PENNY PRESS
USS Abraham Lincoln
Welcome Aboard! USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
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Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Ravelo Executive Officer Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt Command Master Chief CMDCM(AW/SW) Lee Salas
Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Tiffani Walker Assistant Public Affairs Officer Ensign Anthony Junco Media Department LCPO MCCS Hendrick Dickson Media Department CPO MCC Amy Kirk Editor MC1 Mark Logico Capt. Ronald Ravelo (right), from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), presents Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Thurmon Slaughter as Warrior of the Week. Photo by MCSN Clint Davis.
Media Department Staff MC1 Mark Logico MC1 Josue Escobosa MC2 Ryan Wampler MC3 Rob Ferrone MC3 Aaron Kiser MC3 Patrick Maher MC3 Brandon Davis MC3 Juan Cubano MC3 Derry Todd MCSN Ashley Raine Northen MCSN Jacques-Laurent Jean-Gilles MCSN Allen Lee MCSN Matt Herbst MCSN Clint Davis MCSN Jessica Paulauskas MCSN Cody Anderson MCSA Josiah Pearce Penny Press is an authorized publication for members of the military services and their families. Its contents does not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or the Marine Corps and does not imply endorsement thereby. Front Cover Photo MCSN Jessica Paulaskas
Capt. Ronald Ravelo (right), from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), presents Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Jonathon Kosiak as Warrior of the Week. Photo by MCSN Clint Davis
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Sep. 23, 2016) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Kathiana Bennett cleans a handrail in the ForKids education center.
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Info on New Retirement System Released From Chief of Naval Personnel, Public Affairs
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avy has released information on the transition to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and training requirements Sept. 27, in NAVADMIN 217/16. Signed into law in November 2015, the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) created a new military retirement system for service members. The new Blended Retirement System goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018. However, Sailors who are currently serving in the Navy will be grandfathered into the current retirement system. Active Component Sailors with less than 12 years of service (as of Dec. 31, 2017) and Reserve Component Sailors with fewer than 4,320 retirement points (as of Dec.31, 2017) will be able to opt-in to the new retirement plan if they choose to do so. Unlike the current retirement system which provides a retirement pension of 2.5 percent of base pay for every year of service (YOS), BRS provides automatic and government matching Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions, a midcareer Continuation Pay and a retirement pension of 2.0 percent of base pay for every YOS. Under BRS, members that leave the military before earning a retirement pension take with them their TSP account including government contributions after completing two years of service. Additionally, members enrolled in BRS that earn a retirement pension can choose to receive a portion of their pension in a lump sum in exchange for a reduced retired pay until reaching full retirement age. In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition to BRS, all Navy service members will be required to complete either the BRS Leader’s Training course, which is now available on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) and Navy E-learning or the BRS Opt-in Training course that will go live early in 2017 according to the NAVADMIN. Sailors can also find information on BRS at the Department of Defense BRS web page http://militarypay.defense.gov/ blendedretirement/.
Read NAVADMIN 217/16 at www.npc.navy.mil.
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WOMEN AT SEA HOST COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT
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Story and Photos by MCSN Jessica Paulauskas welve Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in a community relations (COMREL) event with the ForKids organization in Chesapeake, Virginia, Sep. 23. Organized by the command’s Women at Sea program, service members assisted the facility with landscaping maintenance and picking up litter and debris. ForKids was founded more than 20 years ago by concerned citizens in an effort to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by providing families with
shelter in Norfolk and Suffolk. The organization works with approximately 175 families in the Hampton Roads area, to provide housing, education and support services for families experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness. “We work with all types of families to provide everything from holiday dinners to tutoring services,” said Tammy Long, the ForKids facility coordinator. “As a nonprofit organization, we rely on volunteers to do work around the facilities. I know when a Navy volunteer group is coming to help us I can count on them to get the job done efficiently and effectively.”
The ForKids COMREL was just one of many opportunities Women at Sea provides for Lincoln Sailors. “Women at Sea offers a way for women on the Lincoln to get involved,” said Lt. Kelly Kelleher, the Women at Sea chair. “We have Sailors from junior enlisted to officers get together, and I often see them enjoying their time at meetings and events like this.” The Lincoln’s Women at Sea chapter provides a forum for women to connect with each other on the ship. “We are more than just a Navy community, so it is important to volunteer and show support for the community we live in,” said Kelleher.
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Lincoln Soccer Player Gears up to Represent United States
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Story and Photos by MC3 Juan Cubano and MCSN Jacques Jean-Gilles amage Controlman 3rd Class Angel Vallejo has been a Sailor since 2014, but a soccer player his entire life. Long before he decided to serve his country, he was serving up goals on the soccer field in Anaheim, California. Vallejo, assigned to the Engineering Department aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), prepares to represent the United States in the Conseil International du Militare (CISM) or Military World Championships. “I am excited to be considered to move beyond my experience with the All-Navy team,” said Vallejo.
“Representing all branches of the military and the United States is an honor to me.” Founded in 1948, the CISM is one of the largest Military Multidisciplinary organizations in the world. The council annually organizes over twenty Military World Championships for different sports in which all member nations can take part. “I am looking forward to competing in this tournament and playing against higher caliber players from across the world,” said Vallejo. CISM organizes various sporting events for the armed forces of our 134 member countries. Service members
who may have previously met on the battlefield may now meet in friendly competition. The ultimate goal of CISM is to contribute to world peace by uniting armed forces through sports. “I love playing soccer and competing against other cultures because soccer is a universal game,” said Vallejo. “Even though we may speak a different language or have grown up differently there’s always that connection through sport.” For more information on All-Navy Sports visit www.navyfitness.org/allnavy-sports.
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Lincoln Works to Raise
Suicide
Prevention
Awareness
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Story and Graphic by MCSN Ashley Raine Northen and MCSN Jacques Jean-Gilles
hances are you know someone who has contemplated, attempted or succeeded in taking their own life. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24. When you stop and consider all the possible ways death can occur, that statistic should scare you and, hopefully, serve as a wakeup call to educate yourself on ways to help. Recently, hundreds of Lincoln Sailors participated in the annual Walk Out of the Darkness, to promote suicide awareness and prevention during the month of September. “We have a nice community of people who are committed to reaching out to those suffering from depression and hopefully preventing suicide attempts on the ship, which is a great thing,” said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Mark Summers, the volunteer coordinator for the walk. In addition, the command also offers Sailors the opportunity to attend Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
The Military Crisis Line
offers confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online at www. militarycrisisline.net or send a text message to 838255.
(ASIST). With the annual general military training, all service members receive the basics in what to look for in identifying the signs of suicidal ideation, explained Lt. Christopher Walton, a chaplain assigned to the Lincoln. With that however, it’s important to have people throughout the ship who are trained in suicide response and first aid, which is what the ASIST program teaches, he added. ASIST is offered at many military installations around the world in an effort to reduce the amount of suicides by training people in suicide intervention skills, providing service members an opportunity to learn more about the subject and providing resources for people in need. The workshop lasts two days and concentrates on training people on how to intervene in the event that you come across somebody that is contemplating suicide. We have all had our low moments in life when we just need a shoulder to lean on, a kind word, a friendly ear just to listen. It’s those small acts that
Navy chaplains provide
confidential support regardless of beliefs and cannot be compelled by others to disclose what is shared in confidence. To request chaplain support, call 1-855-NAVY-311, email or text Navy311@navy.mil, or visit www.navy311.navy.mil.
can make a world of difference to someone struggling with the weight of life. In 2015, the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor Office introduced the “1 Small Act” campaign. The message encourages simple actions we can all take as shipmates, leaders, family or friends to promote cohesion and inspire hope. “We ask you to break the silence and start the conversation about stress and suicide early and openly,” wrote Rear Adm. Ann Burkhardt, director, 21st Century Sailor Office, in a 2015 suicide prevention article. “We have the power to make a difference and break down the barriers to speaking up and seeking help. 1 Small ACT-lending a hand to a shipmate on the job, offering positive feedback, or being there to listen and provide support-can lead to one big step in the right direction.” This year, in addition to continuing the 1 Small Act campaign, the office introduced a new suicide prevention program known as Sailor Assistance and Incept for Life (SAIL), aimed at
Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers offer
access to qualified counselors who can provide resources supporting financial readiness, stress navigation, transition assistance, deployment preparedness and more.
supplementing existing mental health treatment by providing continual support through the first 90 days after suicide related behavior. “This program is designed to boost our existing efforts to prevent suicide across the Fleet by showing there is someone that will stay in touch with them and make sure they are doing well,” said Capt. Michael Fisher, director, Operational Stress Control and Suicide Prevention branch. “This is part of a wide range of actions we are taking to help our Sailors. Doing this will boost our suicide prevention work that’s ongoing Navy-wide.” As September ends and the stress of the upcoming holiday-filled winter season begins, Sailors should continue educating others on how they can help prevent suicide and what resources are available. “Nobody has to suffer with depression alone,” said Walton. “Nobody has to commit suicide. All of that is preventable, all of that can be stopped. There is plenty of help out there, come seek help.”
Military OneSource offer
non-medical counseling, specialty counseling, peer support and a myriad of other services. Call 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil for 24/7support.
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Capt. Ronald Ravelo (right) presents an end of tour award to Capt. Todd Marzano. Photo by MC3 Juan Cubano.
Airman Travon Springfield patches a pipe during damage control training aboard USS Abraham Lincoln. Photo by MC3 Juan Cubano.
YNC Jessica Sharrar places a rose on the POW/MIA Missing Man table for the Khaki Ball. Photo by MCSN Jacques Jean-Gilles.
Sailors conduct damage control training aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Photo by MC3 Juan Cubano.
UNIFORM SHIFT It’s that time of year. Prepare your Dress Blues by:
OCT. 17
NAVY MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY
Emergency Leave: Before you use your debit/ credit card or take out a loan to pay for gas, food, and/or plane tickets, contact us and we’ll come see you. The NMCRS can help Sailors and their families in emergency situations. Contact: ATC Cork J-5706 ITC Austin J-5859 LS1 Mattingly J-5809 HM1 Jervier 757-534-0097 AT1 Fisher J-5578
CAPTAIN’S MAST
RESULTS
An E-3 was found guilty for violation of the UCMJ, Article 92, (dereliction in the performance of duties); and Article 134 (disorderly conduct) on more than one occasion, willfully failing to perform their assigned duties for approximately one hour, and urinating in an unauthorized compartment on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Member was awarded reduction in rate to E-2 (suspended for six months), forfeiture of 1/2 month’s pay per month for two months (suspended for six months), 45 days of restriction and 45 days of extra duties.
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Tuition Assistance is the Navy’s educational financial assistance program. It provides active duty personnel funding for tuition costs for off duty education. A TA checklist must be completed prior to applying for TA and the checklist can be found on the share drive under ADMIN(PUBLIC). Route WebTA requests through the Education Services Officer (ESO) at ESO@CVN72.NAVY.mil. For questions regarding the approval process for TA, please see the ESO. For more information about TA visit: www.navycollege. navy.mil. DIVINE WORSHIP: Sundays at 0830 in the Fo’c’sle MORNING DEVOTION : Mondays at 0615 in the Chapel (03-133-10) CHRISTIAN COMMUNION: Wednesday at 1200 in the Chapel (03-133-10) SENIOR SAPR ADVOCATE: ITC Anderson SAPR POC: AZCS Best DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 Duty SAPR Victim Advocate: 757-438-4011 Installation SARC: 757-438-3702 JEB Little Creek SARC: 757-438-3067