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From the Editor Greetings Lincoln Nation and happy birthday to the United States Navy! Greetings Nation! beenwe’ve an exciting weeks full of PRT seasonLincoln is upon us and asIt’s a whole all beentwo active to the awards, achievements and good deeds. extreme! Abe Warriors showed off their skills at the punt, pass and kick competition against Sailors from PCU Gerald R. Ford and USS Enterprise. Big Abe also hosted a track and field tournament that got Sailors up and running! With everything going on across the nation we’ve been hard at work saving the Navy money and ensuring that Big Abe stays on track to rejoin the fight. The Combined Federal Campaign is here again, so it’s time to test your generosity and see if we can break our donation record from last year! Keep up the great work Abe Warriors!
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 19
IHO Corner W@S Update Story by MC3 Jonteil Johnson
Good morning Abe Warriors, As you are transiting the ship you may see a variety of respiratory protection being used. From the painting team using in-line supplied air respirators to the deck tile teams using half-mask canister respirators. These protective devices are used to protect Sailors performing industrial tasks that have a potential respiratory hazard. Sailors wearing these types of respirators are performing tasks that have a potential to be dangerous to their respiratory health while not wearing respiratory protection. There are many tasks you may be asked to perform on a daily basis that do not have the potential to affect your respiratory health but are uncomfortable to work in, for example, the dust generated by sweeping in the hangar bay or cleaning the overheads. These are not tasks that would justify using a P100 half face respirator. However, we do have respirators for these tasks available for pick up in the respirator issue room of the Safety Department (01-128-1) or at the Quarter Deck. It is called a N-95 respirator and looks like what laymen call a “dust mask.” The important difference is that this mask will actually protect your lungs and is approved by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a government agency that researches these things. The problem with using any “dust mask” that is not approved by NIOSH, in other words the blue mask floating around, is that they don’t block any of the small particles that can actually reach your lower lungs (where you breathe). So what are the take aways: 1.We have N95s available for use while cleaning available in respirator issue (01-128-1). 2. Use of any “dust mask” without a NIOSH stamp is not allowed on board and would not protect you anyways. 3. It is extremely important that if you have been identified to wear a P100 half face respirator that you actually wear it. Very Respectfully, Lt. John Engel
Oct. 11, 2013
Single parents serving aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received parenting advice during the Woman at Sea meeting, Oct. 2. Lt. Jessica Woody, the groups mentor, said this meeting was meant to help single parents network with each other and receive advice and support. “I know many of our Sailors are single parents and it can be very challenging,” said Woody. “I wanted to provide them with as much support as I could and also let them know they have the support of their shipmates.” The meeting opened up with Sailors discussing their experiences as single parents. “There have been many challenges while trying to juggle being a single mother and being a Sailor,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Tania Banks. “The stress sometimes gets to me, but I know I have to keep it together for the sake of my child.” After each Sailor was introduced, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rosalyn Martin provided them with useful information on how to deal with single parenting better. Sailors talked about topics to alleviate some of the stress such as financial responsibility, after school programs, mentorship programs, diet and exercise. Martin said she believes these meetings are an effective way of receiving important information while boosting camaraderie at the same time. “These meetings are meant to be an open forum for our female Sailors to talk,” said Martin. “We want to give out the information without talking at them.” Women at Sea meets every Wednesday to discuss issues that face women in the Navy. Future Women at Sea meetings will include: - Mentoring for financial planning for the holidays Oct. 16 - Self-defense class Oct. 23.
Around the Ship
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) train to fight a class bravo fire as part of an in-port emergency team drill on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
(Above) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) advance towards a class bravo fire during an in-port emergency team drill on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
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(Above) Sailors volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build Oct. 2, in Hampton, Va. The Sailors cleaned up garbage and debris, moved material, and wood trims and prepared the yard for landscaping. (Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas)
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(Above) Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Noel Prouty (left) relays information of a class bravo fire to Gunner’s Mate Seaman Anthony Kveene during and in-port emergency team drill on the flight deck. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson) (Above) Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kathryn Rogers hugs her son, Phillip White, during her commissioning ceremony at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News, Oct. 4. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
(Above) Aviation Boatswains’ Mate Airman Dannis Lindsey assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) issues out hearing conservation equipment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (Photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills)
(Left) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Allan Coronado acts as plug man during an in-port emergency team drill on the flight deck aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
Oct. 11, 2013
A Message From the SECNAV, CNO and MCPON
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ecretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens joined forces in a video birthday message to the fleet. “This year on October 13th the United States Navy marks its 238th birthday,” said Mabus. “Since our beginning in 1775, our Navy has defended America with pride -- a tradition that continues today. As Secretary of the Navy I have the honor and privilege of working with the finest men and women our country has to offer. This was the case 238 years ago and remains as true today as it was at our Navy’s inception. On any given day our Sailors are deployed around the world providing a constant presence, defending the American people and our nation’s interests. We are and will continue to be America’s away team, the finest expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known. So today as we reflect on our heritage, I want to thank all of you for what you do in the service to our Navy and for our country. Happy birthday, Navy! Semper Fortis!” For their portion of the message, Greenert and Stevens met at the Washington Navy Yard’s Navy Museum in front of a display commemorating the battle of Lake Erie which according to Greenert
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was “perhaps the most dramatic and important battle in the War of 1812. It was at this battle that our Sailors really showed their mettle, really showed their tenacity, and, in fact, were the asymmetric advantage for our forces. Today, the all-volunteer force --you -- are our asymmetric advantage. So think about that as we celebrate our 238th birthday.” “For 238 years our Navy has overcome enormous challenges and faced adversity,” said Stevens. “We’ve risen with those challenges and built a reputation as the strongest naval force the world has ever seen. We work daily among a rich landscape of ships, bases and waterways. But it’s not the environment that keeps our Navy moving forward, it’s our people! This is our heritage!” “So let’s remember the importance, as we look ahead, of our tenets of today: warfighting is first, we operate forward, and we will be ready,” said Greenert. “We will use the genius of our diverse force -- our all-volunteer force -- and we will be where it matters when it matters, because that’s what you and I are about: our great Navy of today!” “Thank you for your service shipmates! I’m proud to serve with you!” concluded Stevens. “And thanks to our Navy families. None of us could do what we do without your love and support!”
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 19
Lincoln Sailors Learn ASIST Story and Photo by MC3 Joshua Walters
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ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) completed applied suicide intervention skills training (ASIST), part of a Navy-wide effort to reduce the amount of suicides by training Sailors in suicide intervention skills. ASIST is offered at military bases around the world as a way to reduce Sailor suicides that, according to the Navy Personnel Command’s (NPC) suicide prevention website, average four each month. Every year more people die by suicide world-wide than from all of the armed conflicts around the world combined, according to NPC. The effects of suicide can be devastating to a family, command and even a whole community. The question many people are asking is “how can we prevent someone from taking his/her own life?” One resource available to Sailors in the prevention of suicide is ASIST. “We are in a difficult environment,” said Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln.
Oct. 11, 2013
“A lot of people have different challenges and all that stress can build up to where they need to have someone they know they can reach out to for assistance.” The two-day workshop concentrates on training people to intervene with someone who is contemplating suicide. “Applied suicide intervention skills training made me feel more aware of the symptoms of suicide,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Michael Weinmann. “It also taught me how to approach and deal with Sailors who are having these same problems.” ASIST inspired a Lincoln Sailor who has gone through the program to help others outside of the Navy. “Seaman Cecilia Allen was on leave in San Francisco where she put a hundred stickers all along the Golden Gate Bridge,” said Lt. David Duprey, a Lincoln chaplain. “The sticker says ‘It’s a long way down but it’s a short walk back,’ along with the suicide prevention hotline number on the bottom.”
Story by MCSN Christopher Kiser
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ailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) participated in a Punt, Pass and Kick event hosted by Lincoln’s morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) department at Huntington Hall in Newport News, Sept. 26. Nearly two dozen Sailors competed against one another by seeing who could punt, pass or kick a football the farthest. Sailors not entered in the competition cheered on their shipmates from the sidelines while eating grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, chips and beverages provided by MWR. According to Kenneth M. Carter, an athletic director for MWR, the event provided a way to get Sailors to spend some time with Sailors from other ships. “MWR is always looking to do something different when it comes to these events,” said Carter. “This month we decided to take the Punt, Pass and Kick event that the NFL does and host one for Sailors.” All three events were scored by measuring the distance the football travelled. Participants who won received recognition for outstanding performance by having the highest total score in their age bracket. “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. “These events provide an outlet for Sailors to participate in healthy activities.”
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 19
Sailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) participated in a Punt, Pass and Kick event hosted by Lincoln’s morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) department at Huntington Hall, Sept. 26. (Photos by MCSN Aaron Kiser and Christopher Huot)
Oct. 11, 2013
Lincoln Hosts Track and Field Tournament
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Story and Photos by MC3 B. Thomas Liston
ailors enjoyed running full out on an early autumn day during the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Captain’s Cup Track and Field Tournament at Huntington Hall, Sept. 27. The events included shot-put, 100 meter dash, 4x100 meter relay, 1x400 meter dash and long jump. “It’s outstanding to see the amount of Sailors out here participating,” said Capt. Karl O. Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer. Lincoln’s Combat Systems, Air, Deck, Weapons, Supply and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AIMD) departments sent Sailors to the event. AIMD picked up the trophy for the best overall performance. “I was on the track team in high school,” said AIMD team member Aviation Administrationman 3rd Class Larry Manning. “Being able to come out and help AIMD win the trophy was just icing on the cake. “The speed some of these people have is insane,” said Aviation Administrationman 3rd Class Ronderrick Rhome. “It’s astonishing how quick some of these people are.” The event was sponsored, coordinated and judged by Lincoln’s Supply Department. “These events are all about team-building, camaraderie and fun,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Melissa Calderwood. “Helping out with this event is all about supporting the command,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Chad Smith. “The command supports us in everything we do, so this is our way of giving back and helping out.
(Right) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Larry Manning sprints in a Captain’s Cup Track And Field event at Huntington Hall in Newport News, Va., Sept. 27. (Photo by MC3 B. Thomas Liston)
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The Penny Press Vol. 25 Issue 19
Sailors Help Habitat for Humanity Story and Photos by MC3 Danian Douglas
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ailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) helped a local family get one step closer to their dream of home ownership by volunteering their services at a Habitat for Humanity build in Hampton Oct. 2. The group of six Sailors cleaned up garbage and debris, moved material, fastened rails to a handicap ramp, painted doors and wood trims and prepared the yard for landscaping under the supervision of Habitat’s construction crew. Ron Nelson, Habitat’s construction supervisor, said that the assistance from the Sailors every Wednesday since the project began, helped to maintain the schedule. “Some of the people can’t do the work, so when Sailors volunteer it really helps them out to complete the project on time,” said Nelson, an Air Force veteran with 42 years of construction experience. “This project is now 90 percent complete.” Lt. Miguel Torres, one of Lincoln’s volunteers expressed the significance of completing the project. “This house in particular was designed around the needs of a family member who uses a wheel chair,” said Torres. “The family member will be able to move independently around the house with fewer restrictions. That’s one less thing for them to worry about.” Torres reflected on the personal satisfaction Sailors get when they volunteer in their community and the excitement the family must be feeling, saying that in a few weeks, they would finally see a pile of lumber and a slab of concrete transformed into a beautiful new home. “When communities see people helping people, it is a good thing. We need to continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Torres.
Lt. Miguel Torres lays a coat of paint for a Habitat for Humanity build Oct. 2, in Hampton, Va.
Oct. 11, 2013
Sailors volunteer at a Habitat for Humanity build Oct. 2, in Hampton, Va. The Sailors cleaned up garbage and debris, moved material, fastened rails to a handicap ramp, painted doors and wood trims and prepared the yard for landscaping under the supervision of Habitat’s construction crew.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 19
Oct. 11, 2013
Fire in the Hull!
Lincoln Fire Watch Maintains Safety for Hot Work Story from USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) have completed 41,270 fire watch man hours while the ship undergoes its 42.5-month refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) in Newport News, Sept. 30. USS Abraham Lincoln is one of several carriers at Newport News Shipbuilding to take on fire watch hours while undergoing RCOH. Sailors will complete an estimated 200,000 hours of fire watch, which serves as a cost avoidance measure during the carrier’s overhaul. Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln, emphasized the crucial role Sailors are performing during their fire watches. “These Sailors are significantly contributing to the overall mission,” said Thomas, who added that the latest fire watch hours completed represents a significant cost avoidance measure of millions of dollars since the carrier arrived at Newport News Shipbuilding in March. The money saved by Sailors conducting fire watch will be used later in the project to fund other repairs. Thomas added that fire watches are an important tool as the first line of defense against potential casualties. “There is a tremendous amount of welding and grinding going on around the ship. As we’ve seen on
other ships, fires can be extremely devastating,” said Thomas. “This fact makes the job of a fire watch that much more important.” Fire watches are manned as a safety precaution during hot work such as grinding, cutting and welding.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Jose Espejolara, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fire watch, observes an overhead for any signs of fire hazards. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Jose Espejolara, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fire watch, inspects a fire extinguisher prior to assuming his watch. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 19
Lincoln Cautions Sailors Against Using Spice Story by MC2 Kyle Henley
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln continues to emphasize the zero tolerance policy for substance abuse by ramping up awareness about the dangers of using and abusing Spice and other synthetic drugs. “We continue to learn more every day about the potential harm and side-effects associated with Spice,” said Chief Cryptological Technician Jeremy Crandall, Lincoln’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program coordinator. “Some of the side-effects include psychotic behavior, swelling of the brain and death.” OPNAVINST 5350.4D defines drug abuse as the wrongful use of controlled substance including designer drugs, illicit-use anabolic steroids, prescription or overthe-counter medications. Crandall went on to describe potential hazards associated with drug use. “No regulation is placed on the chemicals used in Spice’s production,” said Crandall. “This leads to the user not knowing exactly what they are consuming and means they are taking serious health risks.” Chief Legalman Myron Chism stated that the risks
Oct. 11, 2013
of using Spice and other illegal substances weighs heavily on Sailors not just because of health and legal reasons. “If caught using or in possession of Spice a Sailor could be discharged not only for the drug itself but for misconduct as well,” said Chism. “Looking at it from a wide perspective that’s restriction, loss of pay, loss of employment and legal fees. It will make it harder to gain employment with that mark on your record.” Chism went on to detail how strict the military service is coming down on substance abuse. “If you use you lose,” said Chism. “And it’s just not worth it.” Even with the zero tolerance policy, Crandall wanted to ensure that Sailors know there are options for help if they turn themselves in before being caught. “DAPA is the first stop on the road to recover,” said Crandall. “The DAPA team serves as an advocate for Sailors who may have a drug problem and DAPA can schedule appointments with treatment facilities. DAPA manages individual Sailors in aftercare programs. We do our best to set Sailors up for success after they depart naval service.”
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