INSIDE
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Arresting Gear Install
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Tides Day
Change of Command
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Around The Fleet
Sailors’ Hard Work Saves the Navy Six Million Dollars Story and Photo by MC2 Danian Douglas
The efforts of the PM13 deck removal team aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) have shaved nearly $6 million off the cost of the ship's refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). At a cake cutting ceremony Aug. 6 to celebrate 100 percent completion of tile removal, Lincoln's Commanding Officer, Capt. Karl O. Thomas, showered praise upon the men and women who make up the team. "Thank you very much for your hard work on reaching this milestone," Thomas said. "It is because of your efforts that we are able to stay ahead of schedule and get the ship back to the fight." The PM13 team consists of Sailors reassigned from departments throughout the ship who prepare the steel subfloors on the ship for re-tiling. Many of them had never used tools such as sledge hammers, pneumatic and electrical demolition hammers and deck crawlers needed to complete the arduous tasks. The team started the project in November 2012. Originally, PM13 only removed tile and furniture from the steel subfloors in preparation for the installation of new furniture and flooring. In April 2014 the PM13 team took on the additional task of removing studs and equipment foundations welded to the deck, all in preparation for new equipment and tile installation. Lincoln Chief Engineer Cmdr. Vincent Janowiak
estimates the Navy saved millions of tax payer dollars simply by having Sailors work in areas such as PM13. "In addition to the cost savings, what we are really doing is ensuring the success of the (RCOH) project," Janowiak said. "Every time the ship's force is asked to take on another task we always get the job done and we do it with pride and professionalism." Over the course of the project, PM13 Sailors met many milestones, including accomplishing portions of the RCOH project 18 months ahead of schedule. "Applying a culture of starting tasks early enabled the team to finish 18 months ahead of any other previous RCOH carrier," said PM13's division officer, Chief Warrant Officer Three Christopher Smith. Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to undergo RCOH. Despite working around a labyrinth of hoses, temporary wiring, replacement parts and material, one of the biggest challenges may have been accomplishing their milestones without disrupting other shipyard activities. "PM13 leadership worked with Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, and various contractors to coordinate all work between the ship's force and shipyard workers throughout the process of deck removal," Smith said. "This accomplishment allowed other work throughout the ship to continue without interference."
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Lincoln Reaches RCOH Milestone: Reinstalls Arresting Gear Engines Story and Photos by MC3 Brenton Poyser
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors and Newport News Shipbuilding’s (NNS) O-73 division successfully re-installed the ship’s arresting gear engines three and four July 19. The re-installation process took just over three hours and was made possible by the use of cranes and outstanding teamwork of Sailors and shipyard workers. “The re-installation of our number three and four arresting gear engines marks a major milestone in Lincoln’s Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) and eventual return to operational service,” said Assistant Air Boss Cmdr. Christopher Martinez. The arresting gear engines underwent a year-long overhaul in Lakehurst, N.J. before being returned to Lincoln. “The overhaul process in New Jersey is a very tedious procedure,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Lehi Juarezmedina, the leading petty officer in charge of the arresting gear engine installation. “The arresting gears appear to be in like new condition and will service Lincoln well throughout the rest of her days as a
warship.” Arresting gear engines one and two are slated to be re-installed in September 2014, using the same installation process as engines three and four. “The re-installation of Lincoln’s remaining two engines in just over a month from now will be another major step towards flight deck certification,” Martinez said. “It will allow Air department’s ‘Green Shirts’ to begin training to operate the arresting gear engines at sea.” To re-install the arresting gear engines, two holes measuring approximately 45 feet long by 15 feet wide were cut through the flight deck. Then, a NNS crane was used to meticulously lower the engines into their precise resting place on the first deck of Lincoln. “Installing the arresting gear engines on time is one of the most important measures taken in the RCOH process,” Juarezmedina said. “This was a major accomplishment, and the shipyard workers and Sailors aboard Lincoln should be very proud of the progress they are making.”
Lincoln Participates in Tides Day Story by MC3 Brenton Poyser
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) teamed up with the Norfolk Tides for Lincoln Tides Day at Harbor Park July 24. Lincoln’s Executive Officer, Capt. Randall Peck, and Lincoln’s Senior Sailor of the Quarter, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Mishell Brownlee, threw out the first pitch to the Tides’ very own Tyler Wilson. “I was so nervous to throw out the first pitch, I just wanted to make sure I got the ball to the catcher however I could,” Brownlee said. “I was very proud I could represent the Lincoln and its extraordinary crew.” More than 1,400 Sailors from Lincoln attended the game. The entire event was coordinated by Lincoln’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department along with the cooperation of the Norfolk Tides sales representatives. “I think it’s great that our MWR Department can organize events such as this for Lincoln Sailors,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman
Photo By MC1 Leeanna Shipps
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Apprentice Samantha Yates. “I always look forward to enjoying the day off relaxing and having fun with my shipmates.” The Lincoln color guard presented colors during the singing of the National Anthem, which was sung by Lincoln’s own Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Angela Adair. “I definitely had some butterflies when I saw that everyone was watching me,” Adair said. “Once I got started, I calmed down. I was just happy I didn’t freeze and forget the words.” To cap off the day, the Norfolk Tides beat the Toledo Mudhens, 11-4. The Tides are the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. “I think that Lincoln Sailors represented the command nicely,” Brownlee said. “We had a great turn out, and it seemed that everyone was enjoying the game and their day off.”
Photo By MC3 Brenton Poyser
Photo By MC1 Leeanna Shipps
Photo By MC3 Brenton Poyser
USS Abraham Lincoln Welcomes A New Commanding Officer Story by MC1 Gary Prill Photos by MC3 Benjamin Liston
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) held a change of command ceremony Aug. 7 at Victory Landing Park in Newport News, Virginia. Capt. Ronald L. Ravelo assumed command from his brother-in-law Capt. Karl O. Thomas. “This may be the first time that (one family member) has taken command from another,” said guest speaker, Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. Ravelo’s sister, Junifer, is married to Thomas. In his remarks, Shoemaker praised Thomas for the success of his command and stated his expectations of the new commanding officer of Lincoln. “I’ve had the privilege to observe (Thomas’) bold, decisive leadership style in the crucible of a refueling complex overhaul (RCOH),” Shoemaker said. “He has consistently provided clear guidance and direction to the entire project team and all are focused on integrity, accountability and safely achieving a common goal.” During the ceremony, Thomas gave the credit for his success to his crew. “This crew has created a culture of Sailors taking care of Sailors,” Thomas said. “As a result, we have enjoyed tremendous success.” Thomas, a native of northern Virginia, assumed command of Lincoln in August 2012 after the ship’s last deployment and delivered her to Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries for her 42 month overhaul. Through his guidance and perseverance, Lincoln has set a new standard for ships in
RCOH, reaching milestones well ahead of schedule and preparing her for her return back to the fleet. His next assignment will be commanding officer, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Another unique and historic aspect of Lincoln’s change of command is the fact that Ravelo is the first Filipino-American to command an aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. “My father is a retired chief storekeeper,” Ravelo said. “He left his family and friends to join the Navy and settle in America. I well up with pride for the Filipino community, but this is not any more special than any of the other Americans around us today.” Ravelo most recently served as commanding officer of USS Comstock (LSD 45). He shared his excitement to command the Lincoln crew and his admiration of their accomplishments under Thomas. “I assure you, your legacy is intact as (we) step up and continue the fine heritage that you have set in motion,” Ravelo said. Ravelo recognizes that he will not lead alone, but respects the crew that will finish RCOH during his time as commanding officer. “The real national treasure and the key to our success is the 500 Sailors you see gathered in ranks around us who represent the 2,500 crew members of Lincoln and the 3,000 shipbuilders of Newport News Shipbuilding,” Ravelo said. “I am and will always be committed to giving you the tools you need to succeed.”
Makin Island ARG Evacuates NOAA Researchers By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, USS Makin Island Public Affairs
Sailors and Marines from the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted an emergent recovery of 11 researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument Aug. 8. The purpose of the operation was to assist the researchers in retreating from imminent danger of Hurricane Iselle that is expected to impact Lisianski Island, Laysan Island and the Pearl and Hermes Atoll. “We work with NOAA and we’re out here almost every summer in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands working with Hawaiian Monk Seal pups doing mostly population assessment,” said, Carrie McAttee, a NOAA researcher. “We’ve been here since June and we were supposed to be here until
September.” The recovery was prompted by the threat of Hurricane Iselle, the first hurricane to strike the Hawaii islands in more than two decades, which threatened the safety of the researchers, who were not equipped to withstand the extreme conditions of the looming storm. USS Makin Island (LHD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS San Diego (LPD 22) each deployed rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) that traveled more than four miles and endured challenging seas but safely reached their destination. Once the boats reached the coastline, they carefully maneuvered to receive the researchers and their gear without affecting the endangered marine life below. Getting the researchers onboard safely was a top concern. “It was important to us to ensure this was a safe evolution for all involved,” said Capt.
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens hold an all-hands call with Sailors stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Greenert and Stevens later visited Sailors, civilians and family members at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor for an all-hands call to conclude their Pacific Northwest fleet engagement tour. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Peter D. Lawlor/Released)
An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lifts off from the guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) for a torpedo training exercise during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2014. In its 20th year, CARAT is a bilateral exercise series between the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Kimberly R. Stephens/Released)
Vic Cooper, commodore, Amphibious Squadron Five. “We carefully considered the safety of the researchers, our Sailors and Marines, equipment and the environment, every step of the way.” Once all researchers were accounted for, the RHIBs returned to their respective ships and the researchers were given a warm welcome, a place to shower, dry clothing and a meal. “It was quite impressive how quickly it all happened,” said Kristine Meise, a NOAA researcher. “You guys were really efficient in getting here and getting us on board. We definitely want to thank everybody that we’ve met on the ship.” All of the researchers were grateful for the Navy and Marine’s commitment to lending a helping hand. “Anytime we have the opportunity to help those in need, we will do our very best,” said Capt. Alvin Holsey, commanding officer, Makin Island. “Our Navy makes a difference everyday throughout the world, and today we were proud to be able to make a difference here.” Capt. John Menoni, San Diego’s commanding officer, echoed those thoughts. “This is what the Navy is all about, helping others in need and be ready when called upon,” said Menoni. “The San Diego team has shown our ability to accomplish anything and work together to get the job done.”
Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Mitch Martin, From Astoria, Ore., Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jarod Coleman, from Ft. Myers, Fla., and Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Joseph Russell, from Salem, Ore., fire an M2HB .50-caliber machine gun on the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway participating in an operational reactor safeguard examination. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Schumaker/Released)
The researchers were then flown to Midway Island later in the afternoon. Although remote, Midway provides shelter for the displaced personnel and access to runway if further evacuations are needed. “Keeping ahead of the storm required rapid planning and swift execution by our pilots and air crews,” said Lt. Col. Jason Holden, commanding officer of the 11th MEU’s aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced). “This was a great opportunity to render aid to those in need and to exercise our capacity to respond quickly to emerging events.” Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument is the single largest conservation area under the U.S. flag and one of the largest marine conservation areas in the world. It encompasses 139,797 square miles of the Pacific Ocean. Makin Island ARG is on a scheduled deployment to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid, and disaster response while supporting the Navy’s maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th and 5th fleet areas of responsibility.
Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Julian Ray Phill, from Raleigh, N.C., fires an M500 Mossberg shotgun during a weapons qualification exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is underway participating in an operational reactor safeguard examination. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cody Hendrix/Released)