The Penny Press, Vol. 26, Issue 2

HABITAT FOR HEROES Lincoln Sailors build homes for the less fortunate

LINCOLN N AT I O N Some of our favorite photos from the command

AFRICANAMERICAN/ BLACK H I STO R Y MONTH Lincoln honors the important contributions of our shipmates

Feb. 20, 2015 Vol. 26, Issue 2

CONTENTS February 13, 2015

Volume 26, No. 2

FEATURED

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Habitat for Humanity

Lincoln Sailors give back to their communities by building a home for a Veteran

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African American/ Black History Month Licoln celebrates the accomplishments of AfricanAmericans.

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Motorcycle Safety

Lincoln Sailors take a ride around the Dismal Swamp and give advice on how to stay safe while having fun.

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Integrated Fire Drill

IET joins forces with Newport News Shipbuilding Fire Department.

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Around the Command

A compilation of some of our favorite photos of Lincoln Sailors so far this year.

Welcome Aboard!

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Welcome back Lincoln!

Even as the cold wind blows outside and chills you to the bone, Lincoln Love is heating our hearts as recently celebrated Valentine’s Day. We have seen a lot of Lincoln Love these past few weeks.

For instance we continued our Habitat for Humanity project by building a house for someone in need, continue to celebrate African American/Black History Month and we worked to train our formidable soccer team for their upcoming tournament in March.

We also want to recognize our namesake, President Abraham Lincoln, as Feb. 12 marked his 206th birthday. His legacy lives on through us, the Lincoln crew members, as we strive for excellence and embody our Navy core values: Honor, Courage and Commitment.

Here in Media Department, we work hard to recognize as many Lincoln Sailors as we can by giving them a chance to share their stories and their expertise. 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.

Continue to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and be sure to stay posted to see our latest 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!

MC3 Christopher Huot MCSA Derry Todd Managing Editors

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CMC CORNER

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

Greetings Fellow Lincoln Warriors!

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e are in the middle of African American/Black History Month. I hope you made it to the cake-cutting last Wednesday, and you’re benefiting from the daily 1MC announcements about African American/Black History Month. More events are planned throughout the month; check your Plan of the Week for more details.

First known as Negro History Week, noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher Carter G. Woodson suggested the event in 1926. It became a monthlong celebration in 1976. The month of February was specifically chosen in order to include the birthdays of abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass (Feb. 20) and our ship’s namesake (Feb. 12).

Our country has been made better through the contributions of many great African Americans. Former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (1967 – 1991) and George Washington Carver (who developed more than 300 products from peanuts) come to mind.

When we think of military heroes, you have to include Doris “Dorie” Miller, the Navy mess attendant who earned the Navy Cross at Pearl Harbor when he carried injured Sailors to safety then manned a machine gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship.

The first black recipient of the Medal of Honor was William

Carney for his actions with the 54th Massachusetts Regiment during the Civil War in 1863, although he wasn’t awarded until 1900.

In recent years, we have learned of the heroics of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of black airmen who formed a squadron of courageous fighter pilots that fought during World War II. Often, this squadron was called upon to make the most challenging bomber escorts of the European theater. The results: 3 Distinguished Unit Citations, 1 Silver Star, 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars, 744 Air Medals and 8 Purple Hearts. At one point, the two fighter squadrons boasted 200 escort missions without a single Allied bomber lost. The Allies called these airmen “Red Tails” or “Red-Tail Angels,” because of the distinctive crimson unit identification marking predominantly applied on the tail section of the unit’s aircraft.

When we think of famous women who are black, Shirley Chisholm comes to mind. She was the first black woman elected to the House of Representatives, elected in 1968 from New York. She broke ground again four years later when she was the first major party African-American candidate and the first female candidate for president of the United States.

Condoleezza Rice was the first black female Secretary of State for President George W. Bush in January 2005. Rice holds a Bachelor of Arts

and Master of Arts degrees in political science as well as a PhD from the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Denver in 1981. In addition to her public service for two presidents (she also advised President George H.W. Bush), she was the provost at Stanford University and holds honorary doctorates from Morehouse College, the University of Alabama, and the University of Notre Dame.

Take some time this month to remember the incredible contributions of that black Americans throughout history, and realize that you are surrounded by people in our Navy who come from an incredibly diverse heritage. Most importantly, enjoy the fact that we are Americans.

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

-CMC This week’s uniform note: Parkas.

Correct wear is zipper closed at

least ¾ of the way up. The parka is designed to be worn with or without the detachable black fleece liner. Puncturing, pinning or sewing items to the parka will degrade the parka’s waterproof characteristics. The black fleece liner is the only linter authorized to be worn with the NWU. Navy Uniform Regulations 3603.11

Abraham Lincoln Sailors Celebrate

AFRICAN AMERICAN/BLACK HISTORY MONTH Story by: Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg

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SS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) diversity council organized an African American/Black History month commemoration ceremony on board the Floating Accommodation Facility, Feb. 4, to recognize the rich contributions and accomplishments of our forbearers.

Lt. Jihyeok Lim, Abraham Lincoln’s diversity officer kicked off the event, thanking the contributors and attendees for their involvement.

“We are not just celebrating African American/Black History Month on one day this month, but rather all month long,” added Lim, who discussed future events to be held later in February to further recognize contributions by African Americans to not only our Navy, but to our nation.

Command Chaplain, Cmdr. Maurice Buford served as the event’s guest speaker and challenged all Sailors to look for ways to become game changers in their own lives.

“From the flight decks of a carrier to the football fields of the NFL, from the highways of our respective hometowns to

the floors of Wall Street ... organizations are longing for some game changers or someone to step into a situation, positively transform the atmosphere and help to take the team to the next level,” said Buford. “I want to invite you on a journey to look at some of our historical game changers so that we can take this ship, our country and our Navy to the next higher level.”

Buford provided historical references to the accomplishments and sacrifices of African Americans who in their day were positive game changers. From the ten million African Americans who were sold into slavery from 1650 through 1860 to the contributions of Harriet Tubman, Buford explained how through the ages African Americans have persevered through their resiliency and resourcefulness.

“Our forbearers had what you would refer to as the resiliency and resourceful factor,” said Buford, who added “they also knew the best is yet to come.”

The command chaplain encouraged Abraham Lincoln Sailors in attendance to learn from those who have gone before us and apply their lessons learned in our

daily lives.

Some of his suggestions included to: “Create a sense of urgency in your life and live a life with purpose,” said Buford, who added Sailors should strive for their own “excellence factor” in that “whatever you do, do your job so well that no one person can emulate your work.”

Lt. Cmdr. Tarail Vernon, Ship’s nurse, also spoke at the event, and remarked how each and every Sailor is a deciding factor of their own destiny and future happiness.

“I say maintain a positive attitude every single day,” said Vernon. “Having a positive attitude is essentially who you are and how you can succeed in life.”

Vernon also reflected on our namesake’s contribution to our nation.

“Our namesake issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, which led to the passing of the 13th Amendment of our Constitution,” said Vernon. “I am proud to serve on board USS Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln played a pivotal and key role in our nation’s history and sacrificed so much so that we could all be here today.”

ASK THE CHIEF Chief Fire Controlman Bethany Ross on CSADD

When Sailors ask you why you should join CSADD, what do you say to them?

It’s a great way to get involved in the command and make an impact in the lives of your Shipmates. Even the most junior Sailor could come to a meeting with an idea to combat a destructive decision and they would be afforded the opportunity to lead that project and see it through to completion.

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How does joining CSADD assist a Sailor in her personal and professional naval career?

Being involved in CSADD can help Sailors to see the “big picture.” With the diverse ratings in the group, ideas presented can spark conversations where Sailors may learn something that they weren’t aware of before, whether it is an official policy or best practices. It helps Sailors learn how to network and how to discover their Shipmate’s hidden talents that could be used in constructive ways. Junior Sailors also develop leadership skills and team work while planning and executing CSADD projects.

What drives you to be involved in CSADD? I personally enjoy being involved in CSADD because I get to work with a group of motivated Sailors with a fresh perspective on how to address issues that affect all of us in one way or another. Make no mistake about it, THEY run this program and I’m incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing what they will accomplish this year.

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Lincoln Sailors Build Homes for Veterans in the Hampton Roads Area

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ailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) aided in constructing two houses for veterans through Habitat for Heroes/Habitat for Humanity in Hampton, Feb. 5.

A team of 10 Lincoln Sailors volunteered their time to help those who served our nation. The Sailors performed various frame work and exterior construction on two separate houses.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman (AW) Kim Johnson, who recently checked on board the Lincoln, was one of the many Sailors who

volunteered to give back to those who once served.

“I like helping out,” Johnson said. “I like coming out and helping people.

We’re showing a pretty good presence out here. We’re showing a lot of military personnel out here are more than willing to help the local community.”

Under the umbrella of Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Heroes provides homes for veterans. Franklin Hampton, a Habitat for Humanity jobsite construction superintendent, reflected on the service of others and the ability to interact with those who serve in our military today.

“We always love having our military volunteers,” Hampton said, who added he enjoys working with military members because of their motivation and work ethic. “Whether it’s digging trenches or doing tile work on your hands and knees all day, they are willing to do it.”

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 and has built more than 250,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter.

Story and Photos by MC3 Ryan Wampl e r

The Importance of a

Spiritual Tune Up

By Chaplain Carl P. Koch

I just got my teeth cleaned. I used to do it every 6 months but now I’m back to the 1 time per year routine. I think it’s because I got one of those electric toothbrushes. I brush them a few times a day, but amazingly, they still need to be cleaned by a professional once in a while. From what the pros say, keeping one’s teeth clean means keeping one’s teeth. I can live with that.

I also just changed the oil on my Ranger. I use that long-lasting synthetic oil so I don’t have to change it as often as before. I don’t mind working on my truck but if I can avoid doing it too frequently, I’m a happier camper. I still change the oil, though. I have come to realize that if one doesn’t perform such routine maintenance on a vehicle, it doesn’t last very long.

Oh, I also changed the air filters in my house. I must confess, I don’t change those as often as I should. But when they are changed, the entire

heating and air conditioning system works better.

Funny thing. Routine maintenance keeps our teeth firmly planted in our heads. It keeps our cars and trucks running for years. And it keeps our homes’ HVAC systems running smoothly.

For most Sailors, routine maintenance of our bodies is a daily occurrence. The gym and local running paths are filled with Sailors maintaining and strengthening themselves. Try going for a few days, weeks or months without that maintenance and you’ll know it when you return.

So, we take care of our cars and houses. We take care of our teeth and bodies. Regular maintenance simply makes good sense. So, what do we do for our soul or our spirit?

Some of us have never done anything to maintain our spiritual selves. Some did when we were

younger, or our parents did for us. But, for many of us, it’s been quite some time since we’ve even considered a spiritual tune up. A spiritual filter change. But, without one, we’re probably not running as well as we could.

If it makes sense to get your teeth cleaned, if it makes sense to change the oil in your car, if it makes sense to change the air filters in your house, doesn’t it make sense to do a little spiritual maintenance?

Chaplain Buford, Chaplain Walton and I offer a Sunday chapel service at 0930 on the FAF. When I’m not providing the service, I go to my own church. That’s just what I do. There are many other ways you can get your spiritual oil changed. Ways that work for you if our chapel service or a church doesn’t. But I want to invite you to try this chapel service for your tune up.

You might be surprised how well you work afterward.

Ensign Michael Kuhaneck

Sailor in the Spotlight Where is home?

Tuscon, Az. When you were enlisted, what was your Rank and Rate?

Chief Machinist’s Mate.

What were some of the challenges you faced transitioning from enlisted to officer?

The mentality shift from being in the Chief’s mess to the Wardroom.

How does it feel being an officer as opposed to enlisted?

It’s nice to be able to provde the technical help from my enlisted experience and being able to set policy.

By MCSA Derry Todd Ensign Michael Kuhaneck discusses Chief to OFficer Any advice for enlisted Sailors who want to make the cross-over?

Find a mustang (prior enlsted person that has commissioned) and ask them to mentor you. Don’t wait to start the process of application. Just because you aren’t eligible for the program now doesn’t mean you can’t prepare.

What is the biggest accomplishment in your navy career so far?

Receiving my commission.

What is your favorite part about your job and why?

Being able to set policies that will help Sailors.

Hobbies?

Anything that gets me outdoors, specifically golf and camping.

L incolnSailors Participate in Worldwide RowingCompetition

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ailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are participating in the annual Concept 2 Global Online Military Challenge. The worldwide competition challenges participants to row, using an indoor rowing machine, as many meters as they can during the month of February. Each participant’s total distance will contribute towards their team total.

“Competing in a worldwide event like this is going to be exciting,” said Information System Technician 3rd Class Megan Green from Baltimore, Md. “I have friends on the other carriers [who are also participating]so there is a bit more

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incentive to bring your ‘A’ game against someone you know”.

The USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) are also participating in the event.

The competition is open to all ablebodied and adaptive athletes who are or have been in the military. To encourage participation from adaptive athletes, a multiplication factor will be used when calculating meters for the military challenge standings to compensate for different levels of ability.

“Events like these are important because it builds trust among your team to be working towards their goals on their personal time,” Green said. “Being

Story By: MC3 Michael Fiorillo accountable for your goal, knowing that you have others counting on you is another incentive to do your best.”

Rowing is a total body work and given proper rowing technique hits every major muscle group. Rowing is also an outstanding aerobic workout.

“I do not have much experience on a rower so this should be and interesting challenge for me,” Green said. “My goal is to row 5,000 meters a day with the hope of increasing the volume as I get more comfortable with the machine.”

Participants will track their meters rowed using the Concept 2 website, with the deadline for final entries March 3.

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Fun Boss BrookeWebber

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WR has been busy this February with the Love Olympics in honor of Valentine’s Day. Love Olympics included events such as a Sweetheart Challenge, a door decorating contest and a Bingo game where a three-day getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountain was awarded to the lucky winner. These events were a great way to get Sailors in the spirit of the season through some healthy competition, whether or not they have a

Valentine this year. It was also a great reminder for them to start making plans for their sweethearts before the 13th.

Captain’s Cup Bowling has been rolling strong all month long and Lincoln Sailors get their fair share of strikes as they represent their departments.

As the season comes to a close, the heat is on as the final teams compete for possession of the coveted Captain’s Cup Trophy.

on

Upcoming Events Starting February 26th, Captain’s Cup Basketball starts up and will take us through the end of March. As one of the most popular Captain’s Cup events, this basketball season is sure to keep the ball rolling as we engage the Sailors in healthy competition that provides opportunities to strengthen camaraderie, develop leadership skills, foster departmental pride, and boost morale!

Lincoln Crew Conducts Integrated Fire Drill with

Newport News Shipbuilding

Fire Department

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ailors aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in an integrated fire drill alongside the Newport News Shipbuilding Fire Department (NNSFD) Jan. 22 to test the two team’s response time and cooperation.

“This training is extremely important while the ship is docked in Newport News Shipbuilding.

It allowed the two teams to coordinate the response times and a procedure in the event a fire occurs,” said Chief Warrant Officer

Story and Photo by MCSN Paul Manukin 4 Kevin Davis.

Abraham Lincoln’s In Port Emergency Team responded first by setting boundaries and combating the simulated class alpha fire.

“The In Port Emergency Team did a great job responding in a timely manner and controlling the fire until the Newport News Fire Department arrived and took control of the fire,” said Davis.

“The turnover between the two times was excellent and built a great working relationship with the two parties.”

NNSFD responds to all casualties (fire, flooding, and medical) onboard Lincoln. In the case of a fire, once notified, the response time is fast enough that NNSFD can provide hose team relief at the scene of the fire.

The objective of these drills, added Davis, is to help teach both the Sailors and the Fire Department how to rapidly respond to casualties, while also learning to work together to overcome the obstacles in front of them.

COMING IN MARCH TO A SOCCER FIELD NEAR YOU!

Motorcycle Riding During the Winter Months

Story and Photos by MC2 Rusty Pang

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embers of the Abraham Lincoln Motorcycle Club (ALMC) gathered for the first time in 2015 for a Polar Ride around the Dismal Swamp Jan. 30.

The ALMC conducts safety rides the last Friday of each month, weather permitting, to provide Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) a safe place to hone their group riding skills in a fun and adventurous manner.

The ALMC began the Polar ride in Virginia Beach and rode around the Dismal Swamp into North Carolina and back up into Chesapeake.

The first ALMC event of the year, the Polar Ride is important because many riders do not ride their motorcycles in colder conditions and are not used to the environment.

“Polar Ride is important because it gives Sailors an opportunity to maintain riding skills throughout all seasons,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class Nicole Stanley, the ALMC president, who added that Sailors need to be cognizant of how the cold affects them or their bikes.

“During the winter, many people don’t realize how slick their tires are when it is cold. Riders have to learn to take it easy on turns until the tires actually warm up.”

Stanley also added that being a regular member of the club is voluntary, but is worth doing. Younger members can benefit greatly from the older riders experience no matter what type of bike they ride.

According to Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin Treubenbach, ALMC vice president, the purpose of the club is to educate Sailors on how to have fun riding safely in groups and increase their riding knowledge.

“Safe riding in groups is not something everyone knows,” said Truebenbach. “We conduct safety rides every month in all four seasons so that our riders know how to handle themselves in all conditions.”

In colder conditions, riders dress in layers to remain warm.

The cold weather causes fatigue, which contributes to many motorcycle accidents.

Truebenbach cautions motorcyclists to heed weather changes. “If visibility is poor, please slow down. Do not ride faster than what you can see. It is better to arrive a little later than on a stretcher in an ambulance.”

The balLast Class Experience Story by MCSA Brandon Davis

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unior Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) underwent a week-long training course at the Newport News Fleet and Family Support Center to better prepare them for success in the Navy, Feb. 2-6.

“Welcome to BALLAST class,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician Jeremy Crandall. “You all are here because your Chain of Command thought that you would benefit from this experience.”

The name BALLAST was chosen because of the definition of the word-- “to provide stability and distribute the load”, and this was the focal point for the fiveday long course. The BALLAST course syllabus includes classes that cover various topics that are relevant to today’s Sailors.

These classes include personal communication fundamentals, financial health and wealth, and nutrition basics.

Crandall began facilitating this class 18 months ago, and has focused on the long-term effects that the program will have on the Sailors.

“BALLAST is not a cureall,” Crandall said. “It was not developed for that purpose. It was developed to give our Sailors a safe environment in which they can learn critical tools to help them along in their career.”

Sailors in attendance stated that they benefitted from some of the in-depth coverage of topics that BALLAST provided.

“I really didn’t know anything about the Thrift Savings Plan,” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Russell McRoy. “The fact that they spent all the time to brief us on programs like that meant a lot.”

In addition to the briefs, the Sailors participated in a community relations event for Habitat for Humanity.

“It’s very important for all Sailors to be aware of the community in which they work, and invest time in giving back,” Crandall said. “This investment benefits the community and Sailors alike.”

Throughout the week, Sailors attending BALLAST class were also given a mentoring and history

and heritage session during their visit to Fort Monroe where Sailor further learned about our Navy’s influence in the Hampton Roads area.

“The Lincoln BALLAST classes are another leadership opportunity for our junior enlisted Sailors serving onboard our ship to take advantage of,” said Lincoln’s Command Master Chief Lee Salas. “On board the Lincoln, we offer leadership training to all ranks so that we can create a culture of leadership early on.”

At the end of the week, each Sailor was presented a certificate of graduation by Lincoln’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Ron Ravelo.

“The end goal for BALLAST is the Sailors learning something new and spreading it amongst the crew,” Crandall said. “The benefits may not be apparent to the Sailor at first, but with time and experience, they may look back at the training they received and apply it for themselves and their Sailors.”

Photos by MC3 Jonteil Johnson

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