Welcome Aboard! USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Navy Vocab
The Navy has a rich history of customs and traditions of various stories --fact, fiction and some unknown. Included in all that is our own set of vocabulary that can make talking to our non-navy families and friends quite a challenge if they’re not familiar with terms like “muster” or “PT”. In this issue, I thought it might be interesting to investigate where some of the Navy phrases originated. Ahoy: The old greeting for hailing other ships that you’ve probably heard in just about every pirate-related movie. It was originally a battle cry of the Vikings. Forecastle: Another term originally used for Viking galleys when wooden castles were built on the main deck, allowing archers to shoot out of them. Scuttlebutt: Originally a word to denote a rumor. The crews of old would often congregate around the water fountain, discussing various things to include spreading rumors --thus the Navy water fountain became
associated with ‘scuttlebutt’. Starboard: This is one I’ve always been particularly curious about since no side of the ship has ever seemed particularly “starry” to me. The Vikings called their steering oar the “star” which was on the right side and they called the side of the ship its “board” --hence the combination of the two words denoting the right side of the ship.
There are many other terms worth investigating online for any interested parties. Regardless of where our cool (and often strange) words come from, I’m proud to be a part of the military culture they help form.
Editor MC2 Eric Soto
Chit: All of us deal with this word fairly regularly, I imagine. The term comes from an old Hindu term “Citti” which were pieces of paper used for money. The British shortened the term to “chit” to refer to their mess vouchers but now, of course, we use it to refer to various pieces of paper like special request forms. Gundecking: The origin of this term is a bit unclear but the following is one possibility. A British Ship-Of-War had a deck below the upper deck called the “Gundeck” even though it contained no guns --this confusion could potentially fool the enemy in regards to how
INTHIS ISSUE
8
4
Lincoln supports a track and field day in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
many guns were being carried on board the ship.
6
Lincoln celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Lincoln’s Motorcycle Club promotes safe riding.
P e nn y
P r e ss
P e nn y
P r e ss
Navy Sees Increase in ‘Sextortion’ Cases From Julia Bergman, Navy Times
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- After a spike in reports of sexual extortion, or sextortion,” across the Navy, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is warning Sailors not to engage in sexually explicit activities online. Sextortion is a cybercrime perpetrated against unwitting victims who are approached in casual conversation via social media and then seduced into engaging in online sexual activities. After fulfilling the sexual requests, which are recorded without the victim’s consent, the victim is threatened with public exposure and embarrassment if he does not pay a specified sum of money to the perpetrator, usually through a wire transfer. The encounters often start on social media sites such as Facebook, or dating websites such as PlentyOfFish or MeetMe. On Facebook, Sailors will receive a friend request from an attractive individual they don’t know, but with whom they might have mutual friends. Perpetrators will send requests to multiple people in a community, such as Sailors in the same command or who have the same rate to establish the appearance of legitimacy. At some point, the Sailor and the perpetrator exchange contract information and that’s often followed by the sharing of explicit photos and videos. The images also are shared via direct message on various social media platforms. The perpetrator then will threaten to release the pictures or videos if the Sailor doesn’t wire money.
Even after a Sailor wires money, the perpetrator can keep them on the hook for more. Most of the wire transfers are going to international accounts in the Philippines, which requires complaints to be filed in person. When the encounters happen on dating websites, which require users to be 18 years old, often a person, who alleges that he is a law enforcement officer or the perpetrator’s father, reaches out to the Sailor. That person claims the Sailor has shared images with a minor and is in possession of child pornography, and threatens to file charges. In some cases, the pictures or videos have made it onto Facebook or YouTube. Both sites have been very responsive in removing the videos if the member calls to report the issue. Service members, a large portion of whom are young men who are away from home, are more vulnerable to sextortion because of their steady income and the heavy scrutiny of their conduct, which means they are going to be fearful of damaging their careers by being associated with this type of situation, according to NCIS. Sailors should be wary of profiles with scant information and anybody who’s very interested in their military career or status, and how quickly conversations become sexual in nature. Sailors who are victims of sextortion should inform their command, and also report the incident to NCIS directly. Do not submit any forms of payment, and, if possible, save all messages and communications from the perpetrator.
Both the number of cases and incidents is growing, according to NCIS, which says that since August 2012, perpetrators have targeted at least 160 Sailors and Marines across the country, resulting in the loss of about $45,000. Sextortion is underreported given many services members’ feelings of embarrassment and concern regarding potential consequences of their actions. Regardless, perpetrators will typically continue harassment and threats of embarrassment even if payment is made. Reporting is critical to identifying and pursuing those responsible for sextotion scams.
To avoid falling victim to sextortion:
• Adjust privacy settings of social media profiles and accounts to limit publicity available information to unknown persons. • Avoid advertising or discussing U.S. military and/ or U.S. government affiliations. • Refrain from engaging in sexually explicit activities online, such as posting or exchanging compromising photos/videos. • Turn off electronic devices and cover webcams when not in use. • Safeguard your personal banking and credit card information from unknown recipients.
Slain Navy SEAL Hero to be Advanced to Chief From Meghann Myers, Navy Times
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy SEAL killed in action against ISIS in Iraq will be posthumously promoted to chief petty officer, the chief of naval personnel’s office announced Wednesday. Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Charlie Keating IV, 31, who came in contact with fighters May 3 as part of a quick-reaction force backing up American troops advising Kurdistani fighters, was board-eligible for chief petty officer at the time of his death, prompting the Navy’s decision, a spokesman for CNP told Navy Times.
“Posthumously promoting Petty Officer Keating is simply the right thing to do,” Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen said of the honor. Keating passed his chief advancement exam but wasn’t selected for June’s screening board. However, “based on his personnel evaluations and operational assignments, there is good reason to believe he would have been,” Christensen added. The advancement is effective retroactively to May 3, he said, but Keating’s family will not receive E-7 pay or benefits as a result.
Keating is one of 12 sailors approved for posthumous advancement in 2016. More than two dozen sailors have been approved in each of the previous two years, according to Navy statistics. He is one of 16 SEALs who have been posthumously advanced. Keating will be buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego after a private funeral in Cornado, California, with his family
SAAPM
Sexual assault awareness and prevention month
Story and photos by MCSN Ashley Raine Northen
T
he USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team sponsored a special track and field day on the Huntington Hall field April 22 in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). The day kicked off with Lincoln Sailors walking in silence, to raise awareness of the silence victims of special assault often endure. SAPR representatives also set up a booth to provide Sailors with information on the program and how it can assist victims. Throughout the afternoon, Lincoln Sailors competed against Sailors from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in multiple track and field events. “We have more people showing up this year than we did last year,” said Shannon Minor, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) for the region. “Every year there has been an increase in participants, so I am pleased with the support that the Lincoln has given for this event; it’s a great turnout.” Participants also had the opportunity to participate in The Clothesline Project by writing messages or drawings to create a visual display of shirts to graphically depict the impact of violence faced by both male and female victims of abuse. “The Clothesline Project gives people the opportunity to read raw feelings and emotions of what the victims are going through and thinking about,” said
Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Kevin Snow, a SAPR advocate. “It also lets others give words of encouragement. The main takeaway is that you are never alone; there is a large group of people who are ready and willing to help.” The event is one of many scheduled during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to raise awareness about sexual violence, educate Sailors on how to prevent violence and what help is available should a sexual assault occur. “Events like this help spread the information and awareness so that people can see who their SARC is and meet other SAPR victim advocates,” Minor said. “We all come together to agree that everyone is against sexual assault and to learn how we can intervene to prevent it from happening.” Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. It is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major lifecycle milestone. Once complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologicallyadvanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.
P e nn y
72
P r e ss
5
Lincoln celebrates
Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Story by MCSN Ashley Raine Northen Photos by MC3 Juan Cubano
Sailors perform at Huntington Hall in celebration of Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Photo by MC3 Juan Cubano
S
ailors aboard Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated diversity during the kick-off ceremony for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month in the ship’s fo’c’sle May 2. The ceremony’s events included guest speaker Rear Admiral Peter Gumataotao, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy, Supreme Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk, as well as cultural performances from members of the ship’s crew and food from different Asian and Pacific Island cultures. “The importance of the ceremony is to bring awareness to the ship and, in some terms, the Navy about how important diversity is - how different ethnic backgrounds help build a very strong team to make our Navy run as smoothly as it does,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Senior Chief Donovan
P e nn y
72
7
P r e ss
Mahiai, the head of the ship’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Committee. Gumataotao, a native of Guam, spoke to Sailors about the importance of different cultures within the Navy and the waus diversity and our differences actually bring us closer as a service. “I did not think in any moment of my life that I was going to stay away from my beautiful island of Guam, but something happened along the way,” Gumataotao said. “I found a new ‘ohana’, or family. I grew up in Guam with strong family roots, and I came to learn that you have the same family roots here in the military. It is all about the importance of family.” The ship’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage committee has more events planned to celebrate diversity and family during the month of May. Sailors can participate in the upcoming events to learn more about the different cultures that span throughout the Navy. “These events are just a fun way of getting the word out about other people’s backgrounds,” Mahiai said. “It gets people interested and more involved if they get to see other cultures and understand their shipmate’s backgrounds and where they come from. It gives them a little bit more of an understanding of why certain Sailors do what they do.” Lincoln is currently undergoing a Refueling and Complex
Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News. Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once ROCH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.
USS Abraham Lincoln’s
Motorcycle Club
Story and photos by MC3 Ciarra Thibodeaux
T
o kick-off the riding season, USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Motorcycle Club (ALMC) displayed their rides at Huntington Hall April 22 to promote motorcycle safety during a special command track and field event. The club serves as a mentorship group to all Sailors interested in motorcycle riding, educating new riders about proper personal protective gear, providing information on the different styles of bikes and ensuring everyone knows the safety requirements for the Navy and the state of Virginia. “We like to teach things such as how to ride in groups, how to ride solo, and how
to make yourself more visible while riding,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Justin King. “After our meetings, we like to schedule safety rides to make sure everyone is practicing the things we discuss in our meetings.” In addition to monthly meetings, the group also incorporates outreach events into their safety rides to keep Lincoln Sailors doing positive things for the local community. In support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the group donated money and supplies to a local women’s shelter. King added that the club, which meets monthly, provides a sense of camaraderie to the command,
bringing Sailors of all different ages and backgrounds together to learn from one another. “We’re here to answer any questions for people, teach them what all the requirements are, and what path they need to go through to be a proficient rider in the military,” said Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Christopher Foster. Lincoln is currently undergoing a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News. Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.
P e nn y
72
P r e ss
Springfield Delegation Visits Lincoln Nation
T
Story and photo by MC3 Aaron Kiser
he crew of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted a tour for community leaders and Lincoln historians from Springfield, Ill., throughout various spaces on the ship in Newport News, April 21. The tour allowed the visitors a glimpse into the various dayto-day operations throughout the ship and provided an opportunity for Sailors to ask questions about their namesake. “I’ve been in a shipyard before, but it’s still breathtaking to see the scale and complexity of this type of project,” said Paul Staab II, a Lincoln historian. “It’s a very humbling experience to be in the service of others, and we’re here to let Sailors know that we’re thinking of all of them.” During the visit, the guests observed ship operations from flight deck control and toured the flight deck for a look at various flight operation
components and an up-close look at the “72” lights on the tower. “Lincoln was incredibly interested in innovative technology and would be proud to see all of this ship coming to life,” said Tim Townsend, a historian for the National Park Service. “I’m glad to come aboard and see the facility after hearing about Lincoln Sailors who had come to Springfield last year.” While aboard, the visitors also had the opportunity to spend time in the galley, serving meals and speaking to the Sailors. “It’s great to see all the positive attitudes and give back to Sailors on the ship” said Tim Franke, director of operations for Abraham Lincoln National Airport. “I used to serve meals in a hospital during my high school and college years so this put me right at home to help out the ship today.” One of the highlights of the tour was where the visitors saw an essential part of
9
living aboard a warship – a berthing space. Visitors took turns opening the coffin lockers and climbed in the racks. “You have to be in good physical shape getting in and out of those racks and really respect the Sailors you live with,” said Kathryn Harris, president of the Abraham Lincoln Association. “I didn’t know what to expect coming here today, but it’s been an amazing and overwhelmingly wonderful time spent seeing what the ship has to offer.” The tour concluded with a gift exchange and the opportunity for the guests to mingle with the crew before departing. “The biggest thing we hoped to accomplish today was building up a strong relationship with members from the city of the namesake of our great warship,” said Capt. Todd Marzano, Lincoln’s executive officer. Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation’s defense.
Around
THE COMMAND
Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Monica Sherril gets her Master Chief cover placed on her head by Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Charles Howard while standing with retired Master Chief Logistics Specialist Cedric Glover and Command Master Chief Bryan Exum after getting her Master Chief Petty Officer anchors pinned on her lapels during her pinning ceremony at Huntington Hall. Photo by MC3 Aaron Kiser
Damage Control Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Williams organizes battle lanterns in the damage control mart. Photo by MC3 Ciarra Thibodeaux
CSADD Sailors make dog tags for military children and dependents in celebration of the Month of the Military Child. Photo by MCSN Josiah Pearce
Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Kevin Lewis cleans dishes as part of a 1st Class Petty Officer Association event in which 1st Class petty officers work on the mess decks. Photo by MC3 Josiah Pearce
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Zach Mills cleans the hangar bay. Photo by MC2 Eric Soto
11
Damage Control 1st Class Dilon Sanford briefs Sailors during a damage control training stations event designed to teach Sailors to conduct a timed muster, perform validation of Zebra cards and damage control familiarization. Photo by MC2 Eric Soto Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Zaqurra Mckenzie measures Seaman Recruit Samuel Rodriguez’s height and weight in gym’s ship for part of a physical health assessment. Photo by MC3 Derry Todd
Damage Control Fireman Michele Alexander prepares carbon dioxide bottles in the damage control mart to be sent out for repair. Photo by MC3 Ciarra Thibodeaux
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Joseph Scaringello performs a sound survey in the hangar bay of the ship to ensure safe sound levels. Photo by MC2 Eric Soto