when our divisions would cross on the sidewalk,” said Erik. “They were really tough times, but we stayed in touch by writing letters back and forth.” Adam and Erik come from a family of seven children with no military background and few financial options for school. “I made a promise to myself in early 2010 that I was going to get my life together and turn it around,” said Erik. “So I did the only thing that made sense at the time, I started talking to a recruiter.” Thankfully, the Stevensons have each other to rely on, and a supportive family at home cheering them on.
Aug. 29, 2013
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Adam Stevenson and Electronics Technician 2nd Class Erik Stevenson perform routine maintenance aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abrham Lincoln (CVN 72) in Newport News, Va., Aug 28. (Photo by SN Phylicia Hanson)
“Our family is proud of us. We don’t come from a family with a history of military service so it was a new thing for all of them,” said Erik. “But they’re always supportive of what we’re doing and encouraging us to be our best.” The brothers agree that being in the same rate is advantageous and helps to motivate them to get qualified together. “I do enjoy it for the most part. We’ve worked together our entire lives and it makes a lot of things easier since we know each other pretty well and think alike,” said Adam. “We get into sync with each other and it makes the work flow that much simpler.” Being in the same job and going up for advancement at the same time would make any siblings competitive, and the Stevenson’s are no different. “We have always advanced at the same time, so that’s great,” said Adam.” But I’ll definitely make first class before him.” Their drive to succeed and sibling rivalry brings a great energy to the Lincoln during the ship’s time in the yards while undergoing refueling and complex overhaul.
MWR Hosts Lincoln Bar-B-Que Story by MCSA Christopher Huot
(Background) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Joseph Dennison from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) throws a ball at a dunk tank in an attempt to sink Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate James Colley at a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) barbeque at Huntington Hall field in Newport News, Va. (Photo by MCSA Ellen E. Long)
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted a picnic for its Sailors at Huntington Hall in Newport News, Va., Aug. 14. An estimated 300 people attended the picnic and consumed on grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and beverages provided by Lincoln’s morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) program. “The whole idea of MWR events are to boost morale among Sailors by pretty much serving those who serve us,” said Shannon Smith, director of Lincoln’s MWR program. MWR provided activities including basketball, a strength testing machine, a dunk tank and an inflatable slide. The dunk tank gave Sailors the chance to drop departmental Leading Chief Petty Officers for a small fee in support of MWR. According to Lincoln Command Master Chief, (SW/SS) Gregg Weber, MWR events allow Sailors to break away from the daily work routine. Weber said he likes seeing the crew come together as well as the unity among the Sailors. “MWR events show that the leadership cares for their Sailors,” said Weber. “It’s amazing to see Lincoln Sailors getting away from the stress of the yards and being able to relax and come together in a safe environment.” MWR also offers bus rides to local shopping malls, Captain’s Cup tournaments and outings such as last month’s ship-wide afternoon at a Norfolk Tides baseball game.
(Right) Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael Grego from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is dropped into a dunk tank at a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) barbeque at Huntington Hall field in Newport News, Va. (Photo by MCSA Ellen E. Long)
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
Lincoln Tips Off
Captain’s Cup Basketball Story and Photo by MC2 William Blake
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors hit the court for its summer Captain’s Cup Basketball Tournament at Huntington Hall, Newport News, Va., Aug. 14. On the first day of the tournament, three different games were played with different departments from around Lincoln. The tournament was arranged by Chief Machinist’s Mate Travis Bailey, Captain’s Cup Engineering Department representative, who felt that basketball needed to be included in the Captain’s Cup. “Basically, the basketball tournament was an idea that came up when Captain’s Cup was discussed,” said Bailey. “As Engineering’s representative, asked them to support a bid for a basketball tournament.” In first game, between Weapons/Transportation and Air, Weapons handily defeated Air, 15 - 5. In other two games, Reactor faced Supply and Operations played Weapons/Elevator. Reactor defeating Supply, 15 – 5, and Weapons/Elevator held off Operations, 15 - 8. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Kevin McCullum of Air Department said the tournament is good for the morale of the ship and crew. “ It’s going to be excellent for morale, we should do things like this more often”, said Mccullum. “This got people off the ship, because of the environment we are in, you need a way to relieve stress and all the tension from all the things that have to be accomplished on the ship”. Bailey said that playing basketball could help the sailors during the shipyard period. “It means a lot to them because a lot of Lincoln Sailors are involved in basketball as one of their favorite sports,” Bailey said.” “The proximity is wonderful and the gym is renovation had definitely been tremendous outreach for the Sailors. Huntington Hall is a big part of the success for the shipyard and Lincoln sailors have enjoyed”. Sailors from different Departments all feel that the Captain’s Cup helps. ”It builds morale up, gives the ship something to look forward to when we come to work.” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Andre Brown of Weapon Department. “It gives you the chance to meet new people”. Reactor Department’s team beat Weapons Department’s team 15-6 in the championship game Aug. 28.
Aug. 29, 2013
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Kevin McCullum, of the Air Department Captain’s Cup basketball team, looks to pass during a Captain’s Cup basktball tournament Aug. 14.
Running of the Chiefs
CPOs and CPO Selectees Go For 5K Fun Run Story and Photo by MCC Aaron Stickland
C h i e f s a n d chief selectees from Nimitz cl as s a i r c r a f t c arrier U SS A braham Linc oln (CV N 7 2 ) so a ked up som e late summe r s un s h i n e a n d fresh air along w ith f e llow Chi ef a n d S e l e c tees from around the Ha mpton Road s a r e a d u ring the 2013 R un with the Chi ef s 5 K a t N a val Station N orfolk Aug. 23. N a v a l S t a t ion Norfo l k M o r ale, v Wel f a r e and R e c r e a t i o n o ffi ci a l s sa i d m ore t h an 3 , 1 0 0 r u n ners p art i c i p a t e d i n its n i n t h a n n u a l 5K fu n ru n . Among the p art i c i p a n t s w e re m o re than 100 Li n co l n c h i efs and s e l e c t e e s who fo u n d out t hat t h e m o r n i n g w as m o re t h a n t e ambuilding a nd exerc i se . “T h i s w a s a great o p p o r t u n i t y t o meet and n et w o r k w i t h o ther chiefs and se l e c t e e s from the area,” sa i d U S S A braham Li n co l n C o m m a nd Master Chi ef ( S W / S S) G regg Web e r. “ T h i s r un is also m ean t t o b e f u n and team b u i l d i n g ; w e d i d both.” D u a n e B u s hey, the s ev en t h m a st er chief p et t y o ff i c e r o f the N avy fro m 1 9 8 8 - 1 9 92, spoke t o t h e g a t h e r i n g. “Ch i e f se l e ctees, w hat you have discovered
toda y is tha t be ing a c hie f str e tc h e s b e y o n d your c omma nd or your ship,” Bu s h e y s a id . “ W ha t you will do a s c hie f s e ve r y d a y w ill a ff e c t the e ntir e Na vy. W ha t you d o e ff e c ts a ll of us.” The me ssa ge wa s not lost on L in c o ln ’s c hie f se le c te e s. “ This da y showe d me wha t c h ie f s c a n do toge th e r and we c a n ac c o mp lis h toge the r,” s a id Ch ie f ( se le c t) Av ia tio n Boa tswa in ’s M a te Toby Shoema k e r.
“What you do as chiefs every day will affect the entire Navy. What you do effects all of us...” -Duane Bushey, Former MCPON
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) FY-14 Chief Petty Officer Selectees chant moments before departing on Naval Station Norfolk's 2013 Run with the Chiefs 5K.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 16
Lincoln Sailor’s World Record Confirmed by Guinness Story from USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
Guinness World Records has authenticated a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has indeed smashed a world record, Aug. 13. Information Systems Technician 1st Class Ernie Torres broke the Guinness Book of World Records 2013 for “Most Pine Boards Broken in Free-fall,” by hand-smashing 12 boards while falling, the time of exiting the aircraft and pulling the parachute, out of an airplane from 16,000 feet at around 120 mph. For Torres breaking a world record is definitely a conversation piece. “Some of my friends and family are really excited about it,” said Torres. “I know it makes a great conversation piece when you know someone who has done something well known.” Jamie Panas, public relations manager, Guinness World Records North America, Inc., congratulated Torres on making “one’s mark in history”. “On behalf of Guinness World Records, we are pleased to congratulate Ernie Torres on his ‘officially amazing’ record achievement,” said Panas. “Being a record holder means being number one at whatever one’s talent might be, as well as solidifying one’s mark in history.” Torres interest in breaking a world record wasn’t purely for his enjoyment of sky diving, but rather to raise awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project. “I know the news of the record went worldwide,” said Torres. “My goal was to raise awareness for the organization through the attempt and now record breaking event.” As an accelerated free-fall instructor with nine years of experience and 700 jumps under his belt Torres added that safety was paramount and his first priority. “Many think that jumping out of a plane is crazy enough without involving the board breaking but they should know that safety is always the number one priority in any skydiving operation,” said Torres who thanked everyone involved in making the
Aug. 29, 2013
record breaking jump a reality. “There was an extensive process of planning the jump to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Operational Risk Management is not just a Navy thing and it’s not just for work. Everyone got back to the ground safely, with no injuries and now I can proudly say I hold a Guinness World Record.” Information Systems Tecnician 1st Class Ernie Torres breaks a board as part of an attempt to best the current Guinness World Record May 23. (Photo provided by Information Systems Tecnician 1st Class Ernie Torres.)
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