The Penny Press, May 13, 2015

CONTENTS May 13, 2015

Volume 26, Issue 8

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FEATURED

Lincoln Sailors travel to Springfield, Ill. to commemorate the funeral of President Abraham Lincoln

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Lincoln Sailor reenlists on top of 310-ton crane

Junior Enlisted Association Sailors travel to Washington D.C., to volunteer at the Armed Forces Retirement Home

Reenlistment at the top of the world,

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Get nominated!

The Bob Feller award is seeking exceptional chief petty officers and Sailors, to be considered for the Bob Feller award

Lincoln Sailors volunteer with retired veterans,

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Ballast Class Graduates,

Sailors return to their departments with improved leadership skills, ready to make a positive change

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Welcome Aboard!

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Welcome back Lincoln!

May 4th marked the 150th anniversary of our namesake’s funeral.

Sailors traveled to the Springfield, Illinois to commemorate President Abraham Lincoln’s great memory. This momentous event serves as a great reminder to keep working hard and striving to follow in Lincoln’s footsteps.

Lincoln celebrated a hefty group of reenlistments this month: congratulations to those Sailors who continue to serve our great nation with honor and strength!

Also, last Sunday, May 10 was Mother’s day. Lincoln would like to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work put in by all the moms out there, both Sailors and spouses, and offer them our gratitude for their dedication to life’s hardest occupation.

Stay tuned for next month’s issue where we get to have some fun in the sun as we bring in the summer season with softball, track and field, and as many outdoor activities as we can get our hands on.

Here in Media Department, we work hard to recognize as many of Lincoln’s Sailors as we can by giving them a chance to share their stories and their knowledge. If you have a groundbreaking story for our department or an idea that you just don’t know how to express, we are always open for ideas and new content.

To our readers both old and new, welcome aboard. We’ve worked very hard on this issue and certainly hope you enjoy reading it!

MCSN Liana Clough MCSN Derry Todd Managing Editors

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CMC CORNER

Words from Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Lee Salas

Greetings Fellow Lincoln Warriors!

One of the great pleasures of this job is to see young men and women making their lives better by furthering their education. One of the ways the Navy helps you get a college degree is through the NCPACE program.

The Navy College Program for Afloat College Education provides shipboard Sailors with educational opportunities comparable to those available to shore duty personnel. As a student, you’re responsible for textbooks and supplies, but the Navy picks up 100 percent of the tuition.

Unlike Tuition Assistance, there is no $4,000 tuition cap each year. Also, there is no limit on how many courses per year.

Courses are offered by Central Texas College and are either instructor-led or distance learning (CD-ROM or MP4).

NCPACE is available to Sailors permanently assigned to Lincoln (or other type 2 or 4 duty assignments).

This is a great time to think about getting some college courses under your belt. If you build good study

habits now while our work on the ship is steady, when it picks up, you’ll be more motivated to keep it going!

Get with PSCS Moretz or Ensign Hunt in the Lincoln Education Services Office for more details on this great way to get college courses.

They are conducting orientation briefs to help you decided on the best route to a college education. Abe Sailors, this is free money for you! You know how I love free money!

Another way our Sailors make themselves great is doing their jobs well and being recognized with promotions! I want to again congratulate our newest Master Chiefs! A BZ goes out to ITCM Coopersanders (Combat Systems), MMCM Foster (Reactor), ABECM Gray (Air), AOCM Nowlin (Weapons) and MMCM Quinn (Engineering). These five Sailors are now part of the top one percent of the enlisted force! They are the best of the best and I hope you were able to take a moment to attend the pinning ceremony this week to congratulate

them for reaching this rare accomplishment! If not, let them know while you’re walking the deckplates!

Next month, we’ll welcome in new Senior Chiefs as well as new Petty Officers First, Second and Third Class.

What a great time to be in the Navy!

Stay safe, stay brave, and make good decisions Lincoln Warriors!

-CMC This week’s uniform note: General Instructions: Smartness. No articles shall protrude from or be visible on the uniform, including: pencils, pens, watch chains, key chain fobs, pins, jewelry, combs, large wallets, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or similar items. Communication devices are authorized for use and wear while in uniform (with limitations that include not interfering with the rendering of military courtesies). Navy Uniform Regulations, Chapter 2101, Section 3, c.

Career Waypoints: Navigating C-way

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Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amara Timberlake, Defense Media Activity

areer Navigator was launched June 3 and is designed to help Sailors make informed decisions about their career. This is a major shift from the way the Navy has done business in the past because it puts career management tools at Sailors fingertips.

The Navy wants to spread the word about these policy changes which is why Navy Personnel Command is deploying their fleet engagement team to talk to Sailors about the changes.

These experts recently visited Norfolk to tell Sailors, their leaders and their families everything they need to know about one of the most important parts of Career Navigator; Career Waypoints Reenlistment or C-Way. C-Way reenlistment deals with Sailors E-3 through E-6 with less than 14 years of active duty.

"Career waypoints are, in a nautical term, if a sailor is navigating his or her career, there are different avenues to take or different waypoints to reach, to make that career decision," said Capt. Bruce Deshotel, the head enlisted community manager at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) in Millington, Tenn.

C-Way is a sub-program of Career Navigator and Sailors will recognize some of the processes and language from PTS. "[It's] basically the reenlistment authorization, lateral conversion authorization, the reserve to active component, the active component to reserve, and the ability for reservists to request lateral conversion," said Chief Personnel Specialist Christie Cole, Career Waypoints leading chief petty officer.

"It's all contained in Career Waypoints."

The Navy has programs like C-Way to have the right Sailors in the right jobs at the right time. Cole compared the process to a bag of chocolate candy.

"If I have a 200 count bag of M&Ms and I have 60 reds but I only have 3 blues, I need to somehow change those reds to blues," said Cole. "It's the same concept. I may have 322,000 Sailors in the Navy but if out of those I need 2,000 of them to be PR's , if I only have 1200 and I need 2000, where's that other 800 going to come from? Well, that's going to come from another rating that maybe has 3500 and only needs to have 300."

Career Waypoints isn't just a new name for an old program. The principle of PTS remains but Cole says C-Way is a

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lot more Sailor friendly.

"They get faster answers and they can make more educated career decisions at a sooner point," said Cole.

C-Way allows Sailors to make decisions sooner so they're not being faced with the challenges of rotating or separating on short notice.

"The differences are that we have mandatory applications at a Sailor's [projected rotation date (PRD) and soft end of active obligated service date (EAOS)]", said Cole. "The reason that the applications are set up the way they are is because nine months prior to a PRD, the Sailor's in their [detailing] window, so they're going to be communicating with their detailer for their next set of orders."

The way the C-Way process work is, in the 12 months before the PRD, a Sailor goes into their C-Way window, which means they can begin to request reenlistment. With commanding officers approval and in an open or balanced rating, a Sailor shouldn't have a problem getting approval through the system to reenlist before the 9 month mark prior to their PRD. If they don't get picked up for reenlistment, they remain where they are stationed until 13 months before their EAOS. Then they get the 3-2-1 options.

The 3-2-1 process begins 12 months before a Sailor's EAOS. They begin the process having three options: they can apply to reenlist in their own rate, convert to a different rate or transition to the reserve. The application receives four reviews. If it's not approved by the 10 month mark, the number of options is reduced to two; convert or go reserve. That application also receives four reviews. Once a Sailor hits the six month mark from their EAOS, they will only have the option to go reserve. That application is reviewed three times.

In general, every rating is manned differently and every Sailors situation is different. The C-Way was designed to be more user-friendly. In PTS, sometimes a Sailor didn't know they could reenlist until six months prior to their EAOS which put them within the "Needs of the Navy". That forced Sailors to fill critical billets whether or not it was their first choice.

"Now they know at 10 months prior, when they go to talk to their detailer and making applications in CMS-ID," said Cole. "They know that they're staying

in-rate, and they know they'll be able to reenlist."

NPC is publishing a monthly manning snapshot on its website of all active enlisted ratings as well as full time support. Skillsets are divided into three categories: Open, for rates that are less than 98 percent manned, Balanced for rates that are between 98 and 102 percent manned, and Competitive for rates more than 102 percent.

Since the program is so new, Sailors can also be on the lookout for more online resources to help them see all of their career options, including an online Sailor portal scheduled for FY-14.

Another perk of C-Way is the vast majority of first class petty officers in open rates will receive instant approval on their first reenlistment application.

Officials say that soon, some balanced rates will receive the same autoconfirmation for E-6s on the first application.

Deshotel said the enhancements to the Navy's enlisted career management system for Sailors, are like looking in a crystal ball.

"It shows them what they're up against; it shows them what the fleet is as a whole and how they fit in," said Deshotel. "It provides them information, that before, wasn't available to them without the career counselors."

The NPC fleet engagement team will give C-Way presentations on board several ships in San Diego at the end of Sep. 24-26 and plans to visit more fleet concentration areas before the end of the year. Cole said the visits aren't just to get the word out but also because they want to empower Sailors with the tools they need to succeed.

"You have to be in control of your own career," said Cole. "The more you educate yourself on the steps you need to take to elongate your career, the better off you are."

There are many resources out there for anyone with questions about Career Waypoints. The Career Navigator program is outlined in NAVADMIN 150/13. Visit the NPC website and click on Career Waypoints under Career Navigator. Sailors can also send their questions to career_waypoints@navy.mil or call 1-866-U-ASK-NPC to get their questions answered over the phone.

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Springfield, Ill.

Lincoln Sailors travel to

to commemorate namesake's funeral Story by Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brenton Poyser

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apt. Ron Ravelo, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Command Master Chief Lee Salas and five other Sailors visited the "Land of Lincoln" to commemorate the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's funeral, May 1-4.

"It is a tremendous pleasure to be here at this moment in history," Ravelo said. "To have this opportunity to visit the place where he started truly adds that special touch and really drives home the significance of the man who we represent."

Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Kyle Rupel, a resident of the Springfield area, participated in the visit and reflected on the hospitality and pride that was shown during the celebration of his hometown's favorite resident.

"It truly has been a privilege to return to Springfield," Rupel said. "I am deeply honored by the hospitality shown to members of my crew during our visit."

Rupel, who joined the Navy in 2011, was joined by another junior Sailor, Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class (Handling) Lucero English, who is Lincoln's Blue Jacket of the Year awardee for 2014.

"This visit allowed me to have a broadened perspective and appreciation of how important

American history truly is and how it applies to our lives daily," English said. "I was provided a front-row seat to history to experience a world-wide presence at the 150th commemoration event attended by thousands was an honor to me professionally and personally -- I couldn't be more grateful."

The Sailors participated in a

variety of commemorative events from the opening ceremony near the Representatives Hall of the Illinois Capitol Building, which today is the Old State Capitol State Historic Site to tours of various historical sites.

Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Daniel Krumrei served as a guest speaker during the opening ceremony on May 2.

"Lincoln did not aspire to be an icon," Krumrei said. "He was a man of the people.

A man for the people.

A man elected by the people to do a job and was determine to succeed."

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner also spoke at the opening ceremony and remarked on Lincoln's leadership.

"President Lincoln was a fearless leader whose legacy has only grown over the past 150 years. It was an honor to participate in the ceremony commemorating the death of President Lincoln, and to remember the greatest Illinoisan and one of the greatest men, this nation has ever known," Rauner said.

During their trip, the Sailors also mentored youth at the Boys

& Girls Club of Central Illinois and spent quality time with children at St. John's Children's Hospital.

Additionally, Sailors met with Springfield Mayor J. Michael Houston and Springfield MayorElect Jim Langfelder during their visit. Houston reflected on the crew's tour of the Old State Capitol and discussed the significance of crew members standing in the exact spot where Lincoln's remains laid as thousands of mourners draped in black clothing paid their respects 150 years ago.

"As we stand in this room today, 150 years ago, Mr. Lincoln's body lied in state here in front of this podium. The population of the city of Springfield had less than 15,000, yet more than 75,000 people passed the caisson," Houston said. "If you think of the travel conditions in 1865 you can imagine the honor and the way people felt to come to Springfield, Illinois, to walk by this casket."

Houston further discussed the significance of USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors participating in the various Lincoln events, which serves to strengthen the unbreakable bond between the Land of Lincoln and the carrier

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that propels Lincoln's name worldwide.

"When the Abraham Lincoln Sailors return to their ship they will bring with them the spirit of Abraham Lincoln which will be more present than ever before," Houston said. "It is nice to have USS Abraham Lincoln to help us

remember what Lincoln did for this great country. There is no way we will ever be able to repay you, and you are great representatives of Abraham Lincoln."

Sailors accompanied the funeral procession from the Old State Capitol to the Oak Ridge Cemetery as thousands lined the streets of Springfield to watch as the horse-drawn hearse, adorned in black, slowly made its way to its ultimate destination. Ravelo participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Lincoln's Tomb on

May 3, the culminating event in the commemoration of President Lincoln.

During the crew's visit they mentored children at the Girls & Boys Club of Central Illinois and met with children at St. John's Children Hospital. Ravelo reflected on the significance of Lincoln's devotion to education throughout his life and his crew's opportunity to engage with Springfield's youth.

"My message and take-away in life if you set your mind on succeeding as President Lincoln clearly displayed throughout his lifetime you will succeed," Ravelo said. "Failure is never an option in life, the only option is to strive to succeed."

Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo an 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 the nation's defense.

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Lincoln Sailors

Springfield, Ill. visit

Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brenton Poyser

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RE-ENLISTING

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

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Story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Maher

eoman 3rd Class Paul Allen, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), dared to hold his reenlistment from the top of a 310-ton crane overlooking the carrier and Newport News Shipbuilding, April 24.

A reenlistment is not an unusual thing to witness while one is serving in the United States Navy. They are a special occasion for everyone involved and often they are in a unique place of meaning to the person who is reenlisting.

“I chose to reenlist above the Abraham Lincoln because I’m the type of person to set my own footsteps and not follow in someone else’s,” said Allen. “I wanted to do something new and exciting, something that to my knowledge has never been done before.”

The idea to reenlist on top of the crane wasn’t his idea alone. When two people who are excited to work together decide to put their heads together amazing things can happen.

“I was honored to have been asked to reenlist YN3 Allen,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Leitner,

administrative officer assigned to Abraham Lincoln. “He’s one of my go-to Sailors and an absolute superstar.

We actually came up with the idea to reenlist on top of the 310-ton crane together. We were brain-storming on good places to do his reenlistment, and that monster of a crane came to mind.”

Allen approached Leitner to reenlist him because not only did he know how excited Leitner would be to do it but because he has been a great mentor.

“I came to him to be my reenlisting officer because he had been a great teacher as far as the rate goes and just overall a phenomenal department head,” Allen said. “He jumped at the opportunity to reenlist me and asked if I had a location in mind, before I knew it we were 19 stories above the dry dock and it was amazing. He was the reason and inspiration for the choice of the crane.”

This wasn’t Leitner’s first time being the reenlisting officer and it will probably not be his last. He takes great pride in reenlisting Sailors no matter the location.

“I have conducted over

50 reenlistments since being commissioned in 2000,” Leitner said. “Every Sailor’s reenlistment has meant the world to me, no matter the venue. From ceremonies as simple as just me and a Sailor in my office to reenlisting a Sailor on the winner’s circle platform at a stock race, they’ve all been special. It’s truly an honor that I take seriously.”

Leitner added that whether you are the Sailor being reenlisted or the officer conducting the ceremony, it holds special meaning to all involved in the occasion.

Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once ROCH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.

CONGRATS TO ALL OF LINCOLN’S RE-ENLISTEES

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert poses for a group photo with Sailors from Naval District Washington and Norfolk at the Washington Nationals Navy Appreciation Day game. (Photo by MC1 Nathan Laird/Released)

CS3 Jimmy Hill, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) honorably re-enlists for his second term in the Navy and was re-enlisted by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eugene Ruelos at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Newport News. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Christopher Huot)

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rusty Pang, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) honorably re-enlists for his second term in the Navy and was re-enlisted by Lt. Brian Burke at Fort Monroe in Hampton.

(Photo by MCSN Rob Ferrone)

Machinery Repairman 1st Class Christian Camp, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) honorably re-enlists for his second term in the Navy and was re-enlisted by Capt. Kristina Dempsey at Tucano’s Resaurant in Newport News. (Photo by MCSN Rob Ferrone)

Lt. Tim James (Left) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Dwayne Clement (Right), and his wife, Camille Clement, pose for a photo at Clement’s reenlistment at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort-Story. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary A. Anderson)

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visits the

JEA

Armed Forces Retirement Home

Story and Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liana Clough

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ailors assigned to Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) volunteered at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) in Washington D.C., April 24.

while representing the Navy in a positive way," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Jaclynn Madden. "It's 10 times more rewarding knowing that we're going to give back to the people who have served before us."

Lincoln Sailors travelled to Washington D.C. to assist with setting up and helping home residents attend a choir performance presented by the Scarborough High School choir from Scarborough, Maine.

Many of the residents at the Armed Forces Retirement Home appreciate it when groups come to the home to perform because it gives residents, who are less independent, a chance to enjoy music performances.

The Scarborough High School choir performance consisted of a variety of music styles featuring songs such as "So Happy Together" by The Turtles and "If"

by David Gates.

JEA members were excited to assist the AFRH and their residents because they understand the importance of giving back to the community.

"It's nice to be able to help out the veterans and give them the respect they deserve," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Marshall Dawson.

Franklin Lawrence, resident and community relations associate.

"We appreciate that you take the time to come down and spend time with us."

Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.

The JEA Sailors recognize the importance of community service and what it means to give back to the military and veteran community.

The residents said that they looked forward to meeting and speaking with current active-duty military members because it gives them a chance to get to know their relief.

"Our whole goal is to reach out and help the community

"We enjoy having activeduty personnel come in," said

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitzclass aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.

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Nominations Sought for Bob Feller Award

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ominations for the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award are currently being sought to recognize an exceptional chief petty officer, as well as one outstanding junior Sailor organization for the Junior Sailor Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Chapter of the year, until May 22.

Established by the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, the prominent award is named in honor of Major League Baseball pitcher, National Baseball Hall of Fame (NBHOF) inductee, and Navy veteran Bob Feller.

This unique award is intended to recognize a representative from three critical areas of Mr. Feller’s life: his MLB career, his service in the Navy as a chief petty officer and his induction in the NBHOF. Accordingly, the award will be presented to one active MLB player, one chief petty officer and one member of the NBHOF. This year the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation will also recognize a group of Sailors, 18-25 years old, who have most effectively worked together as a team to promote peer-to-peer mentorship and a reduction in Sailor destructive personal decision making and behavior.

“The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award is very important because Mr. Bob Feller was once a part of us,” said Ensign Sheena Hunt,

Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan L. Wampler USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) educational services officer.

“Besides being a Major League Baseball player, he served in the world’s greatest Navy as a chief petty officer and fought in World War II. His leadership, bravery, honor, courage and commitment to the Navy, our country and Sailors are the very characteristics that our chief petty officers demonstrate on a daily basis.

They are out on the deck plates leading, taking care of Sailors and molding them into great leaders.”

In recognition of Mr. Feller’s significant accomplishment in attaining the rank of chief petty officer, nominees for the chief petty officer award must be a chief petty officer (E-7 only), active or reserve, must be outstanding military professionals, and must embody the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

“I encourage departments to nominate their chiefs and Junior Sailor Chapters to show them that their hard work did not go unnoticed and that they are appreciated for what they do throughout their departments, the command, and communities,” Hunt said.

Nominees for the Junior Sailor Peer-to-Peer Mentorship award must have worked effectively as a team to enhance their command’s mission, Sailor,

and community success in a manner consistent with the high ideals and personal example of Bob Feller.

Mr. Feller enlisted in the Navy shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor while he was with the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first American professional athlete to enlist. He served on the battleship USS Alabama (BB-60), and while doing so, the ship fought in both World War II theaters and earned eight battle stars. Mr. Feller was released from active duty achieving the rank of chief petty officer, and is the only chief petty officer in the Hall of Fame.

Complete instructions and requirements can be found in NAVADMIN 054/15 and any questions can be directed towards Ensign Hunt.

Abraham Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo an 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 the nation’s defense.

Ballast

Leadership tools for Junior Sailors Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonteil Johnson Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Zachery A. Anderson

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ach month, junior Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are nominated by their chain of command to participate in a weeklong training course at the Newport News Fleet and Family Support Center.

The course, known as Ballast class, offers leadership training to these Sailors with a curriculum that places particular emphasis on the principle that every Sailor is a leader.

Machinery Repairman 1st Class Christian Camp, Lincoln’s Ballast class coordinator, shares her views on the shifting culture of Ballast.

“The term ‘ballast’ is defined as dispersing weight evenly throughout the hull of the ship,” Camp said. “We want to base our training around this definition and want our Sailors to know they are part of a bigger picture. They are a vital part of Lincoln’s mission.”

Ballast offers resources such as nutrition information, financial counseling, substance abuse training, stress management, mentoring and much more. These resources are designed to help junior Sailors who may not otherwise be aware of these opportunities.

“These resources offer junior Sailors many opportunities to better themselves,” Camp said. “We provide them with the tools they need to be successful.”

Camp says when Ballast was created it was geared towards Sailors who displayed a pattern

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of destructive behavior and poor decision-making.

Because of this, many Sailors were apprehensive about the class and what it might mean for their careers.

“When Ballast was formed, our senior leadership was looking for an innovative way to reach at-risk

Sailors, but that was two years ago,” Camp said. “We are shifting the culture of this class in a different direction.”

Camp has a vision to graduate all junior Lincoln Sailors from the course. She believes the content will benefit everyone, especially Sailors who are new to both the command and the Navy.

“It’s our junior Sailors who are targeted the most by car dealerships, who tend to get in debt early, who will need help learning how to manage stress because they are new to these experiences,” Camp said.

“Ballast will benefit everyone. We need to arm our Sailors with this knowledge so they make better decisions.”

Camp said the classes also take trips to places of historical

significance and participate in community relations projects.

“Many junior Sailors may not know the wealth of history Virginia has,” Camp said. “With the full support of the First Class Petty Officer Association, we want to show these Sailors the history of this place as well as instill a sense of pride through giving back to the community.”

Camp admits there is still some work to do in order to redefine the course. She, along with many others, is taking steps to make Ballast a positive experience.

“In the beginning of every class, I ask the group why they think they’re here.

Without fail, at least one or two Sailors say their chain of command sent them because they were a problem, and needed to be corrected,” Camp said. “I use that time to set the record straight. They are there to become better in every way, not because they are the problem child of their departments.”

Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitzclass aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.

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Every Sailor, Every Day

Every day, each of us has the opportunity to encourage and support fellow Sailors and Marines.

www.militarycrisisline.net

800-342-9647

www.militaryonesource.mil/

If you or someone you know is in crisis, visit your local Fleet and Family Support Center, or call the Military Crisis Line or Military OneSource.

HPW-000023A

For more information, visit: NMCPHC HPW Suicide Awareness and Prevention: www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/psychological-emotionalwellbeing/Pages/suicide-prevention.aspx Navy Suicide Prevention Program: www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/support/21st_century_sailor/suicide_prevention/Pages/ default.aspx Vets4Warriors: www.vets4warriors.com/