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Undocking
Safety Stand-down
COMREL
Around The Fleet
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Finding It Before You Lose It by Cmdr. Carl P. Koch, PA, CRMD
When I was with the Marines, I went to a psychologist. Not because I lost it, but because I was dealing with chronic pain. My primary care provider didn’t think I was dealing with it as well as I should have been. The psych agreed. The psych drew a scale on a regular sheet of paper, with one at the bottom and 10 at the top. She said this was a scale of my pain levels. 1 was “no pain,” 10 was “wipe me out, kick my butt, need powerful meds.” What she did next with this simple scale was profound. She asked me, “What is your point of no return?” You know, like a ‘zero to 60 in two seconds flat’ kind of thing. At what level of pain did that happen? For me, it was about a five. When I hit five, I couldn’t turn it back to a four, three, two, or one. It was going to 10 and I was going to be wiped out! She said I had to pay attention to what my body was telling me. When I got to a four, I had to stop what I was doing so I didn’t hit five. Hitting five on my pain scale was a guarantee I’d hit 10. And hitting 10 put me out of commission for a day or more. That’s just how it is. When I DO pay attention, I can manage my pain. Could it get simpler?
So, what does all this have to do with finding it before you lose it? I think I can make a connection. I hope you find this pain scale thing applies to anger as well. Do you ever get so angry that you lose control? Time to draw a scale from 1 to 10. Make 1 “everything’s fine,” and make 10 the “loss of all rational control,” or something like that. At what point on your anger scale do you go from “zero to 60 in two seconds flat?” You may make it to nine before you lose it, you may only make it to two. It’s your scale, not mine! What matters is that you know your tipping point. The next thing is, you have to pay attention to where you are on your scale. If you’re creeping or racing toward your tipping point, you have to stop what you’re doing! In an argument? STOP! Losing an argument is less costly than losing it! Surrounded by stupid drivers and beginning to boil? Back off! Arriving at your destination a few minutes later than planned is less costly than losing it! I’m not saying it’s easy, but it can be done. Not doing it, at least for me, is a real pain!
Volume 25, Issue 22
November 11: A Significant Date Historical photos courtesy of the National Archives
By Capt. Ronald Ravelo, Commanding Officer
This Veterans Day, we took time to honor our men and women who have served in our armed forces in the defense of our nation. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, when the main hostilities were silenced. Congress modified the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day on Nov. 8, 1954. This November, the crew of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), both past and present, remembers another special anniversary – the commissioning of USS Abraham Lincoln.
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included Adm. Carlisle A.H. “Reflecting back on the passage Trost, Chief of Naval Operations, of the last 25 years, I remember and The Honorable James R. the thousands who gathered to experience the commissioning of the Lincoln and thoughts of “...I remember what the future would bring to the the thousands thousands of men and women who have proudly served her,” said who gathered to Ms. Webb. “I am so proud to be the sponsor of the USS Lincoln. I experience the her and her crew calm seas commissioning of wish and safe passage wherever they may sail.” the Lincoln...” ~Joann K. Webb, Ship’s Sponsor At the time of USS Abraham Lincoln’s commissioning, the USS Thompson, former Governor Coral Sea (CV 43) was in Norfolk of Illinois. The Ship’s Sponsor for its planned decommissioning. JoAnn K. Webb, wife of former Aircraft carrier USS America Secretary of the Navy James H. (CV 66) and the nuclear-powered Webb, Jr., also attended along aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. with other dignitaries. Eisenhower (CVN 69), among
On Nov.11, 25 years ago, with an estimated 18,000 guests in attendance, USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned at Norfolk Naval Base, Pier 12. The honorable Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense, was the principal speaker. Other speakers The Penny Penny Press Press
other ships, were present on that day as well. Past and present were together that day just as it is today. USS Abraham Lincoln is currently
“THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!� undergoing its Refueling and Complex Overhaul in Newport News, Va., as Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford is undergoing construction. Once the RCOH is complete, USS Abraham Lincoln will continue to operate in the U.S. Navy fleet for another 25 years. We are currently undergoing a rebirth of our ship. I stand amazed at the remarkable job our Sailors have accomplished in modernizing and rebuilding USS Abraham Lincoln for future Sailors to serve aboard. I look forward to the day when USS Abraham Lincoln
departs Newport News in 2016 and is haze gray and underway. Lincoln is currently 45 percent complete with RCOH and we are on track for delivery in October 2016. In fact, on Nov. 3, just last week, USS Abraham Lincoln undocked successfully, this is a significant milestone in the RCOH process. For me assuming command of USS Abraham Lincoln at this critical juncture in its carrier lifespan is very satisfying. I enjoy working with my Sailors and witnessing firsthand their excitement, dedication and commitment to return the Lincoln to sea. Thank you for your Service!
Volume Volume 25, 25, Issue Issue2222
Undocking Complete Story by MCSA Ashley Northen
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) experienced a major milestone in its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) when the dry dock was flooded and the ship was undocked Nov. 3. The event marks an important evolution in the process of getting the ship overhauled and back out to sea. Capt. Ronald L. Ravelo, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln has been working hard since taking command of the ship earlier this year to complete the necessary arrangements for this undocking event to take place. “From the perspective of the crew, it is very significant in what it represents,” said Ravelo. “It really represents the rebuilding of USS Abraham Lincoln.” Cmdr. Vincent Janowiak, former chief engineering officer and RCOH manager for the Lincoln, made it his specific goal to undock the ship before he turned over his position to Cmdr. Hannah Kriewaldt Nov. 4. “All of the work that we have done up to this point
is really just to set the ship up for a successful undocking,” Janowiak said. “That has been the focus of my attention for as long as I have been aboard.” Janowiak added that the hard work that Lincoln Sailors have been putting forth towards the ships’ mission will continue to benefit the ship as it continues through RCOH. Although RCOH includes many other evolutions, the undocking of the ship is one of the more major steps that the ship and crew will take in completing RCOH. Ravelo is pleased with the progress made throughout the ship so far. “It is satisfying for me to see all of the hard work that the crew has put into the ship. The undocking is one very visible signs of that hard work,” said Ravelo.
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The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) transits to a neighboring pier during a flood dry dock and undocking evolution.
Volume 25, Issue 22
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Sailors Pause To Focus On Safety
Photo and Story By MC3 Brenton Poyser
Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) took time to stop and talk about the upcoming holiday season and different ways to stay safe over the holidays during a safety stand-down at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Nov. 4. Capt. Ronald Ravelo, Lincoln’s commanding officer, addressed the crew about some of the different ways in which the holidays can be tough on Sailors, and that they are not alone. “It is hard enough being away from home and family throughout the year, but the holidays make you miss home that much more,” said Airman Hannah Vernooy. “It was great to hear about the programs set in place to make Sailors feel more at home through the holiday period.” Among the topics covered during the stand-down, some of them include: Avoiding driving under the influence (DUI), sexual
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assault prevention, domestic abuse prevention, suicide awareness and prevention and other general safety tips to help sailors enjoy their holidays safely. “There was a lot of good information put out at this safety stand-down,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Samantha Yates. “Domestic abuse seems to be a growing tribulation in the world today, so it was awesome to know that there are outlets for help that Sailors can utilize.” Along with safety tips, information was put out on the progression of Lincoln and Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), and what Sailors can expect in the months moving forward. “We are back in the water now.” Vernooy said. “I know that the entire crew has been working hard and putting in the man hours, and we are really starting to see it pay off.”
A Sense of Community Photos and Story By MCSA Brandon Davis
Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Hellen Streeter, a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), looks on proudly as crowds of people flood the lobby of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Along with the other Sailors and church volunteers who participated in this event, Streeter has worked hard preparing dinner for various people who gather for this weekly fellowship. Though all the guests come from different backgrounds, one common thing brings them together on this afternoon; a hot meal. Streeter has been a member of the church for
nearly a year, and has been participating in church-organized events since this summer. “This event started in the summer, as our weekly ‘Sunday supper’,” Streeter said. “We took a break, but we began it again because we realized that several churches give out free hot meals during the week, but none on Sunday.” Though this event was a trial to determine whether or not to continue this program, Streeter is confident that this type of Community Relations Event (COMREL) will come around at least once a month. “We had a great turnout; over 130 guests came out to the church,” Streeter said. “Based on that, I’m sure the church will make this a regular event. I would volunteer weekly if possible; this is my church, and I get a sense of pride in helping out.” Events like this give Streeter a strong sense of community, which gives her a feeling of belonging. “It’s great to see the community helping out the less fortunate,” Streeter said. “I’m from Kenya, and I’m used to seeing people help other people, because that’s just the right thing to do.” In addition to helping out those in need, Streeter believes that organizing this event would help build a stronger bond with her shipmates. “Working on this event together will help the department get closer,” Personnel Specialist Seaman Catherine Capic said. “I came to participate in the COMREL, but also for some camaraderie.” Streeter hopes for this type of COMREL to become a regular event for the church and is willing to help out in any way possible.
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Volume 25, Issue 22
CNP Holds All Hands Call Photos and Story By MCSA Brandon Davis
Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Bill Moran held an all-hands call for Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Pre-Commissioning Unit USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, Nov. 5. Moran spoke to Sailors about their responsibilities while in the shipyard and provided additional information about uniform changes, pay and benefits, manning and the direction of the future Navy. Moran also took questions from Ford and Lincoln Sailors in a town-hall format. A growing concern of long deployments and the impact on families was a common topic. “I know that long deployments are a concern for many of you,” said Moran. “As long as we have problems with the Middle East, we will have eight or nine month deployments, but we’re working on shortening them in the near future. Since these deployments do cause issues with childcare, we have plans to extend the reach of our childcare programs.”
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Moran also proposed a little known option for Sailors who need time off work to handle personal business, a sabbatical for Sailors. “There’s a program called the Career Intermission Program (CIP),” said Moran. “This program is for Sailors who need to handle personal business. You can take up to a three year break in service, but for every year you take, you give us two years back. We don’t advertise it often because there are only 40 spots available per year. However, because we don’t advertise it, the program is seldom used.” Moran closed out the all-hands call with a promise to research and create solutions for new questions. Encouraging a high trust environment, he asked Lincoln and Ford to have faith that he has their best interests in mind. “Even though you don’t see me, I’m always watching over my Sailors,” said Moran. “My main goal is the happiness of the Sailors, and no concern goes unnoticed.”
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Volume 25, Issue 22
F-35C Completes First Arrested Landing aboard Aircraft Carrier From Naval Air Forces, Public Affairs
The Navy made aviation history Nov. 3 as an F-35C
Commander, Naval Air Forces, Vice Adm. David H.
Lightning II carrier variant Joint Strike Fighter conducted its
Buss, was aboard Nimitz to witness the milestone event.
first arrested landing aboard an aircraft carrier off the coast
of San Diego.
With the first traps of the F-35C Lightning II aboard an air-
craft carrier, we begin the integration of the next generation
Navy test pilot Cmdr. Tony Wilson landed F-35C test
“What a historic day today is for Naval Aviation.
aircraft CF-03 at 12:18 p.m. aboard USS Nimitz’s (CVN 68)
of warfighting capability into our carrier-based air wings,”
flight deck.
said Buss. “This important milestone is yet another indicator
of Naval Aviation’s ongoing evolution to meet future threats
The arrested landing is part of initial at-sea Devel-
opmental Testing I (DT-I) for the F-35C, which commenced
and remain central to our future Navy and National Defense
Nov. 3 and is expected to last two weeks.
Strategy.”
“Today is a landmark event in the development of
DT-I is the first of three at-sea test phases planned
the F-35C,” said Wilson, a Navy test pilot with Air Test
for the F-35C. During DT-I, the test team from the F-35
and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23. “It is the culmination of
Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force (ITF) has
many years of hard work by a talented team of thousands.
scheduled two F-35C test aircraft from Naval Air Station
I’m very excited to see America’s newest aircraft on the
Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland to perform a
flight deck of her oldest aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz.”
variety of operational maneuvers, including various catapult
WATERS SOUTH OF JAPAN (Nov. 10, 2014) An F/A-18F Super Hornet from the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-AsiaPacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro/Released)
ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 3, 2014) Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Ben Stearns, from Champagne, Ill., conducts maintenance on a security lock aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is underway preparing for future deployments. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan U. Kledzik/Released)
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takeoffs and arrested landings. ITF flight test operations also
of the F-35 an even more effective weapons platform.”
encompass general maintenance and fit tests for the aircraft
and support equipment, as well as simulated maintenance
speed and agility, fused targeting, cutting-edge avionics, ad-
operations.
vanced jamming, network-enabled operations and advanced
sustainment. With a broad wingspan, reinforced landing
As with the initial testing of any new aircraft, the goal
The F-35C combines advanced stealth with fighter
is to collect environmental data through added instrumenta-
gear, ruggedized structures and durable coatings, the F-35C
tion to measure the F-35C’s integration to flight deck opera-
is designed to stand up to harsh shipboard conditions while
tions and to further define the F-35C’s operating parameters
delivering a lethal combination of fighter capabilities to the
aboard the aircraft carrier.
fleet.
The ITF test team will analyze data obtained during
The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power pro-
flight test operations, conduct a thorough assessment of how
jection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint
well the F-35C operated in the shipboard environment, and
task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-
advise the Navy to make any adjustments necessary to ensure
18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy’s
that the fifth-generation fighter is fully capable and ready to
premier strike fighter.
deploy to the fleet in 2018.
will consist of a mix of F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets,
“Our F-35 integrated test team has done an amazing
By 2025, the Navy’s aircraft carrier-based air wings
job preparing for today. This will be one landing out of thou-
EA-18G Growlers electronic attack aircraft, E-2D Hawkeye
sands more that will happen over the next few decades,” said
battle management and control aircraft, MH-60R/S helicop-
Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. “For
ters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft.
months, we’ve been working with the Nimitz crew, Naval Air
Forces, and our industry partners, Lockheed Martin and Pratt
step forward in the development of the Navy’s next genera-
& Whitney, as well as their suppliers, to prepare and train for
tion fighter and reinforces Navy-industry partnership goals
this event. We plan on learning a lot during this developmen-
to deliver the operational aircraft to the fleet in 2018.
The successful recovery of the F-35C represents a
tal test and will use that knowledge to make the naval variant
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Oct. 29, 2014) Cody, a California sea lion with the Navy Marine Mammal Program, retrieves an object for his handler during the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 2014. IMCMEX includes navies from more than 44 countries whose focus is to promote security through mine countermeasure operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathleen Gorby/Released)
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AUSTIN, Texas (Oct. 30, 2014) The U.S. Navy Parachute Demonstration Team, the Leap Frogs, jump from a C-130 Hercules aircraft during a practice for their performance at Formula 1 grand prix Circuits of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations around the nation in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Special Operator Bradley Woodard/Released)