Penny Press, June 11, 2015

CONTENTS June 11, 2015

Volume 26, Issue 10

FEATURED

We go to the USS Wisconsin to congratulate our newest Senior Chief Petty Officers

Chaps shares his essay, “The Audacity to Bounce Back!”

Fun Boss tells us what MWR is doing for the summer months

Check out the photos of our Sailors getting frocked and get the scoop on the Safety Standdown

Lincoln Holds cook-out the last day of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Welcome Aboard! USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Welcome back Lincoln Nation! Our newspaper captures all the events happening around the Command. A lot has happened the past two weeks from advancing Sailors to the next rank, the Safety Stand-down, and the conclusion of the Asian-American Heritage month with a cook-out and dance demonstration. We hope you enjoy sharing the stories and photos with everyone around you. In this issue we feature the Senior Chief pinning, words from the CMC, leadership guidance from Chief Yeoman Michele Johnson, the AOs receive phenomenal training on their trip to Fallon, Nev. , Lt. j.g. Valenzuela is accepted into a competitive internship program and much more. We want to take this opportunity to thank the many Sailors who have supported the Penny Press during its tenure. Above all, we want to express our appreciation both to our growing number of readers and to all who contribute to the preparation and distribution of it. Without you, Penny Press would not exist as a meaningful publication. Our number one priority is to tell your story. We recognize we have an obligation to not only tell your story, but tell the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story as you are a part of it. If you or anyone you know have a compelling and interesting story please contact our staff, we are more than willing to feature you, your department and/or division.

MC3 Johnathon Lockwood MCSN Derry Todd Editor

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CMC CORNER

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

Greetings Fellow Lincoln Warriors!

hat an exceptional two weeks we’ve had since the last Penny Press! Last Wednesday, the Commanding Officer and I had the pleasure of promoting 165 Sailors to their next highest paygrade during our Safety Stand-down. It was also great to see so many family members come out and share this career milestone with their Sailors. I enjoyed meeting you and can’t wait for the next opportunity to do it again later this year. Hopefully, we can get that number up to 200! Speaking of the Safety Standdown, I want to commend the Safety and Training Departments, and all other involved, for organizing a very successful event. Believe me, it is always a logistical challenge trying to find a venue to accommodate some, 2,000 Sailors, but they pulled it off without a hitch. And I’m sure our Sailors walked away having become much more conscientious about safety aboard the ship and at home. I also want to thank our special guests during the standdown; Dr. Carla Knorowski, CEO, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Foundation, the

first commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln retired Rear Adm. Bill Hayden and former NFL quarterback Eric Hipple. Thank you for your words of wisdom and your continued support for LINCOLN. What better way to end the week than to hold a ceremony aboard USS Wisconsin (BB 64) with Hampton Roads annual Op Sail as the back drop? That’s exactly what we did when we pinned our 10 newest Senior Chief Petty Officers. The weather was in full cooperation and scene was absolutely amazing from the Wisconsin deck as the tall ships sailed by. I’m sure it was a ceremony these Senior Chiefs will remember for the rest of their lives. And I’m proud to have been a part of it. While we’re on the subject of career enhancement, if you haven’t heard, the Navy recently announced changes to the Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) Qualification Program Instruction, COMNAVIDFORINST 1414.1b, which revises who can administer and participate in the program. The instruction makes EIDWS qualification mandatory for all enlisted IDC-rated Sailors

(AG, IS, CT, and IT) assigned to a command with a certified program. Non-IDC rated Sailors are also authorized to voluntarily enroll if assigned to commands having a certified program. The important news is LINCOLN, other CVNs, and several other commands are now authorized to manage an EIDWS program. The Operations Department has already had plenty of you asking questions about what you need to do to earn your IDW pin. It is great so see so much interest. The qualification books will be on the deckplates soon, and I’m looking forward to seeing plenty brand new “Information Dominance” warriors walking around the ship. Before I wrap-up, I want to remind you the annual command picnic is only about two weeks away. The Morale Welfare and Recreation department has been working hard to arrange a funfilled day for the entire family. The picnic will be held June 25 at Dam Neck base in Virginia Beach. So start planning now. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you there and having a good time! Stay Safe, Stay Brave and make good decisions Lincoln Warriors!

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Ask

THE

Chief Chief Yeoman Michele Johnson, Administration, on advancement

When it comes to how the advancement formula works, how important are evals as compared to the test scores? Evals play a major role in computing your score. The higher your promotion recommendation, the higher your performance mark average. This is important because PMA’s have a high percentage based on your paygrade.

Also, how much do medals and awards play into your advancement? Awards play a part because they can always help those that need a few extra points to push them over the minimum required score. Any extra points are always good.

In your experience what are some successful things a division

or department has done to increase advancement in their Sailors? One of the biggest tools I saw that helped Sailors was to make learning fun. We would shut down the shop and play Advancement Jeopardy. This would build camaraderie as well as help some Sailors study.

Do you have any advice for study habits? How early should one begin studying for the advancement exam? A person need to find what works best for them for studying. Some people can cram the material within a matter of weeks. However, I believe to truly know the material you should always be reading and start early. I always recommend printing the entire Bibliography out and read each item listed.

Aside from studying, what are some things a Sailor can do to increase their chances of advancing? Besides from studying a Sailor can increase their chances of advancing by knowing all areas of their job. If they read the instructions and learn the material, they won’t have to spend as much time studying. Always improve your knowledge by learning your job. Don’t rely on others to give you the answers. Also, Sailors can increase their chances by being recommended for the Command Advancement Program (CAP). Your chain of command can nominate you if you’ve done a great job in your rate and for the command.

If advancement is too difficult, for instance if your rate is over manned, what’s the next step if you wish to change rates? If my rate was over manned and I wanted to stay Navy, I would look at cross rating to something that’s undermanned. If my scores were Too low I would retake the ASVAB test to increase my chances at a rate I’d prefer. Always talk to your Career Counselor to see what options are available.

Lincoln PINs 10 senior chief petty officers Story and Photos by MC3 Robert Ferrone

en Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were advanced to the rank of senior chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony aboard USS Wisconsin (BB 64), June 5.

It’s always a humbling experience, knowing that you made a difference.”

only take care of junior Sailors, but their fellow chiefs as well.”

Pride within the chief’s mess is renowned Navy-wide, and Lincoln’s newest senior chiefs were joined by their peers in a chant of “Navy Chief, Navy Pride,” during the ceremony.

Among the newly appointed senior chiefs was Senior Chief Legalman Myron Chism. This cycle, only three chiefs of 63 eligible were promoted in the legal community.

Lincoln’s Command Master Chief Lee Salas was happy to see the hard work from his mess come to fruition.

As is tradition, each senior chief selectee was pinned by members of their families. They were then capped with their new khaki combination covers by their mentors, marking the next milestone in their careers.

“People get promoted for taking caring of their Sailors, and that’s what this is for me,” Chism said. “I took care of my Sailors and this is my investment coming back to me.

“Today just shows that when you work hard, you get promoted,” Salas said. “People need to understand that the senior chief rank is filled with our technical experts. They’re great leaders. Making senior chief is recognition of their ability to not

Chism passed on some wisdom to those who will be next in line. “Keep doing what you’re doing,” Chism said. “You have to continue to do the best at everything you do. Our chiefs are where they are for a reason, and if you continue to do what you are doing, taking care of your Sailors, your time will come.”

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACHIEVEMENT ABECS MELVIN ABNER LNCS MYRON CHISM MMCS KEVIN COPELAND CTRCS JEREMY CRANDAL LCCS DAMON HANKINS HMCS APRIL HARRISON CSCS CHRISTOPHER HARSCH ABFCS CORY LEE MMCS NICHOLAS RIVERA HTCS GLORIA VELSKO

Story from MC3 Johnathon Lockwood

AOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GAIN RATE KNOW HOW DURING RCOH

viation ordnancemen (AO) assigned to the Weapons Department aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) recently travelled to Fallon, Nevada, to support Carrier Air Wing 7 in constructing more than 120 tons of ordnance. With Lincoln undergoing refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH), Sailors are often asked to take on tasks outside of what they typically do while on an operational carrier. So when the opportunity arises to send Sailors on a temporary assigned duty to work in their rate, the chain of command does what it can to send their Sailors.

from this experience and has a better understanding and working knowledge of what he will be doing when the ship is re-delivered to the fleet as an operational fighting warship.

"This was a unique training opportunity for 12 of our Sailors to get experience doing their job outside of the shipyard," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Donnie Dowell, assigned to Lincoln's Weapons Department.

For Crandall, not attending the traditional "A" school for aviation ordnancemen provided challenges going into this training opportunity. He attended a weeklong school to help bring him up to speed on the different types of parts and materials used, but said that training and working with live ordnance really put everything into perspective for him.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Derontae Crandall, who was recently designated as an AO, said he greatly benefited

"It was exciting my rate," said love the people and the people

to work in Crandall. "I I work with I work for."

"This opportunity allowed me to see it firsthand," said Crandall. For many young Sailors like Crandall, the experience gave them the opportunity to do the job AOs are meant to do and get some invaluable training as Lincoln prepares to return to the fleet.

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heard of his selection it was the best day of his naval career. Cmdr. Thomas Neville, Lincoln's supply officer reflected on Valenzuela's selection to participate in the internship program. "Selection in the Supply Corps Internship is reserved for our highest performing first tour, at sea or operational Supply Corps officers," said Neville. Lt. Cmdr. Don Baker, Lincoln's assistant supply officer added that only the "best of the best" are selected for this program.

Lt. j.g. Adalid Valenzuela states the Oath of Office during his promotion ceremony. Photo by MCSN Derry Todd

Lincoln Supply Corps Officer Selected for Competitive Internship Program Story from Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

Supply Corps officer assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was recently selected for a highly competitive contracting internship program set to begin in December 2015. Lt. j.g. Adalid Valenzuela, who was selected for the program at the rank of ensign, was one of twenty-two junior officers and one of four ensigns across the U.S. Navy to be hand-selected for this highly sought after internship program, the Navy Acquisition Contracting Officer (NACO)/Defense Acquisition Contracting Officer (DNACO). "This internship will prepare me to serve better in today's Navy in this ever-changing environment to achieve our expected goals while maximizing proper utilization of our resources with a more cost-effective result," said Valenzuela, who added when he

"Our best and brightest from the Supply Corps community are selected for these programs," said Baker. While undergoing the training Valenzuela will learn a variety of subjects to include the following areas: acquisition management, contract administration, cost and price analysis, best value decision making, contract law, negotiation techniques, and other elective business and acquisition courses.

LINCOLNSAILORS

FROC K E D During Commandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Safety Stand Down Story from: USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

ne-hundred and sixty five USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors were advanced to their next pay grades during the command's safety stand down at the Hampton Convention Center, June 3. "The frocking ceremony is an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication that the Sailors have undergone to advance, not only up in pay grade, but also in responsibility," Lincoln's Command Master Chief Lee Salas said. "Advancement is also more than just advancing a pay grade, but it is also the attainment of our Sailors' career goals." Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Fiacre Ncho, one of the 165 to advance, was very excited to be frocked. "It was a huge relief, I was so excited. I was waiting for this moment, to be able to put on the rank of second class," Ncho said. "I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about it every day. When you

make rank in the United States Navy you know you've done something great." Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Anthony Richardson, who coordinated the safety stand down, discussed the importance of gathering the entire command to reflect on safety-related issues. "It is important to get the crew together to reinforce our safety efforts every six months or so," Richardson said. Guest speaker and NFL Quarterback Eric Hipple spoke with Lincoln Sailors about suicide awareness. Hipple, who played for the Detroit Lions in the 1980s, is seen as a national advocate to prevent suicide. Hipple shared his personal story and journey battling depression. "If you need help, get treatment, don't wait," said Hipple, who has spoken with countless family members and friends of a loved one who took their own life and the shock and disbelief that

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is left behind. "People battling depression and thoughts of suicide tend to wear a mask which is hard to detect." Dr. Carla Knorowski, CEO, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Foundation and the first commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln retired Rear Adm. Bill Hayden also spoke with Sailors. Knorowski and Hayden were on hand to provide each Sailor a copy of the book "Gettysburg Replies - The World Responds to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address", courtesy of The Grainger Foundation, Inc. "Gettysburg Replies" is a collection of 101 letters written by all of the living presidents, scholars, members of Congress,

teachers, students, and USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors to reflect on the writing and delivery of the Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 19, 1863.

frocked today," Hayden said. "I remember when we first went to sea and had the chance to operate all the systems we had been building for years. You will get that chance as well."

"The 101 essays starting with Gettysburg Address are thought-provoking, insightful and inspiring," Knorowski said.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Danian Douglas who wrote an essay that was included in "Gettysburg Replies" reflected in the journey from writing the essay to being published.

While addressing Lincoln Sailors Hayden asked the crowd of Sailors if they were born in 1988 when the crew was being formed during the construction of USS Abraham Lincoln. "One score and seven years ago, I assumed command of the PreCommissioning Unit Abraham Lincoln and we totaled about as many Sailors as were

"I was deeply honored to have my essay selected for publication," said Douglas, as an immigrant to this country the Gettysburg Address symbolizes an important message to me which was written and delivered by a pivotal figure in our nation's history, he added.

Photos by: MC3 Brenton Poyser

The Audacity

to Bounce Back

By Chaplain Moe Buford

e were absolutely devastated when our high school rival beat us that night! I remember it like it was just yesterday. For the first time in the history of the school we had a legitimate shot at going to the playoffs. The only thing that stood between us and our dream was the Red Devils (that was their no-kidding mascot’s name). The Red Devils were a good team but not necessarily the better team. What the Red Devils had in their corner was the infamous “12th man.” That is, when we played on their home field, the crowd had a way of “getting into the heads” of their opponents. They would show up withW loud horns, deploy various distractions, and they would send their point man near our bench to lead the psychological attack. You should’ve heard their point man when he conjured up a litany of chants designed to humiliate and to stir up the crowd. “You don’t deserve to be on the same field,” he said “just go home, you don’t have chance!” The chats continued throughout the game but particularly when we needed to score.

But it wasn’t until the beginning of the fourth quarter that we begin to beat ourselves with silly mistakes - delay of games, dropped balls, and not executing simple route patterns. These series of small mistakes lead us to be beat by a margin of five points that year. When we made it into the locker-room we all had our heads down, disbelief in our hearts, and internalized frustration in our spirit. But what came next is what I would categorize as the playbook on how to have the audacity to bounce back!

the depth of our destiny. After all history reminds us that personalities like Michael Jordan, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison and yes even President Abraham Lincoln had to prove their mettle in the midst of the crucible of adversity. If we were to interview them and ask them the secret to their success, I am confident they would say that, “The good news is that tough times won’t last but tough folk do!” To this end, allow me to encourage you view your difficulty just for what it is – a limousine to your legacy!

The Mark of a Winner.

Fail Forward.

Our coach noticed that his young team desperately needed some inspiration and quickly seized the moment by reminding us that, “The mark of a winner is not measured by how one handles success but whether how they respond to adversity.” In other words, what our coach was trying to get us to see is that just because we failed to win didn’t mean we were failures. Just because we lost the game didn’t mean we were losers in life. We quickly got the memo that our response to our crucible of adversity would determine

While reflecting upon the achievements of countless leaders, John Maxwell notes a critical error in the life of some at the commencement of a setback. Namely, Maxwell observed that some influencers are too quick to get up before they grow from their mistake. In other words, leaders tend to have a bias for action. They have a proven track record of making things happen and they are known for stepping into stagnated situations to create something innovative. The problem with this approach, however, is that

they don’t pause long enough to ask themselves some hard questions like, “How did I get here? What do I need to learn about myself? How can I grow from this? Who do I need to forgive? How can this prepare me for the next level? Will I allow this to break me or the build me? These questions as well as others can potentially serve as a springboard to help us to fail forward and not backward. My friend, backward failing blames, but forward failing sincerely accepts responsibility. Backward failing can keeps us stagnate, but forward failing pushes us to grow. Backward failing loves the comfort and sympathy of being down, but forward failing understands that we have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. To this end, the question now becomes will you fail forward or backward?

Reset your Self-Talk.

The literature suggest that a person’s self-talk can literally release them into greatness or position them to be a selfsabotager. A self-sabotager has a tendency to internalize the negative conversations of others and repeat such toxic language constantly to oneself until it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. For example, some negative self-talk may include statements like, “I am loser, I can’t win or nothing ever goes my way.” This script can literally keep us from reaching our full potential and will shortcircuit our ability to win in life. Has life convinced you to tell yourself that you will not be victorious? If so, please know

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that you can literally reset your situation by resetting your selftalk. Instead of speaking words of defeat within your spirit, say to yourself that you are destined to win. Instead of speaking words about yesterday’s failure, say to yourself words of faith like this too shall pass! Instead of repeating words to yourself from the rumor mill, remind yourself of your dreams and dare to press until you see success! If the self-talk of elite athletes can help to propel them into victory then certainly your positive self-talk can help you come out of that situation on top!

The Opportunity in the midst of Opposition.

Unfortunately, many people wrongly interpret push back or resistance only in a negative light. But did you not know that sometimes there can be a creative opportunity in the midst of opposition? Consider the first test pilot that broke the sound barrier. During his endeavor his plane reportedly experienced some uncontrollable resistance and some fierce shaking. How did he respond? He remained focused, relied on his training, and triumphantly introduced the world to something it never experienced before – a sonic boom! My friend, on the other side of your opposition is an innovative opportunity! To this end, allow me to encourage you in the midst of your storm to remain calm, keep bringing your “A” game, and don’t get hypnotized by that problem. On the contrary, step back,

take another hard look at that same issue, and seize the moment with a spirit of excellence! Who knows, you just might create a sonic boom of positive transformation in your respective atmosphere of influence.

The Rest of the Story. The following year when we played the Red Devils, there was something special stirring within us. We were now a team refined by the crucible of opposition. We were now a team that learned how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. We were now a team that learned how to adjust our internal self-talk for true greatness. We were now able to spot opportunity in the midst of opposition! So when the infamous “12th Man” showed up with their point person leading the way with undermining chats, we were able to keep on our game face and let our performance of excellence to speak for itself.

What was the result? Not only did we win that game, we almost had their point man cheering for us at the end! My friend, maybe you just experienced some failure in your personal or professional life. If so, please allow me to encourage you toady to have the audacity to bounce back! Why? Because our beloved country, this mighty warfighting ship and your precious family need you back in the game. So shake it off, hold your head up, get back out there and let’s take this thing to the house!

Brooke Webber Find out all the cool things MWR has done and what else they have in store.

The Time has Come

For the

Summer of

Fun

ummer is officially here and MWR is movin’ and shakin’! In May we wrapped up a solid dodgeball season with Supply Department taking home the win. Weapons Department responded by dominating Track and Field Day where they displayed brute strength, agility, and raw talent in events such as Tug-o-War, tires flips, punt-pass-kick tournament, sprints, relays, and even corn

hole. We are now in the middle of Softball season where Air Department and Reactor both seem to be in it to win it. Stay tuned to see who comes out with the trophy! This month, Lincoln Sailors had the opportunity to join me and my crew on a hiking adventure up Old Rag Summit in the Shenandoah Valley. Not only was the weather perfect, but the trail did not disappoint us in providing lots thrills and challenges, as wells as some fantastic views. Needless to say, we were all

exhausted when we got back but we are already looking to hit the trails again. Keep an eye out for more info so you don’t get left behind on the next adventure! Speaking of upcoming adventures…MWR is buzzing will all sorts of ideas such as horseback riding, beach trips, paintball tournaments, laser tag, kayaking, golf outings, river tubing, slip n’ slide, and dirt track races! Any of these sound like fun to you? Come by the MWR office and see how you can join in on the fun.

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Brooke Webber and Lincoln Sailors stand on Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Recruit Abilio Rodriguez (left) and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kyander Moore compete in a bungee run competition. Photo by MC3 Brenton Poyser

Current Softball Standings 1. AIR 2. ENG 3. REACTOR 4. WEAPONS 5. DECK

6. BIG5 7. SUPPLY 8. OPS 9. COMBAT 10. AIMD

Seaman M. Stepney (left) and Seaman Jay Hamlet compete in a cart race. Photo by MC3 Brenton Poyser

Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Celebration

ailors aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Multicultural/ Diversity Council held several Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage events during the month of May, including a Washington D.C. heritage trip, a cake-cutting ceremony and a cook-out complete with traditional Asian American and Pacific Islander food, song and dance. “The Navy is diverse. Every month we have heritage months to reflect and show everyone were we come from,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Carlouie Claro, assigned to Lincoln and one of the Sailors who coordinated the events. “This month is our chance to give Lincoln Sailors a piece of our paradise.” Kicking off the month-long celebration, Capt. Ron Ravelo, commanding officer of Lincoln, and the first Filipino commanding officer of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, spoke at Supervisor of Shipbuilding Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage diversity event May 7. On the same day, Lincoln also held a cakecutting ceremony aboard the floating accommodation facility.

Story and photos by MCSN Derry Todd

“APIs have been serving in the U.S. Navy since the early 19th century so I’m just one in a string of many firsts. I don’t believe I’m any more special than any of the Americans today who command, and will command in the future, a nuclear powered aircraft carrier,” Ravelo said. “This is

a great accomplishment, but I want to recognize the many hard-working Sailors of API heritage that came before me.” Several Lincoln Sailors also attended a Washington D.C., heritage trip for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month May 20. The tour included a visit to the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, World War II Memorial, Museum of American History and the Freer Gallery of Art.

“I really enjoyed getting to go the Asian art exhibit at the Freer Gallery of art,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Desmond Jones. “The art was beautiful and really gave a sense of the rich Asian culture.” Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors ended the month by holding a cook-out for the crew May 29 as the finale of Asian American and Pacific heritage month complete with various foods, dance, and music native from the regions. Members of the School of Creative Performing Arts, sponsored by united and Filipino organizations of Tidewater, came to the event to perform a traditional Filipino dance and then offered Lincoln Sailors a chance to participate in the ritual. “I think it’s important to get in touch with your background and discover the foundation of a culture,” said Mindy Engracia Medrana, a dancer for the School of Creative performing arts for more than 11 years. “Every culture is made up of specific morals and backgrounds and has something to offer anyone.”

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Lincoln First Class Petty Officer Association Participates in the 27th annual “Clean the Bay” event.