INSIDE
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D.C. Trip
Habitat For Humanity
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Photos Of The Week
Grego Retirement
Boldly Run Toward Your Purpose By Command Chaplain Cmdr. Maurice Buford
What excuses are keeping you from maximizing your potential? I always wanted to participate in The People’s Marathon but I allowed myself to get distracted by excuses. For example, I would reason with myself that I didn’t have the time to train, I am not a long distance runner, and my best excuse revolved around the fact that the very first marathon runner died at the end! One day, however, I happened upon a quote that said, “Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure…” This simple but profound saying motivated me to put on my game face; chisel away negativity and replace destructive self-talk with positive verbiage. After a season of training, there I was running the Marine Corps Marathon with ease and at a fair pace until I “hit the wall.” Hitting the wall is a term that describes the pain that typically arises around the 19th or 21st mile. Everything in me wanted to quit until I saw a wounded veteran with no legs in a wheelchair. What impressed me the most was that if anybody had the right to quit at this point, it would have been him but he pressed and kept the faith! This encouragement sustained me until I was about 100 yards from the finish line at the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Va. Those familiar with this site understand that it is literally an uphill run. Everything would have been for naught if I couldn’t take the hill. My last push, however, to complete what I started came from the inspiration of the thousands of spectators that were there to cheer the 30,000 runners on to victory. They shouted words like “dig deep,” “you got this,” and finish strong!” So again I ask you, what excuses are keeping you from maximizing your potential? Like never before, your family, this command and our beloved nation desires for you to boldly run toward your purpose. So move beyond those excuses that sabotage your destiny. Find the faith to press through “the wall” of life’s problems. Dig deep, know that you got this and finish strong for your dreams are waiting at the finish line!
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Lincoln Visits D.C. To Celebrate Diversity Story and Photos by MC3 Brenton Poyser
Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) traveled to Washington to celebrate diversity in the U.S. Navy, July 15. The Sailors visited museums and landmarks along the National Mall including the Lincoln Memorial, National Archives Building, National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the National Museum of American History and the Freer Art Gallery. “I had no idea that the Freer Art Gallery had such a great collection of Asian art,” said Electrician’s Technician 3rd Class Leroy Tamtomo. “It’s awesome to see some of the great works of art that have made their way into the U.S. throughout the years.” This diversity trip focused on Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the challenges they face and their contributions to the military and history of America. “This trip was a great way to celebrate my Asian
heritage,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Marvin Villas, who was born in the Philippines. “I had a great time and saw a lot of historical landmarks that makes me appreciate what it means to be an American.” More than 20 Sailors attended the trip to Washington, many of whom are of Asian or Pacific Island descent. “It was great to see such a great turn out for this event,” Tamtomo said. “I’m very grateful to all my shipmates who made the trip up here to celebrate this rich and amazing heritage.” Throughout the year, Lincoln takes time to recognize different cultures and gives Sailors a chance to celebrate their various backgrounds. “I’m looking forward to next year’s celebration,” Villas said. “I hope it’s as interesting and insightful as this year’s celebration!”
Story and Photos by MC3 Jeremiah Mills
As the morning dew lifted from the ground of the Habitat for Humanity construction site there was an atmosphere of anticipation. According to Habitat for Humanity deputy director of the Hampton roads Latoya Tyler, the current construction project is an initiative championed by the James City County housing and community development committee. An attitude of true teamwork was displayed by Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-Class Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln who answered the call to volunteer their time and tireless effort. This effort was directed toward a worthy cause: helping to build a home for someone in need. Little did they know they were helping to build someone’s dream as well. That someone is Angela Robinson of Williamsburg, Virginia who expressed her surprise and gratitude for the momentous effort shown on her behalf by Lincoln Sailors. “To see these wonderful human beings taking time out of their day to help is simply awesome; words can’t express the gratitude I have for everyone who has given from their hearts. Thank you all very much,” Robinson
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said. First-time volunteer Machinist’s Mate Fireman Tony Washington spent his first hours on site assembling planks to help construct a wall. Volunteer work is not new for Washington. Prior to joining the Navy he was a regular volunteer at at the soup kitchen of his church in his hometown of Houston. “I learned that it is better to give than to receive and that has resonated with me throughout my life, Washington said. “I hope that the good I do here can in some way change this person’s life for the better.” Lincoln Sailors will see the project through to completion. Some volunteers such as Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Latoya Thompson have already volunteered multiple times. “Someone once told me that a dream is a goal with a deadline I’m just glad to be a part of that dream for someone that not only requires our help but appreciates our help as well,” Thompson said. “Apparently, through the hard work of our crew aboard USS Abraham Lincoln we are doing what we set out to do making the world a better place to live in.”
A Week With Lincoln
Fair Winds And Following Seas Photos by MCSA Robert Ferrone
Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael C. Grego celebrates his retirement onboard USS Wisconsin July 11th.
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Lincoln Sailor Authors Third Book Story and Photos by MC2 Danian Douglas Six months after joining the U.S. Navy, the seasoned author sat patiently through the three week indoctrination class onboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), eager to learn more about his new command and his new career. Although he has just begun to get his bearings as a Sailor, Seaman Jason Mills who was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and then migrated to Queens, New York, has been diligently crafting a line of books. “I grew up in an Anglican church and currently attend a Baptist church, so the experiences that I learned from the Bible and throughout my own life inspired me to give people a different perspective on the challenges that they may be going through,” Mills said. His works are currently being sold as e-books on his publisher’s website, and as hard copies on his personal website as well as those of several major online retail vendors. “I have sold 250 copies of my first book, and 100 copies of the second,” Mills said. The proceeds of all his sales go towards providing school supplies for an underfunded
school in Jamaica. “I chose to do this because I know what the effects of not having resources can do to a child,” Mills said. “I believe that giving a child something as simple as a notebook and pencil can make a difference in terms of how far they aspire to go in life.” “The main thing when writing is organizing the ideas,” Mills said. “The next step is constructing them into a book format, then submitting it to the publisher who then edits the content, creates the cover and an interior layout which enhances the book.” When ideas come to him at work, he writes them down for later, so they don’t get lost during the course of his everyday responsibilities. “I realize that many people don’t understand that they are part of a much bigger picture,” Mills said. “Even my job as a deck seaman serves a purpose to the ship’s mission. If they are patient, think of a goal, form a plan, and work toward it, they can make their job into a successful career whether you want to be a publisher, a Master Chief or even an officer.”
America Marines Help Combat Colombia IED Threat By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Scorza, USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs
COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) South debarked the future USS America (LHA 6) to begin a three-day bilateral exercise with Colombian Marines, at the International Center for Amphibious Training located in Covenas, Colombia July 16. Unlike other ships making their maiden voyage, the amphibious assault ship America embarked Marine units to immediately begin amphibious operations. After only five days at sea, America sent 39 Marines to the flight deck to embark two MV-22 Osprey, assigned to the “Spartans” of Marine Operational and Test Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 22, beginning their transit to Covenas, Colombia to participate in training evolutions with the Colombian marine corps, or Infanteria de Marina de Colombia. The engagement provided an opportunity for information exchanges and training with the partner
nation of Colombia, enhancing interoperability and building on a partnership that fosters regional security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. “The main purpose for the visit was to continue to develop the relationship between the Infanteria De Marina and the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Marine Capt. Blaine Barby, SPMAGTF South ground combat element commander. “The Colombians have a significant marine corps, and Colombia is a significant partner in our counter-narcotic operations. It is absolutely critical that we maintain a good relationship between our [militaries].” The U.S. Marine element split into four groups during the training, which encompassed information exchanges in medical combat casualties, improvised explosive devices (IED), hand-to-hand combat, and livefire, small arms weapons shoots. Simultaneously, training began in all four areas. According to Colombian Lt. Col. Juan Camilo Franco
140716-N-CZ979-013 ARABIAN GULF (July 16, 2014) Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Austin Moore, from Noble, Okla., washes an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Bear Aces of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/Released)
140717-N-FE250-760 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2014) The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23), the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships USS Scout (MCM 8) and USS Champion (MCM 4), and the Canadian Forces Kingston-Class coastal defense vessel HMCS Nanaimo (MM 702) transit in formation off the coast of Southern California as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. Twenty-two nations, 49 ships, six submarines, about 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Mark C. Schultz/Released)
Palacios, commander of the International Center of Amphibious Training, the IED information exchange was one of the most important stations and said with the war in Afghanistan drawing down, Colombia has become the highest area of IED concentration in the world. Colombia is currently at war with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), a terrorist organization funded by kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, extortion, and the production and distribution of illegal drugs. The two have been at war for 50 years. Palacios and his team began the information exchange by conveying their problems, showing the various types of IEDs they encountered and discussing the FARC’s tactics. “The Colombian IED problem is very significant,” said Barby. “I think one of their biggest problems is the lack of IED personnel overall. All of their marines are cross-trained on counter-IED tactics, but the country is big. It’s a thick jungle, and they can’t always get IED technicians to the site of an IED. So, often times when they find one, they are forced to detonate it and are unable to gather any information on it.” After listening and evaluating the Colombian marines’ experiences, the U.S. Marines discussed the tactics they encountered in Afghanistan and offered procedures to help counteract threats the Colombians’ face.
“One of the things that we brought to the table is expressing to them the importance of rendering the IED safe and learning from it. They understand the importance of it, but sometimes the actual application of implementing those procedures is the most challenging part,” said Barby. America is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, “America Visits the Americas”. America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious assault ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the MV22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strik Fighter. The ship is scheduled to be ceremoniously commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces South support U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
140719-N-JG531-826 CHEYENNE, Wyoming (July 19, 2014) Lt. Cmdr. Chad Tidwell leads Sailors assigned to Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Cheyenne in the opening parade for Frontier Days, an annual event held in Cheyenne since 1897. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Brenda Steele MacCrimmon/Released)
140720-N-UK306-074 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 20, 2014) Sailors stand by to move an E-2C Hawkeye in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 26 to Aug. 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Schumaker/Released)