Know Your Shipmate
Lincoln Earns Coveted ‘Battle E’ By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg
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Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Cory Copeland Reactor Dept., Machinery Division
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uclear Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Cory Copeland, a native of Tuscumbia, Ala., followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and became a third-generation Sailor. Copeland attended machinist’s mate A school, Nuclear Power School and Prototype School in Charleston, S.C., over a period of 18 months before reporting to Lincoln, Jan. 19, his first command. Though on board for just over a year, Copeland, who works in the reactor department, already supervises seven others in the machinery division. “You’re getting paid to do a job, so do it to the best of your ability. Don’t ask questions, just do it and stay motivated,” said the 25-year-old Copeland, who credits his family for his strong work ethic. He said he enjoys going to the fantail to relax and soak up the sunlight. “Being a nuclear MM, you do not get the chance to go outside often. So whenever I get the chance, I go to the fantail and sit for a while.” While in the Navy, Copeland hopes to experience as much as possible and take advantage of everything the Navy has to offer. Copeland, who is currently a “wog,” is looking forward to crossing the equator later this deployment and becoming a “shellback.” “It’s going to be an experience, and I definitely plan on participating,” he said. Copeland, who describes himself as a very motivated Sailor, said he plans to finish his department-specific senior rate qualifications, which can take up to a year and a half, and earn his ESWS pin before deployment’s end.
SS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) earned distinction as the Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle Effectiveness Award winner, Feb. 2, prevailing in an extremely close competition amongst the six aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet. “Winning the ‘Battle E’ identifies USS Abraham Lincoln as the epitome of leadership, tactical acumen, and combat preparedness within all of naval aviation,” wrote Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Pacific, Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers in his congratulatory award message. Earning distinction for sustained superior performance in an operational environment, the “Battle E” is the latest of several achievements earned by USS Abraham Lincoln, currently deployed in the Arabian Sea. In addition to winning the overall “Battle E” award, Lincoln won 13 of 14 departmental awards, more than any other carrier in the Navy. It’s been a banner year for Lincoln, which began early January 2010 with its first underway in nine months after completing an extensive $350 million maintenance period, which was completed on time and on budget. The crew then completed a satisfactory Board of Inspection and Survey assessment a mere 43 days after sea trials. In preparation for a 5th and 7th Fleet combat deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, Lincoln spent 216 days away from its homeport in 2010, yet still increased its overall advancement rate by 21 percent and Zone A retention by 10 percent. Lincoln wrapped up deployment preparations and scored a 95.1 percent during its Final Evaluation Period (FEP) almost immediately before departing its homeport of Everett, Wash., Sept. 7, 2010.
During her current deployment, Lincoln has sailed across more than 36,000 nautical miles of open ocean and conducted the safe and expeditious completion of 8,500 arrested landings. The ship and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 launched more than 7,000 sorties, with nearly 2,000 directly supporting troops on the ground in combat. Lincoln’s Supply department recently earned a score of 96.8 percent for the 2010 Naval Air Forces Supply Management Inspection. This inspection was highlighted by hotel services, disbursing, and hazardous material (HAZMAT) divisions scoring 98 percent or above, including a 100 percent accurate HAZMAT inventory, a first for an aircraft carrier. Lincoln’s media department won the Chief of Naval Information Thompson-Ravitz Award for best internal communication program, and overall “Best in Show” among all award winners. Additionally, the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) received “outstanding” results and comments on the CNAF Aviation Maintenance Management Team (AMMT) Aviation Maintenance Inspection, with 39 of 43 programs on-track, which was five programs above the fleet average. Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer, said earning the Battle “E” highlights the outstanding efforts of USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew in 2010 and 2011. “We always strive for the best, but I never put any pressure on the crew to get the ‘Battle E.’” It shows the crew wanted it, and we earned it,” Alexander said. “I’m very proud of each and every Lincoln Sailor.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
SUPPLY SAFETY OPERATIONS HEALTH SERVICES NAVIGATION WEAPONS
AIMD AIR DEPT. COMBAT SYSTEMS DAMAGE CONTROL DECK DEPT. SECURITY REACTOR
Keeping Lincoln’s Prowlers Jamming Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Mickler
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he Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131 use the capabilities of the EA-6B Prowler to keep enemy forces from communicating, an invaluable capability that relies on VAQ-131’s ability to keep their aircraft up and running. “As an electronic warfare aircraft, the main capability of the Prowler is the ability to jam almost anything,” said Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Michael Williamson. “We can jam enemy communications in the air or
on the ground.” The EA-6B Prowler provides an umbrella of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops and ships by jamming enemy radar, electronic data links and communications. Keeping that capability up and running is where the squadron’s maintainers come in. Maintaining these capabilities is an asset to the ship and to her support of the Operation Enduring Freedom mission. For every hour a Prowler is in the air keeping enemy communications to a minimum, 25
man hours go into making sure the plane is ready and able. “We pretty much fly every day,” said Williamson. “Unlike other squadrons, who have 10 or more aircraft, we only have four, so it’s important that they are all up and running. Our maintainers make sure that happens.” Maintenance members like Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Matt Roxby, of Lake City, Fla., contribute to the success of the Prowler mission. “If, for some reason, these jets
don’t work, we have to get them back up and running in a timely manner,” said Roxby. “We have to do it right the first time. Doing maintenance by the book is the key to getting these birds in the air.” Roxby is not alone in his endeavors to make the mission a success. “Our maintainers are absolute professionals,” said Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Gary Croasdale, of London. “We work as a team both at work and on liberty; that’s what we’re all about. We all look out for each other, and we’re all committed to the success of the squadron and the ship’s mission.” “It’s a testament to our maintainers that we’re flying the oldest bird on the ship,” said Williamson. “Aircraft 502 was built sometime around 1973 and has over 11,000 flight hours.” For the maintainers, doing their job well brings its own rewards.
“The best part of my job is the overall feeling I get when I see the bird in action,” said Roxby. “And it’s not so much when it takes off, because it’s not over then, but when it comes back, it gives me a good feeling about my job.” Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kevin Cloinger, of Pocahontas, Ark., said he also takes pride in what the maintainers do for the squadron. “My favorite part of doing this job is knowing that we’re actually doing something that matters,” said Cloinger. “People on the ground are safer because of what we do.” The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
Badass Sailors through History Part IV: The Tale of the Explosion-Proof Chief
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy Cellini
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n the fourth part of our series saluting seafaring awesomeness, we selected a candidate in keeping with this month’s “African American Heritage” theme. This proved to be quite a struggle, as there were several obvious choices. Who’s to say who the more badass African-American Sailor was, Dorrie Miller (Cuba Gooding, Jr. in “Pearl Harbor”) or Carl Brashear (Cuba Gooding, Jr. in “Men of Honor”)? We decided to go another route (somebody not yet portrayed by Mr. Gooding…but there’s still time). Chief Gunner’s Mate John Henry “Dick” Turpin was truly an American hero who exemplified the tough-asnails old-school Sailor mythos. A survivor of multiple disasters and
saver of numerous lives, Turpin’s career was a long and illustrious one (longer than most, actually, he served in some capacity well into his sixties and ultimately refused to buy into that whole “retirement” deal). First enlisting in the Navy in New York City at the age of 20, he lost no time getting himself to sea. He served aboard USS Maine (ACR1) from 1896 to 1898. Why such a short tour, you ask? Great question. The battleship Maine, as you may remember, exploded and sank on Feb. 15 of that year, killing almost 75 percent of the crew. Or at least the ones that Turpin didn’t rescue first. Ambrose Ham, another Maine Sailor, said that at the time of the explosion, Turpin was ordered to retrieve some cutlasses as the Sailors thought they were under attack. Realizing there was no attack, but
that the ship was definitely sinking, Turpin took it upon himself to dive into the water to assist floundering shipmates. Turpin went on to save the lives of many Sailors that day, including the commanding officer. Though no one knows exactly how many of his shipmates Turpin saved, if we had to guess, we’d say Turpin probably brought each and every one of them ashore. Then there’s a gap in history, and Turpin’s actions are sadly unaccounted for. We came across several reports that he saw action in China during the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. We’re not sure what that “action” actually was, and the internet was pretty slow today, but he probably threw the best punches. Editor’s note: Turpin actually was a champion naval boxer, going so far as to become an instructor at the Naval Academy.
By 1905, Turpin had returned to sea and found himself on the USS Bennington (Gun Boat #4). But disaster, who we’re certain could not travel with the ship to China due to a customs issue, found him again (actual citation needed). In July of that year, a massive boiler explosion destroyed the ship as it was preparing to leave San Diego. Sailors were thrown into the air like rag dolls, and more than half the crew was killed. Once again, old reliable “Dick” Turpin dove into the water and saved 15 Sailors by swimming them to shore one at a time. When you consider that only 36 people survived, you see the measure of his achievement. Reportedly, 11 men would receive the Medal of Honor for their actions that day. Turpin was not one of them. In fact, he still has yet to receive the Medal of Honor, a disgrace to Badass Sailors the world over.
Not satisfied with only saving people on the surface anymore, Turpin would eventually qualify as a master diver and proceed to search the depths of the ocean “just in case.” He is credited with being one of the inventors of the underwater cutting torch, a variation of which is still used to this day. Managing to avoid any more disasters, Turpin would serve out the remainder of his career, peacefully leaving active duty for the first time in 1916. The next year saw the beginning of World War I, and Turpin’s recall to duty. Thanks, draft. He was promoted to Chief Gunner’s Mate upon his return, making him one of the first African-American Navy chiefs (possibly THE first--this remains unverifiable). He would not promote again, but he did serve out the rest of his time as a badass chief, perhaps inspiring some of the myth
that surrounds the position. Turpin didn’t care for retirement, and according to several reports, he attempted to have himself remobilized at the start of World War II. He was 65 at the time. The Navy, presumably out of fear of Turpin, reinstated him in a reserve status and, we imagine, informed Hitler himself of the development. We can’t be sure, but this may have been the reason the horrible dictator chose death over capture. He lived out his later years in the Puget Sound area working as a master rigger at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. He remained a popular figure in the local community and a role model in the civil rights movement. He died in 1962 at the age of 85, still having not received the Medal of Honor. This just goes to show you that there are no medals required to be a real badass.
Cape St. George Assists Iranian Mariners From USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group Public Affairs
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uided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) provided assistance to an Iranian dhow after receiving a distress call, Jan 31. Bridge watch standers aboard Cape St. George reported receiving a distress call at approximately 8 a.m. from a small fishing vessel about eight miles away. Upon receiving the call for help, Cape St. George sent an assistance team to assess the situation and provide aid to the crew of six Iranians aboard the dhow. The rescue team attempted to repair the dhow’s dewatering pumps, but was unable to stop the flooding. The fishermen were brought aboard the rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) as the dhow continued to sink. All fishermen were assessed to be in good health by Cape St. George’s medical personnel and were transferred to an Iranian customs vessel, which was patrolling the area.
U.S. Navy photo by MCC Eric S. Powell
USS Cape St. George is deployed with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation.
Lincoln Hits Grand Slam in Supply Excellence By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lauren Howes
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ircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) won four awards for excellence in supply, food service and logistics management, Feb. 1. Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced that Lincoln’s retail operations division won the award for ship store excellence, dispersing division won for disbursing excellence, hotel services division won the Dorie P. Miller Award for Wardroom Excellence and the chief’s mess division won the Carl Scheufele Award for Chief Petty Officer Mess Excellence. “You and your teams should be justifiably proud of these significant accomplishments,” said Capt. Dave Watt, the head of the inspection team, when he announced the winners via e-mail. CNAF supply officers conducted the inspections in October 2010. Each supply division was graded on several different criteria, including inventory and accountability, cleanliness and overall service provided. The Dorie P. Miller and Carl Scheuefele Excellence awards recognize the most outstanding wardroom and chief petty officer food service operations
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales
U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke
Lincoln Exceeds International Health Standards By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arif Patani
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U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Gragg
within the aircraft carrier community. The Ship’s Store Retail and Service ExcellenceAward recognizes outstanding operation based on results of the Supply Management Inspection, conducted on board Lincoln in 2010. Nominees are then evaluated by a Navy Exchange Command representative to select the best retail operation within each Fleet. The Disbursing Excellence Award recognizes outstanding carrier disbursing operations based on results from the Supply Management Inspection and a surprise disbursing audit.
Lt. Cmdr. Keith Jeffries, Lincoln’s assistant supply officer, said the awards were evidence of supply department’s determination and perseverance. “These awards signify that the level of service that Lincoln Sailors receive is the best in the carrier fleet,” said Jefferies. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
nspectors gave USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) a clean bill of health, Feb. 1, after the ship met and exceeded international sanitation standards. Inspectors reviewed how the ship handles health issues such as food safety, habitability, drinking water, waste disposal and pest control. They also looked closely at how the medical department handles the prevention and assessment of disease and non-battle injuries. “This is probably one of the best carriers I have inspected. It shows that Lincoln’s crew is proactive, educated and that they care about cleanliness.” Said Chief Hospital Corpsman Sanket Sadalge, the lead inspector for 5th Fleet’s Force Preventative Medicine, who characterized the inspection as a snapshot of the ship’s ability to establish and maintain sanitation standards. According to international health regulations, vessels transiting international waters are required to obtain either a Ship’s Sanitation Control Certificate or an exemption every six months. A vessel cannot pull into international or domestic ports without the certificate. “The inspection not only looks at the current status of
the ship, but it gives me an idea of what measures are in place to prevent any future sanitation problems,” Sadalge said. Illnesses such as the common cold, stomach viruses and many other ailments can spread quickly on a ship the size of an aircraft carrier, Sadalge said. The mismanagement of shipboard sanitation can potentially lead to serious problems. “Mission accomplishment and individual readiness can be hugely impacted by the spread of any illness,” said Cmdr. Michael Jacobs, Lincoln’s senior medical officer. “When you put nearly 5,000 people in a confined space like this without measures to control the spread of disease, unsanitary conditions can prove devastating.” Lincoln’s crew cleans and sanitizes the ship on a daily basis to maintain good health and a clean working environment. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
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long time ago, in a Navy far, far away … things were very different. We were a Navy of men (exclusively), the conditions were more dangerous, the pay was not as good, the food was worse and the future was uncertain. The term “New Navy” gets used a lot these days. Just as we have gone from “Accelerate Your Life” to “A Global Force for Good,” so too has our sea-faring culture gone from the infamous plague of Sailors set to plunder and pillage to a modern staple of skilled technicians and
international ambassadors. As the world changes, so too must its warriors. Of all the services, this change has been especially hard on the Navy, being as we have such a tradition-rich history, to find the balance between remembering where we came from and keeping up with where we must go. In this examination of several Navy traditions that have survived through the ages, I hope you discover (as I did), that although we’ve had to change with the times, many of our traditions are still very much a part of what we do every day.
navy traditions By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano
-Where does the
ESWS
qualification come from?
The ESWS program was officially approved on December 1, 1978, by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. T.B. Hayward. There had been a desire for such a program for some time following the introduction of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) qualification program in 1975, citing the need to recognize and qualify enlisted surface experts as well. The approval to begin formulating such a program finally occurred in 1977, when surface warfare commanders gave the OK. –Information courtesy HMC Michael Zarella (See also OPNAVINST 1412.4)
-Where does the myth of the “golden
earring” come from?
I was always taught that a Sailor who survived a shipwreck could wear one gold earring. The original myth was that Sailors always wore one gold earring so that if they were found at sea dead, it would cover the cost of the funeral and burial. –QMCS James Fox (See also DeMello, Margo, Encyclopedia of Body Adornment. ABC-CLIO, 2007)
-Why do we remove our
covers
on the
mess decks?
Historically, wounded and dead Sailors were moved to the mess decks when medical facilities became overcrowded. Therefore, in honor of and respect for the dead and wounded, Sailors do not wear their covers on the mess decks. -Lt. j.g. Benton Garrett, a Navy chaplain
-Why are there so many all the time?
bells
and
whistles
going off on the ship
This one stems from a time when not everyone had a watch or a cell phone to tell them what time it was. Believe it or not, those bells used to be the only way Sailors had to tell time on the ship. Bells mark when the security watch was to check in with the OOD, even-numbered bells at every hour (0800, 1200, 1600, 0000, and 0400). When eight bells rang, it was time to relieve the watch. -QMCS James Fox (See also www.history.navy.mil/faqs)
AND
MYTHSexpla
d e in
-What is the real mythos behind the crossing of the line ceremony and where did the and traditions come from?
“shellbacks”
“pollywogs”
This is an old one, shrouded in mystery. Many theories abound as to the exact origins of the oncecontroversial ceremony, and although today’s event is much tamer than its old-world inspiration, it remains a vital aspect of sea-going life and culture. No one knows the exact genesis of the tradition, or at least I know of no one who does, but it was basically a test to ensure that new Sailors could withstand the challenges of a long-term voyage, sometimes three years. –QMCS James Fox The following are excerpts from Thirty-six Years of a Sea Faring Life, published in 1839 by John Becharvaise in which the author describes the ceremony performed as HMS Blossom began a three-year voyage around the Horn of Africa to the Arctic (information courtesy QMCS James Fox): “There were on board the ship a great number of officers and seamen, who had never yet gone south of the Tropics, consequently, and were to be initiated into the mysteries of crossing the Equinoctial line, and entering the dominions of Neptune; great preparations had been making since our leaving Woolich, for an event which promised to some part of the crew great amusement, to the other great fear.” “A gun had been dismounted on the forecastle, the carriage made into a car, on which were to sit Neptune and Amphitrite, and between them the Triton; in order to keep all a secret, a sail was run across the forecastle to screen Neptune and his gang from observation.” “…it was soon over; he escaped and stood by to see his shipmates share his fate. At the time of his being shaved, he was not aware who Neptune was. When he found it out, I could not get him to speak to me for some time; at length Irish good temper conquered, and we were friends again.”
Hey, Abe
CVN CMC s M eet
Who’s Gonna Win the Big Game?
Survey: Exchange Customers Save Money
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lauren Howes
The results of Navy Exchange Service Command’s (NEXCOM) latest annual market basket survey show customers continue to save an average of 22 percent below civilian retail prices, not including sales tax, when they shop at their NEX. To determine the percentage of savings, the same products were surveyed from region to region. The items included major appliances, consumer electronics, furniture, clothing, housewares, sporting goods and more. The survey determined the following savings by area: - Everett, Wash.: 22.87 percent - San Diego, Calif.: 21.84 percent - Norfolk, Va.: 20.31 percent
NCC Leslie Alston - Steelers, 27-24 “We’re the Steelers, and we’re better. What else? Our defense is better and so is our offense.”
LSSN Justin Buzan and LS3 Ryan Jay Ramos - Packers, 28-27 “I just like Green Bay. I like Aaron Rogers.” – Buzan
BMSA Karen Gonzales, SN Amber Mentzer “It’s gonna be the Steelers, ‘cause they have Troy Polamalu.” – Gonzales
EMCS Ed Manangan, ISCS Mark Oden, EMC Orlando Cruz “Pittsburgh’s got a little more heart. Look how many they have already won.” – Oden
Briefly
EM1 Laforteza Diomel “I hate the Steelers.”
LS1 Gordon Rudolph Steelers, 31-20 “Because I know they’re better than Green Bay.”
ABHAN Leaundre Johnson , MA2 Alicia Hanrahan, AN Tony Townsend, MASN Lawrence Brown, ABHAN Troy Cuellar “Green Bay’s got a better defense.” – Johnson
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Command Master Chief (CMC) Suz Whitman and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Command Master Chief April Beldo exchange gifts, Feb. 3, aboard Lincoln. Beldo and Whitman are the third and fourth females, respectively, to serve as CMC aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Vinson’s arrival marks the first time two female carrier CMCs have been deployed to the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR) at the same time. The Abraham Lincoln and Carl Vinson Strike Groups are currently supporting maritime security operations and theater cooperation efforts in the AOR. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Barry Riley)
Truman Makes First E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Launch By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David R. Finley, Jr.
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he E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy’s newest airborne early warning and control aircraft, made its first launch, Feb. 1, from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 representatives and aircrew from Patuxent River, Md., are aboard Truman to conduct suitability testing on the new aircraft. “Truman is here to provide the squadron with the platform they need to perform the testing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Moss, USS Harry S. Truman aircraft handler. “We will be supporting their test equipment on board, as well as aiding them in launch and recovery efforts.” “The idea of the E2-D started in the late 90’s as kind of just a concept,” said Cmdr. Mike Santomauro, flight test director. “The aircraft they are landing today began its initial
testing back in 2007. The fact that we are even coming out to this ship is the culmination of more than a year-and-a-half of effort to get to here.” The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will not provide a significant change in the mission of early warning and control; however, it will enable the aircraft to perform its mission with greater improvements. “It is a two-generation leap in surveillance capabilities, and it’s going to be a game changer in information dominance for the U.S. Navy,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead said in 2010. The new aircraft will be able to scan a larger area, detect smaller objects and process information more quickly than its predecessor. The aircrews will be able to accomplish these tasks through improved allglass cockpits and tactical operator stations.
Australian Aircraft Disrupts Pirates An Australian AP-3C Orion assisted a merchant vessel under attack by pirates in the Arabian Sea, Jan. 28. The Orion was conducting a routine surveillance patrol for Combined Maritime Forces when it was re-tasked to investigate a pirate attack on the MV New York Star. A NATO warship, tasked by CMF to assist New York Star, deployed a boarding team. After securing the merchant vessel, the MV New York Star crew released themselves from the ship’s anti-piracy stronghold.
Navy Seeks ‘Hope’ Nominations Submissions for the 2010 Spirit of Hope award must be submitted by March 18 to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education) through OPNAV N135D. The award recognizes an individual or organization that epitomizes the values of duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity, and selfless dedication. For detailed information, read NAVADMIN 410/10
Amaya Joanna Flores
Les Paul Sellers
Savion Amir Solomon
Liza Jizelle Arenas
Kiernan Grace Molidor
Jamal Roberto Cruz
Born: Dec. 25, 2010 Time: 3:52 p.m. Weight: 7 lbs., 8 oz. Father: CS1 Paul J. Flores
Born: Jan. 2, 2011 Weight: 8 lbs., 6 oz Length: 20 in. Father: YN3 Anthony Solomon
Lincoln Passes Key Maintenance Inspection By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Seth Clarke; Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam Randolph
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SS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) successfully passed its 2010-2011 Maintenance and Material Management Inspection (3MI) Jan. 25-29, demonstrating a high level of expertise in shipboard equipment and maintenance procedures. Lincoln received a final score of 92.34 percent from Naval Air Forces inspectors who conducted spot checks of equipment maintenance, tested the crew’s knowledge of the Navy’s Material Data System (MDS), and performed administrative reviews to ensure maintenance accountability and validation paperwork was correct. “The results are fantastic,” said Master Chief Electrician’s Mate James T. Jennings, the Maintenance and Material Management (3M) team leader for Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF). “Abraham Lincoln’s crew showed us that they’ve put a lot of hard work in. It sets the precedent for the other ten carriers out there,” Jennings said. Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Michael Gwinn, Lincoln
engineering department’s leading chief petty officer, said Lincoln owes her success to training, preparation and execution. “We trained the right skills at the right level,” Gwinn said. “We taught supervisors how to review and how to assess correctly, then we went directly to the maintenance person so he or she could get the right answers.” Jennings said he fully expects Lincoln’s crew to still be executing their maintenance at a high level when the inspection team returns to the ship sometime later this year to oversee a 3M training team (3MTT) exercise. “When I see the Lincoln crew again, I anticipate that you will not just have maintained this standard, but that you will have improved upon what you’ve achieved here,” Jennings said. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts to establish conditions for regional stability.
Born: Jan. 8, 2011 Time: 9:55 p.m. Weight: 7 lbs., 1 oz. Length: 20 in. Father: ABEAN Maxwell K. Molidor
Kailani Malia Robinson Born: Feb. 2, 2011 Time: 11:10 a.m. Weight: 5 lbs., 12 oz. Length: 20 in. Father: AT2 Kenneth O. Robinson
Born: Dec. 27, 2010 Father: MM1 Brandon W. Sellers
Born: Jan. 6, 2011 Time: 10:49 p.m. Weight: 8 lbs., 1 oz. Length: 19 in. Father: AOAN Rene Arenas
Born: Jan. 20, 2011 Weight: 6 lbs., 1 oz. Length: 17 in. Father: AOAN Roberto J. Cruz