CONTENTS July 17, 2015
FEATURED Lincoln holds first blood drive during RCOH
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Master Chief Raymond Martinez explains how the new “MAP� program works
Some more of our favorite photos from the last month
Supply Department holds their 2nd annual Career Day
Lincoln Sailors take a day to learn aircraft intricacies.
Volume 26, Issue 12
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Welcome Aboard! USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Welcome back Lincoln Nation! We hope you all had a fun, safe, stuffed-to-the-brim, freedomfilled ‘Merica Day. We in Media Department did. It’s fitting that in the last few weeks the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team won the World Cup and Serena Williams won Wimbledon. Not only have we been performing well in sports; NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft gave us our first close-up look of the heavenly body formally known as a planet, Pluto. It’s been an awesome summer for America. It’s hard to believe that summer is more than halfway over. Maybe you are looking forward to fall, maybe you aren’t. Maybe some of you are more used to the heat than others, but everyone could agree that his humidity has been ridiculous. In this issue we give you the details on the meritorious advancement program (MAP), some of our Sailors visits an aviation squadron, Lincoln gives a little blood to give a lot back, and more. We want to take this opportunity to thank the many Sailors who have supported the Penny Press during its tenure. Above all, we want to express our appreciation both to our growing number of readers and to all who contribute to the preparation and distribution of it. Without you, Penny Press would not exist as a meaningful publication. Our number one priority is to tell your story. We recognize we have an obligation to not only tell your story, but tell the Navy’s story as you are a part of it. If you or anyone you know have a compelling and interesting story please contact our staff, we are more than willing to feature you, your department and/or division. MC3 Chris Huot MCSN Derry Todd Editor
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Master Chief Navy Counselor Raymond Martinez Explains the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP)
opportunities. The first opportunity runs from 1 July to 31 August and the second opportunity for distribution of unused quotas is from 1 to 30 September. Do all rates qualify equally? Yes. What are somethings that might disqualify a Sailor from MAPS? PFA failure in the last 18 months, Court martial, NJP, substance abuse incident within the last 24 months, delinquent on qualifications, FAP case within the last
What is the purpose of the MAP
opportunity to be advanced without
program?
ever taking the exam.
The purpose of the MAP program is to promote our best Sailors to
What do Sailors need to do to be
the next paygrade. It gives the
eligible for MAPS?
command greater authority to better
The first thing they need to do is be the
shape the workforce and the Navy by
best of the best. For example,
rewarding our best talent.
Sailor of the Quarter or Year. To
What ranks are eligible for MAP? All ratings from paygrade E3 to E5 are eligible, with the exception of Professional Apprenticeship Career Track (PACT), commonly known as undesignated Sailors, who are currently not eligible. What is the biggest difference between the MAP program and the CAP program? The biggest different that I see is the fact that the CO can waive up to 12 months of time in rate (TIR), the required amount of time a member must serve in a particular paygrade to be eligible for the next paygrade. For example, E1 and E2 - 9 months, E3 - 6 months, E5 - 12 months, and E6 - 36 months) who have received an Early Promote on their most recent observed periodic evaluation, which basically gives an E5 Sailor the
advance from E3 to E4, they must have received an MP or higher on their most recent observed periodic evaluation and to make E5 or E6 meritoriously, Sailors must have received an EP or higher on the most recent observed periodic evaluation. Also, Sailors need to be TIR eligible, meet physical readiness requirements, and meet all advancement requirements with the exception of advancement exam participation. How many Sailors from a command can be eligible for this program?
12 months, returning a CWAY quota to separate at EAOS, and performance trait below 3.0 within the last 24 months. How are the Sailors picked after eligibility? There is a board which looks at all requirements mentioned above, plus other factors. For example, has the Sailor been selected for SSOQ, SOQ, JSOQ, BJOQ, SSOY, SOY, JSOY, BJOY, WOW, etc.? What other impact has the Sailor had in his/her department or the command? Is the Sailor warfare qualified? Again, we are looking for the best of the best! How many times can a Sailor be meritoriously promoted? There is no requirement on how many times a Sailor can be selected for MAP. If one wanted to know more about the program where could they go to get
Quotas are released annually by OPNAV
that information?
N1 and are based on manning. This year
If you are looking for information
we had a total of 27 quotas including
pertaining to the MAP, you can obtain it
two quotas for E6 and six quotas for E5.
in three ways, through the command instruction (LINCOLNINST 1430.1B),
How often and when do MAPS cycles happen? The cycle is conducted annually with two
NAVADMIN (141/15 or 245/15), and the NPC website.
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SUPPLY DEPARTMENT CAREER DAY
Story and Photos by MCSN Brandon Davis
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he combination of morning sun and anxious anticipation hang heavily in the air as roughly 100 Sailors assigned to the Supply Department of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) stand in ranks outside of the G.E. Warehouse in Portsmouth, Va.. Lt. Cmdr. Zakar, Lincoln’s ASUPPO, cuts the tension as he addresses his Sailors, “Not everybody gets a chance like this…” The entire supply department participated in Lincoln’s 2nd Annual Supply Department Career Day, July 9. In addition to ratespecific job opportunities, there were also volunteers giving information on officer programs, financial training and VA benefits. Senior leadership honed in on how important this type of event is for junior Sailors. “A lot of times, Sailors don’t have resources that can assist them in bettering themselves in their career and personal life,” said Chief Culinary Specialist David Cunningham. “This event was coordinated to give them an idea
of programs they had little to no knowledge of. I want them to be fully prepared, whether they’re staying in or transitioning to civilian life.” Though this was a career day for supply department, Sailors on Temporarily Assigned Duty (TAD) in supply from other departments appreciated the opportunity to participate. “The fact that they had all these resources available to us was beneficial,” said Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Delvin Durham. “I take pride in my rate, and I like the fact that they had all the options for career paths in several rates, rather than simply supply.” The diversity of ranks at the career day was admirable, and shows the initiative that Lincoln’s leaders take to be as effective as possible. “This was mandatory for all E-5 and below, but the participation of those not required to go was impressive,” Zakar said. “It makes sense for the leadership to attend, because you cannot impart that which you don’t impress.”
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PRESS During his reenlistment ceremony in front of the ship’s radar June 30, Ross, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) had the honor of having a reenlisting officer who played a vital role in both his naval career and his personal life.
Photos by MC3 Patrick Maher
Lincoln Officer Reenlists Brother Story by MC2 Danian Douglas
R
eenlisting in the U.S. Navy is a major decision, considering the rigors of the job.
Electronics Technician 1st Class Quintin Ross recently made this decision for himself and his family. An often overlooked and important part of the process is the choice of a reenlisting officer, who will become a memorable part of the life and naval legacy of the reenlisting Sailor.
Ross’ reenlistment however, was carefully planned. “I reenlisted for an additional two years to get to my 20-year mark so I can retire,” Ross said. “I am very proud of the years I have served in the Navy.”
The brothers have an impressive This man taught him how to military family legacy that spans swim, ride a bike, be a handyman, four generations. respect women and learn about God. “Our grandfather and four of our grand-uncles served in World War Ross’ older sibling, Chief II,” Ross said. “Our father was in Warrant Officer 4 Christopher the U.S. Army, and three of our Bruce-Ross, also assigned to uncles and aunts served in the U.S. Lincoln, became the younger Navy. My brother and I, plus one Ross’ father figure when he was of our cousins are serving in the just two years old, due to a family Navy right now and my brother’s breakup. wife has already retired from the Navy.” “There were five children in our family and I am the older brother of three boys, so if anything he was my little buddy,” Bruce-Ross said. “I am seven years older so I was responsible for him. With that said, he was the toy, the go-fer, the tester and the ‘goalie’ so everyone could score.” Over the years, their personal bonds have strengthened. “I am the godfather to his three children; he was my best man and will be the godfather to my son,” Ross said. “I was also the first to salute him after he was commissioned as an officer.” It would seem odd that brothers would end up at the same command and raise their hands together for a reenlistment oath, but it was, as Bruce-Ross put it, “just pure luck.”
GIVES BLOOD TO
LINCOLN
HELP SAVE LIVES
Story and Photos BY MCSN Brandon Davis
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ailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) conducted a blood drive in support of the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) at Huntington Hall, July 10 and 17. The ASBP offers a front-line supply of blood to military members in need. The program relies on Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to take care of their own through blood donation and collection efforts. This is the first blood drive that Lincoln has taken part in since going into Refueling Complex and Overhaul (RCOH) three years ago. “Given the fact that we’ve been in the yards, we haven’t really been in a position to participate,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tarail Vernon, Lincoln’s nurse. “But we put in the extra effort to have one this year.” Lincoln Sailors who participated in the blood drive wer e grateful to be presented with an opportunity to give back to their fellow service members. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Charles Williams believes
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in providing assistance wherever possible and whenever necessary, evidence by the three previous times he’s given blood. “Why would somebody help you out if you don’t reciprocate?” It was apparent that the majority of the command felt the same way that Williams did. With a maximum of 100 slots available, there were 92 sign-ins, 89 registered sign-ins and 73 donors. “This was an excellent drive,” said Ralph Peters, a representative from the Armed Services Blood Program. “It will make a significant impact for the needs of blood and blood products downrange, as well as providing necessary life-saving support for our hospital patients.”
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LINCOLN RAISES
The Most Funds FOR NMCRS IN NORFOLK Story from USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
29 that recognized the Norfolk-based commands that raised the most funds this year. According to Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Melvin Abner, Lincoln’s NMCRS coordinating assistant, this year’s successful drive would not have been possible without support from the entire ship.
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ailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) “paid it forward” to their fellow shipmates this year by raising more funds for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) than any other ship stationed in Norfolk. “USS Abraham Lincoln is the top grossing ship on the waterfront,” said Lt. j.g. Antoinette Broere, Lincoln NMCRS coordinating officer. “This includes all 30 ships currently residing within the Norfolk and
“[Our NMCRS team] was supported in every aspect and felt welcome in every department,” he said. “This drive was a great example of how our command could come together to support Sailors, while in a demanding environment.” Hampton Roads area that make up what is called Sub Area 3 Command.” While Lincoln Sailors raised more than $59,000 for NMCRS this year, Broere added that next year the ship’s goal will be $72,000. “Reaching the goal of $72,000 would further solidify the unwavering belief that, as a command, there is no mission too large for us to face or achieve,” she said. Lincoln’s Command Master Chief Lee Salas
had promised to shave his head if the command had reached the goal of $72,000 this year. “This year’s goal was established by the Sailors and it was accomplished,” added Salas. “Next year, I’m challenging the Sailors to set their goal to $72,000, and if they accomplish it, I’ll shave my head. This is one challenge that I’m willing to lose.” Salas and Lincoln’s Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Ravelo, attended a NMCRS luncheon on June
Abner added that supporting NMCRS is akin to supporting his fellow Sailors and families in times of need. “It was an honor to get out with my team and do something that supports Sailors and Marines in need,” he remarked. “NMCRS Norfolk was there to provide us everything needed to get the job done, while our regional coordinator ensured we were wellinformed and provided every resource available to us.”
SECNAV Announces New Maternity Leave Policy From the Office of the Chief of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary Ray Mabus triples maternity leave: 18 weeks for women in the Navy and Marine Corps. July 2, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that effective immediately, women who serve in the Navy and Marine Corps will have 18 weeks of maternity leave available to use during the first year of her child’s life. “In the Navy and the Marine Corps, we are continually looking for ways to recruit and retain the best people,” Mabus said. “We have incredibly talented women who want to serve, and they also want to be mothers and have the time to fulfill that important role the right way. We can do that for them. Meaningful maternity leave when it matters most is one of the best ways that we can support the women who serve our county. This flexibility is an investment in our people and our
Services, and a safeguard against losing skilled service members.” Department of Defense Instruction 1327.06, Leave and Liberty Procedures for the Department, charges Secretaries of the Military Departments with publishing departmental guidance in accordance with the DoD instruction. Under the section that delegates to the Secretary the ability to designate the level of control for convalescent leave that exceeds 30 days, Secretary Mabus has directed that commanding officers grant additional convalescent leave up to 84 days beyond the currently authorized 42 days of convalescent leave following the birth of a child. For families, increased time following the birth of her child has tangible benefits for the physical and psychological health of both mother and child. For the Navy and Marine Corps, there is the likelihood that women will return to and stay in her career, yielding higher readiness and retention for the services. “When the women in our Navy and Marine Corps answer the call to serve, they are making the
difficult choice to be away from their children - sometimes for prolonged periods of time - so that they can do the demanding jobs that we ask them to do.” Mabus said. “With increased maternity leave, we can demonstrate the commitment of the Navy and Marine Corps to the women who are committed to serve.” The policy, which is effective immediately, will also apply retroactively to any woman who has been authorized convalescent leave following the birth of a child since Jan. 1, 2015. Under the new policy, commanding officers are required to grant to a woman up to a total of 18 weeks, using a combination of maternity leave and convalescent leave beyond 30 days. A mother does not need to take all of her leave at once; however, she is only entitled to the use of this type of leave within one year of her child’s birth. The Department of the Navy’s increase in maternity leave is the latest in a series of personnel initiatives announced by the Secretary of the Navy.
LINCOLN SAILORS FAMLIARIZE THEMSELVES With
Story and Photos by MC3 Ryan Wampler
LOCAL SQUADRON
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visited various aircraft squadrons at Oceana Naval Air Base and Norfolk Naval Base, July 2.
The Sailors met with pilots and personnel in their hangar bays to familiarize themselves with various fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters used by the squadrons. All of the Sailors who attended are working to earn their enlisted air warfare specialist (EAWS) qualification and had the chance to ask questions to better prepare themselves for the written and oral exams. Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Robertulio Ruizvallejo, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Hickory Burns and Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Eric Haynes, who all oversee Lincoln’s EAWS program, arranged the daylong event and plan to continue organizing additional trips in the future. “It’s important that Lincoln Sailors see firsthand what these aircraft look like since we currently do not have any aircraft attached to the ship while in the shipyard,” said Burns. “When they tour these squadrons it is easier to put two-and-two together to really understand how everything works.”
The day began by visiting the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 at Oceana Naval Air Base where Lt. Scott Lindahl gave a tour of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets. The group then proceeded to meet the World Famous Bear Aces of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 where members of the squadron talked about the capabilities of the E-2C Hawkeyes.
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A highlight of the day was the final squadron, the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9 where Sailors were allowed to seat in the pilot’s seat of one of their MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters. The group even watched from the hangar bay as a helicopter took off from the landing pad. Sailors walked away appreciative of the experience and motivated to finish the qualification process. “I’m really glad I decided to go with the group,” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airmen Apprentice Brittany Miller said. “It’s one thing to study the material and all you’re doing is looking at pieces of paper, but to get the knowledge from the men and women who fly these machines is really priceless and helps put things into perspective.” Warfare programs are essential in ensuring our Sailors understand and are able to effectively engage a casualty, operate equipment or platforms safely and ensure backup as needed. Warfare qualifications are about ship, shipmate and self, and ensure the safety and safe operation of each command and platform on a daily basis. Obtaining the EAWS designator means Sailors have to complete a personal qualification standards (PQS) booklet. The book is designed to take Sailors to every department and seek warfarequalified individuals willing to explain specific areas of their job and sign their name to the topic they instructed. Next, the Sailor must pass a written test and an oral board chaired by a seasoned senior or master chief.
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Graphic by: www.deomi.org