Welcome Aboard! USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) WELCOME BACK LINCOLN NATION! Of Mice and Men, and even the infamous Fifty Shades of Grey. This might seem crazy, but I for Now, getting the free eBooks one prefer to get free stuff over and audio books isn’t quite as paying for stuff. easy as downloading it to your iBooks account, but who ever Crew Move Aboard just started said the Navy was easy? All-inand some of us are now all the setup doesn’t take more living on the ship, or at least than 15 minutes. spending more time on the ship, and cell service anywhere First thing you need to do is a priceless commodity. I is visit, undoubtedly your think I can help alleviate at favorite website, www.nko. least some of the boredom that navy.mil (CAC Log-in Required). is bound to happen by telling Select the Reference Page. you about some free stuff. Then select, e-Library - Audio & Ebooks. Then click the The Navy General Library download icon in the box Program has a plethora of labeled Overdrive. e-books and audio books all completely free and can be Then go to watched/listened to on any www.navymwrdigitallibrary. smartphone, eReader or tablet. org and again, select CAC login. The books available aren’t Once you reach the page locate the Navy’s standard “CNO’s “Overdrive” in the A-Z listing Navy reading list” material and click visit. which seems mostly, to me at least, to be googolplex of Go through the flow of other nonfiction literature on the websites and pages it will topic of leadership. Everything take you through. Then from is on there; both classics and the Overdrive app or website, best sellers like Harry Potter, add the Navy General Library
Free Stuff
Program followed by logging with the account you will have inevitably created on www. navymwrdigitallibrary.org. Finally you are ready to checkout a book. (the system works very similarly to an online public library.) After checking out whatever book you want, it will prompt you to choose how you want the book “delivered.” From what I’ve seen, it looks like you can have it sent to a device that uses the Kindle app, EPUB eBook, or read it from your browser. I believe the process for audiobooks may work a little differently. Now you can (finally) start reading/listening. All for free. I’ve got a copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions checked out to me, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading it on the Navy’s dime.
Editor MC3 Derry Todd
IN THIS ISSUE
4
Lincoln Sailors eat the first meal aboard the ship in three years as we begin the first phases of Crew Move Aboard.
10 6
We celebrate diversity in March with Women’s History Month.
Lincoln Sailors visit the Lincoln Memorial to mark the 207th birthday of our namesake.
PENNY
PRESS
LINCOLN SAILORS ATTEND
ALL HANDS CALL WITH CNO & MCPON
S
ixteen Sailors assigned to the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attended an all hands call with Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO) Admiral John Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael Stevens at Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 24. “All I want to say is how much I respect what you are doing,’ said Richardson. “It is hard to describe how deeply I mean that; there is so much talent in the room. We have the most talented Navy right now that we have ever had and I have the numbers to show that.”
Story by MCSN Ashley Northen
The pair spoke to Sailors about Navy’s recently released guidance, ‘A Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority,’ and then provided an opportunity for Sailors to openly communicate concerns and ask questions.
Photo By MC1 Nathan Laird
Sailors addressed such topics security, upcoming rating name changes, fleetwide morale, and force distribution during evaluation cycles.
“This benefits us because it lets us know that we are not forgotten,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fueling) 3rd Class Michael Ellison. “If we had anything that we wanted to know the CNO was here to answer us directly. The information was not forwarded to us; it came straight from the CNO, which made this experience much more beneficial.” The CNO and MCPON addressed questions regarding future plans for numerous programs within the Navy and the affect that it will have on Sailors around the fleet. “This event definitely gives us the perspective from big Navy, which is very useful for us to bring back to the Lincoln,’ said Machinist Mate 1st Class Timothy Vichaivattana. “I think it is good for our Sailors to come to hear the CNO speak because we are the future of the Navy and it is important for us to hear first-hand where he plans on taking the Navy.”
LINCOLN SAILORS HONORED WITH LEADERSHIP AWARD Story by MCC Amy Kirk
T
hree Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received Lincoln Leadership Awards for their outstanding performance, during a special birthday celebration honoring the ship’s namesake, Feb. 12.
hard work is recognized by not only your junior Sailors, but by those you work parallel with.”
In order to promote the development of leadership qualities and to formally recognize exceptional performance, the Stennis Center for Public Service instituted the Lincoln Leadership Awards Program Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joshua Letson, assigned in 2011. The awards are presented annually to an to Lincoln’s Combat Systems Department, was officer, chief petty officer and petty officer who presented the Statesman Award as an officer who have who have exemplified superior and sustained has exemplified the highest ideals of leadership. leadership qualities. Chief Machinist’s Mate Anthony Vega, Reactor Department’s Machinery Division leading chief “I am proud to honor the service and hard work petty officer, received the Union Award for senior of these Lincoln Sailors who have demonstrated enlisted leadership, and Cryptologic Technician exceptional vision, integrity, courage and (Collection) 1st Class Brian Riley, Engineering willingness to serve; personal traits they share Department’s Fire Watch Division acting leading with our namesake, Abraham Lincoln,” said Capt. chief petty officer, received the Liberty Award for Ron Ravelo, the ship’s commanding officer. “They enlisted leadership. honor our ship and the great legacy of the 16th President of the United States.” “This is pretty amazing; a very humbling experience,” Letson said. “It’s nice to know that Award recipients are nominated by fellow crew
members and selected for the award by a group of their peers, making the honor even more special. “What you do [and] how you act and carry yourself has a domino effect throughout the command, whether it’s good or bad,” said Vega. “I can only hope that I was as positive an example as the leaders that have mentored me.”
“A leader can only be as strong as the person he or she is leading. When it comes down to it, I’ve worked with some good Sailors, and they are the reason for my success. Their success is mine, and my success is theirs.” -CTT1 Brian Riley
Photos By MC3 Michael Fiorillo
Crew move
aboard Story by MCSN Ashley Northen
Photos by MCSN Ashley Northen, MC3 Aaron Kiser and MC3 Matthew Young
S
ailors assigned to the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) began the ship’s first phase of the crew move aboard (CMA) process Feb. 26. CMA marks a major step for the crew as they bring the ship one step closer to completing its refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and returning to the fleet. “The crew move aboard is a major milestone,” said Lincoln’s Command Master Chief Lee Salas, “Today, we are opening up our berthing spaces and galley and officially returning home. We still have a long way to go, but now we are coming down the home stretch toward delivering this warship to the fleet this fall.” Sailors settled into berthing spaces and enjoyed a special meal in the ship’s newly refurbished Aft Mess Decks to mark the occasion. “It’s remarkable that we’re here today, cutting the ribbon on the crew’s mess decks and getting ready to sit down and eat the first meal on board with our shipmates,” said Capt. Ronald Ravelo, Lincoln’s commanding officer. “I’m immensely proud of the hard work our Sailors have put into getting us to this point. I’m also proud of our teammates from Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) and the various other contractors that have made this day possible. None of us could have done it on our own; today is a true testament to the enduring partnership between the U.S. Navy and our shipbuilder partners.”
Nearly 500 spaces were completed by Lincoln’s crew and their NNS counterparts. Work in most spaces included updating electrical and mechanical equipment, replacing furniture and decks, painting and readying the ship for another 25 years of service to the Fleet. In addition to some Sailors moving on board, special opening ceremonies were held for the ship’s store, barbershop, Morale, Welfare and Recreation spaces, post office, and cardio gym. “It is all about taking back our spaces and getting back to work as if we were at sea again,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Temarcus Jones, who provided the barbershop’s first haircut to the command master chief. “I am looking forward to Sailors coming in for a trim and the getting closer to the normal living and working routine aboard the ship.” Ravelo added that CMA event is the most visible signal that USS Abraham Lincoln is coming back to life and ready to provide for its Sailors. “The ability to berth and mess the crew means we’re one step closer to getting underway in order to meet operational commitments,” he said. “For many of my Sailors, the ability to live aboard a Navy warship is an experience that is both new and exciting. This is why they joined the Navy—to be a part of this crew, live aboard this ship at sea, and bring sustained combat power from the sea wherever it might be needed.”
PENNY
72
5
PRESS
Capt. Ron Ravelo, as well as leading members of Lincoln’s Supply Department and Huntington Ingalls Industries cut the ribbon officially opening the ship’s aft mess decks.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Teyanna Davis and Culinary Specialist 3rd Class John Rollins prepare fish in the galley for the first meal on the mess decks.
Capt. Todd Marzano along with Sailors from Supply Department prepare for the reopening of the ship’s store with a symbolic ribbon cutting.
Cmdr. Tommy Neville serves lunch to Sailors as part of the grand opening of the aft mess decks.
Ship’s Serviceman 3rd class Jesse Turtenwald, checks out a video game console and games during the grand opening of the ship’s MWR gear locker as part of the first phase of the crew move aboard process.
Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Temarcus Jones, gives a haircut to Command Master Chief Lee Salas during the reopening of the ship’s barbershop. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Daysha Gray plates cake after a ceremonial cake cutting before the first meal on the mess decks.
Capt. Todd Marzono and Command Master Chief Lee Salas cut the ribbon officially opening the ship’s barbershop.
USS ABRHAM LIN
Women’s
mon
H M C S A P R I L H AR R ISON What advice would you give to aspiring Sailors trying to achieve their goals?
1. Dream Big. Do not limit yourself. You can accomplish anything as long as you believe in yourself. 2. Get Started. Don’t be afraid of the end results. Plan and Execute. 3. Sacrifice. You will have sacrifice something such as time or sleep, but you can’t receive if you can’t give up something. 4. Network. Build a Team. Share knowledge. Empower each other. Always be teachable! Always take advantage of a teaching moment. 5. Encouragement. Encourage others. Encourage yourself. Understand your purpose. If you don’t know your purpose, let your Passion drive you into your PURPOSE!
LT TA NYA J ON ES What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It’s a time to reflect on all the courageous women whom have paved the way and removed barriers in a male-dominated field. We have come a long way and it does my heart good to see women such as Admiral Michelle Howard (VCNO) providing significant contributions, leading the way, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our male counterparts. What advice would you give to aspiring Sailors trying to achieve their goals?
Keep working toward your dreams and goals - don’t give up...for the race isn’t given to the swift or strong, but to the one who endures. More importantly, remember to never take short cuts, or you will be cut short!
Photos by MC3 Aaron Kiser
PENNY
72
PRESS
NC OL N C E L EBRAT ES
s H i s t o ry
nth
RP 2 JACKY H E N N E S S E Y What does “Courage” mean to you?
“It takes courage to put this uniform on every morning. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice so much for their country. Although there are a small percentage of Americans in the armed forces, there is even a smaller percentage of women in armed forces, and that takes a lot of courage.” What was one of the most triumphant moments you’ve had in the Navy?
One of the most successful moments I’ve had in my career was being able to work with the base honor guard detail, rendering honors for those who have served and laid down their lives for our country.
OS2 FILOIALII SAMALAULU What are the reason/reasons you decided to join the Navy?
First and foremost, I joined the Navy to serve our country as a Sailor. And lastly is to provide financial support for my family back home in American Samoa. Were there any moments in your career that you felt discouraged & how did you overcome those doubts?
I remembered being on deployment in the Mediterranean for almost a year! Being away from my family, especially my dearest mother was the hardest thing I had to face on a daily basis. Not a day passes that I don’t think about my family! The more I think of them, the more I felt discouraged and lost sight of our mission and I overcame these uncertainties simply by getting involved with different on-board activities such as Bible study, COMRELs, and also being a part of a workout group. I think that the power of prayer really helped me pull through during this difficult time.
7
lincoln sailors visit d.c. for
for na mesake’s Birthday Photos and Story by MC3 Evan Parker
M
ore than two dozen Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) took part in guided visits to historic locations around Washington, D.C., commemorating the 206th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth. Lincoln Sailors started off the day by visiting their namesake’s memorial where they embarked on a guided tour and gained valuable insight into the life of President Lincoln. “The anticipation of this trip really charged everyone up,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Charles Scott. “It’s moments like this that we truly appreciate who we are and why we serve.” Raised from humble beginnings, Lincoln grew up to be a successful lawyer and later the president who would reunite the United States after years of war. Other stops on the tour included the
Martin Luther King Memorial and the Mary Mcleod Bethune council house. Both locations are examples of Lincoln’s lasting impression and influence on the country. Reflecting on the day, Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Shannon Plucinski said, “The juxtaposition of going to both the Lincoln memorial and the MLK memorial during Black History M onth and on Lincoln’s birthday was truly inspiring with the significant roles both of these men played in bringing equality to our great nation.”
Trips such as this one give Sailors a chance to get to know the history behind their ship’s name, and leave them with a better understanding of the man that it represents. Lincoln Sailors look forward to similar opportunities that will allow them to stay connected to the history and pride behind their namesake. “Even after his death, Lincoln and those he inspired still motivates many of us,” said Information Systems Technician Third Class Salcedo. “His quotes give me something to strive for. With this, I may one day apply it out to my shipmates, my division, but most importantly my ship.”
PENNY
72
9
PRESS
LINCOLN SAILORS
USE NAVIGATION SIMULATOR
T
he Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in Norfolk Naval Station’s Navigation Seamanship Ship Handling Trainer Feb. 25.
Story by MC3 Robert Ferrone
NSST is a state-of-the art bridge simulator used to train ship crews in navigation and ship handling using virtual technology. Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Tabari Harvey said the training provided Sailors an opportunity to learn how to deal with specific situations the Lincoln crew may encounter once the ship returns to the fleet next year after completing its refueling complex overhaul. “Today, we’re learning about lights and day shapes, things that we may see on the water while underway,” Harvey said. “Although it’s in a simulator, these lessons translate to real life situations that we could encounter.” The simulators provide Sailors with a realistic training environment, complete w ith bridge windows overlooking a large convex screen where seven projectors provide realistic scenery. “The Sailors who haven’t been underway need to get a feel for how it’s going to be,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Charde Russell. “It’s still going to be a little different, but it’s helpful that we can come here and learn the basics. We really need to keep our knowledge up so when the ship finally gets underway, we’ll have the skills and awareness to accomplish the mission.” During its RCOH period, Lincoln Sailors have frequently participated in the simulator training from junior officers who will be standing officer of the deck underway to deck department Sailors who may be driving the ship. Lincoln’s ship navigator, Cmdr. Jason Rimmer, sees the training as a way for Lincoln Sailors to keep their skills sharp. “We’re building the basic foundation of ship handling. In football terms, it would be blocking and tackling,” Rimmer said. “While we are pierside in RCOH it is important for us to train and practice operating our ship, as those skills can wane while we focus on refueling and maintenance. This trainer allows us to do just that – conduct necessary training that will allow these Sailors to get our ship underway to meet operational objectives, while readying the ship for Lincoln Sailors participate in the navigation simulator at another 25 years of service.”
Naval Station Norfolk. Photos by MC3 Michael Fiorillo
PENNY
PRESS
Navy Updates Maternity Leave Policy From Naval Chief of Personnel Public Affairs
Washington (NNS) -- Following the Jan. 28 announcement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter establishing a Department of Defense-wide 12-week maternity leave policy, the Navy released its guidance today in NAVADMIN 046/16.
This new policy applies to all Sailors in the active duty component, and those Reserve component members serving on mobilization orders for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Since the Navy had previously implemented an 18-week maternity leave policy in 2015, Sailors who are pregnant or give birth on or before March 3, 2016, will be granted up to 18 weeks of maternity leave. The date of pregnancy
will be determined by a privileged medical care provider. Those who become pregnant after March 3, will be entitled 12 weeks of non-chargeable maternity leave. Sailors must take this leave consecutively and immediately following a child’s birth, or release from hospitalization (whichever is later). As always, unit commanders and medical providers may continue to grant convalescent leave based on the individual Sailors’ fitness for duty; meaning, this policy does not constrict convalescent leave in excess of 12 weeks, where a health professional/medical authority deems that such leave is warranted.
Besides the changes to maternity leave, DoD is working to expand both paternity leave and adoptive leave for service members. It will ask for legislation from Congress to expand the current 10-day paternity leave offered to service members to a 14-day, continuous leave. Authority will also be sought from Congress to change the current three week leave policy for adoptive leave for one parent to include both parents of a dual military couple by authorizing the second military parent two weeks of leave.
SECNAV Releases Updated Diversity, Inclusion Policy From Naval of Personnel Public Affairs
Washington (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus issued an updated Department of the Navy Diversity and Inclusion Policy statement, Feb. 25, and met with several key military service organizations, veterans service organizations, and stakeholders at the Pentagon to discuss the topic. The meeting was the first in a planned series of engagements during which Mabus will discuss Navy and Marine Corps issues with leaders in the civilian and military communities. Mabus also released a short video underscoring the Navy and Marine Corps are stronger, more effective, and innovative when our workforce reflects the nation we serve. “To recruit the people we need, to keep the people we need, we’ve got to draw
from the biggest pool we can,” Mabus said in the video released today. “The United States Navy and United States Marine Corps are the most formidable expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known. To keep that, we’ve got to reach out to the most diverse population we can to recruit and retain these top people.” The Department of the Navy last updated its Diversity and Inclusion Policy statement in 2010, and since then, the Department of Defense has made significant personnel policy changes including the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and rescinding the direct ground combat exclusion policy, which now allows women to serve in military occupational specialties that were previously closed to them. “Our nation always faces new challenges and threats in an increasingly complex
world,” said Mabus as part of the updated statement. “Recruiting, retaining, and promoting top performers is a readiness imperative. Organizations that embrace myriad backgrounds and perspectives will attract the best talent and remain ready.” Mabus said the importance of having a workforce comprised of those who think differently, and have varied backgrounds cannot be overstated. “We don’t want everyone coming into the Navy or Marine Corps thinking exactly the same way,” he said. “It’s important that when such a small number of Americans are serving in uniform, that the force be representative of the people they’re protecting. A more diverse force is a stronger force and we’ve proven that over and over and over again.”
11
AROUND
THE COMMAND
Lincoln’s newest indoctrination class poses for a graduation photo. Photo by MC3 Robert Ferrone.
Electronics Technician 3rd Class Anton Vasylyuk troubleshoots electronics. Photo by MC3 Robert Ferrone. Sailors serve food aboard the FAF during an African American luncheon. Photo by MC3 Michael Fiorillo. Engineman 2nd Class Morgan Meadows and Machinist Mate 2nd Class Sharak Stephenson rebuild a relief valve in the engine room. Photo by MC2 Eric Soto
Airman Trevor King uses a needle gun to remove paint. Photo by MC2 Danian Douglas.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Linnon Green and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Tyshawn Sykes, prepare food for the opening of the chief’s mess. Photo by MC3 Aaron Kiser.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Daysha Gray picks up trash during a duty section cleaning evolution. Photo by MC3 Derry Todd Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Jesse loads drinks into a galley vending machine. Photo by MC2 Danian Douglas