The Penny Press, March 19, 2015

CONTENTS March 20, 2015 Volume 26, Issue 4

FEATURED

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Photo-spreads!

On page seven: Photos from Lincoln’s milestone community relations event in Hampton Roads.

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Advice For Volunteering

In this “Ask the Chief” Column, Chief Johnson goes over the benefits of community service and how to get more involved.

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Women at Sea

Find out all the details from the recent leadership symposium.

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Doing Big Things

Read about how this command COMREL was a huge success for Lincoln and the community.

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Preparing for PRT

Coach Chris gives his advice for preparing for a successful spring PRT cycle.

Welcome Aboard!

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Welcome back Lincoln!

March 20 marks the first official day of Spring. Now that the warmer weather is here, we can finally hang up our jackets, roll up our sleeves and enjoy some time outdoors.

We have put the nice weather to good use by giving back to our community with another successful command-wide COMREL. You did the hard work, traveling to 29 locations and putting in approximately 7,800 volunteer hours. Great job Lincoln!

We also joined with other commands around the Hampton Roads area to participate in the Women at Sea hosted leadership symposium where Fleet Master Chief April Beldo and other female leaders shared their insights on what made them successful.

Here in Media Department, we work hard to recognize as many of Lincoln’s Sailors as we can by giving them a chance to share their stories and their expertise. If you have a groundbreaking story for our department or an idea that you just don’t know how to express, we are always open for ideas and new content.

To our readers both old and new, welcome aboard. We’ve worked very hard on this issue and certainly hope you enjoy reading it!

MCSN Liana Clough, MCSA Derry Todd Managing Editors.

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CMC CORNER

Words from Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Lee Salas

Greetings Fellow Lincoln Warriors!

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s part of the steady stream of Sailors coming through my office, many of you have to complete special duty screenings before you will receive your orders.

Special duty screenings include Flag Officer Duty, Recruiting Duty, Instructor Duty, Recruit Division Commander Duty, Individual Augmentee (IA) Duty and Overseas Duty screening.

In case you didn’t know, special duty screenings must be completed 10 days after the initial message is received by our command. If that deadline isn’t met, the orders could be released back to the detailer for the next Sailor to choose.

Speed and accuracy in your screening is vital.

The most common mistake that I see on screenings is that the package hasn’t been seen by your chain of command. It must be seen by your Department Leading Chief and your Department Head. Personnel Office will get you started on your screening.

They will give you the message requiring the screening (usually through your career counselor) and they will set you up with the

paperwork you will need for the screening. The rest is up to how efficiently you move.

You’ll want to visit Medical and Dental as soon as possible, as their screenings take a bit of time. Virtually all special duty screenings include a medical and dental screening.

You will have paperwork to gather quickly: evaluations for the last three years from your records or from BuPers Online; a FLTMPS report (shows your security clearance); PRIMS report; and a copy of your driver’s license.

Screenings for recruiter duty and instructor duty require 3x5 photos shot by Lincoln’s Media Department in the 2600 building. Get with the Media Department FAF office (Room 410) to arrange for that photo.

To get the ship’s endorsement on your special duty screening, you have to not only pass your Physical Readiness Test, you have to look SHARP in your uniform.

Most special duty screenings require a CO’s endorsement with a sentence or two describing why you are a good match for the prospective job.

Each screening has different requirements, but the details above are frequently completed incorrectly. That ends up costing Sailors valuable time needed to get the Captain’s endorsement before the screening leaves the ship.

So, on special duty screenings, move quickly, pay attention to detail, and I will be happy to move your package to the Captain for his approval!

Stay safe, stay brave, and make good decisions Lincoln Warriors!

-CMC This week’s uniform note: Boots.

The black leather boot is an allleather high-top safety boot with oil resistant rubber soles and speed-lace eyelet closures. They are to be blackened and buffed.

The optional 9-inch rough-out leather is authorized for ashore wear only. While the rough-cut is not polished, it must be cleaned and maintained to present a well-kept appearance. Boot laces should be tucked in a manned to present a well-kept appearance.

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ASK THE CHIEF Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Datrel Johnson, in Weapons Department’s G1 Divison, on Community Service How long have you been involved in volunteering?

I’ve been involved with volunteering approximately four years.

What are some of the benefits of volunteering career wise?

The personal and professional skills that you learn through volunteer work will make it easier to rise up in the ranks as your experience increases. Just like any other career, the Navy is always seeking leaders. And as a volunteer, you will gain pristine leadership qualities that can be utilized to lead your Sailors.

Moreover, as you volunteer with your Sailors, they will learn how generous, care-giving, and outgoing you are, but also how hardworking, effective, and committed – characteristics that go hand-in-hand with your professional work ethics.

How exactly does one obtain the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal?

To be eligible for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), a service member shall perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained, direct and consequential nature.

In order to obtain the MOVSM the service member must: (1) Be to the civilian community, including the military family community; (2) Be significant in nature and produce tangible results; (3) Reflect favorably on the Military Service and the Department of

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Defense; and (4) Be of a sustained and direct nature. While there is no specific time period or hours served to qualify for the MOVSM, the Commanding Officer shall ensure the service to be honored merits the special recognition afforded by the medal. DON views the sustained time period to be three years. The MOVSM is intended to recognize exceptional community support over time, not a single act or achievement.

Is it necessary to document community service hours and if so what is the best way to go about that?

Yes, it is necessary to document community service hours. The best method a Sailor can track his or her hours is by generating an excel spreadsheet that includes, the date, amount of hours served, volunteer project name, and the time frame during which the Sailor volunteered.

Even though a Sailor may track their hours this way, it is very important that the Sailor receives a volunteer letter of appreciation from the organization with the date and hours volunteered to serve as justification when submitting their MOVSM package to the Commanding Officer.

How does one get involved in more volunteer opportunities?

The command itself has established a growing relationship with various organizations throughout the Hampton Roads area. In order for a Sailor to get involved with volunteer opportunities he or she shall

contact the command chaplins, RP1 Johnson, or any member of the COMREL MVP Listing.

Any pointers for someone who wants to start a community relations project?

It’s a simple process for any Sailor who is willing to start up their own community relations project. A Sailor should always keep in mind that volunteering is more fun with a group. Here are a few pointers for your tool box that will assist in setting up a community relations project: (1) Describe the volunteer project specifics; (2) Highlight the need for volunteers; (3) Point out the benefits of volunteering for that organization; (4) Motivate volunteers to sign-up. And lastly, encourage other volunteers to refer others to volunteer.

Lastly, why is giving back to our community important?

The most important aspect of giving back to the community is understanding gratitude. As a volunteer you realize what you have in your life when you see what others do not. Ideally, gratitude is an important component of a well-balanced life. Therefore, being grateful for what you already have can help you repel the urge in becoming acquisitive. Volunteering gives you a renewed perspective on what really matters, so you can be more appreciative and less judgmental of others.

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More than One Thousand

AbrahamLINCOLN In Sailors Region-wide Participate COMREL

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ore than 1,300 Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) volunteered in the Hampton Roads region, March 13, marking the command’s fourth time to give back to the local area in mass.

“I’m extremely proud of our Sailors, not only for the work they have performed on board the carrier, but also for the way they conduct themselves off duty. It truly is great to see them giving back to the community in such diverse and impactful ways,” said Capt. Todd Marzano, executive officer, USS Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln Sailors volunteered at 29 different locations from Norfolk to Suffolk to Virginia Beach and cities in between providing countless hours of community assistance that consisted of everything from cleaning parks to mentoring elementary children.

“These opportunities are great to show that we not only serve in the military, but we are here to serve the community as well,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Recruit Yousuf Baig, who volunteered at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation with 39 of his fellow Sailors from Lincoln’s Air Department. “It is a great feeling knowing that you are helping out the people locally especially at a place like this, where you can come back and see the efforts of your hard work. I plan on walking these trails as often as I can now.”

Lincoln Sailors have participated in three previous command-wide COMREL events since the aircraft carrier and its crew arrived in Norfolk in

Story By: Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg

August 2012. Since 2012, Lincoln Sailors have volunteered nearly 35,000 hours of community service in the Hampton Roads area positively impacting more than two million people.

While Sailors from Lincoln’s Air Department cleaned trails at Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation, other Sailors from the carrier’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department straightened headstones of the fallen and completed various landscaping work at cemeteries in downtown Norfolk.

“Today we are here at the Elmwood Cemetery to pay our respects to Sailors and Soldiers from previous wars buried here,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Shelldon Hunter.

“We will straighten headstones and complete landscaping work, as well as paint fences all to show our appreciation of what this site represents.”

Historic Cemeteries Volunteer Jane Oakes appreciated the Sailors assistance today in Norfolk.

“It is just a massive job here, they work totally on volunteers and a lot of us are retired and it’s so nice to have strong backs and strong hands to be able to help us,” said Oakes.

While Sailors beautified cemeteries in Norfolk, other Sailors assigned to Lincoln’s Combat Systems Department volunteered at 10 different schools in Newport News to coincide with National Reading Month. Other Sailors volunteered with the local Boys and Girls Club of America.

“It shows that we care about the people here,” said Lt. Vahe Sarkissian, Lincoln’s Psychiatrist, who

volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of America, in Newport News. “I have always been about giving back to the community, I didn’t grow up in the best neighborhood so these kinds of programs help family members and friends stay out of bad places.”

Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Anthony Richardson, assigned to Lincoln’s Safety Department coordinated a volunteer event with the Elizabeth River Project.

“Participating in community relations events as often as we do as a command is an opportunity to give back to the Hampton Roads community in ways that people living here can benefit from,” said Richardson.

Cmdr. Maurice Buford, Lincoln’s chaplain, who coordinates the command’s overall community relations events, reflected on the massive impact the Sailors have on the local communities they live and work in.

“We have found that by coordinating these massive one-day volunteer outreach opportunities involving our Sailors it positively impacts the countless community members and organizations they will interact with along with the communities at large,” said Buford.

Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Landis Green may have said it best when he summarized the meaning of volunteering.

“To me, community is a way that we show support to those that support the military. They support those who serve so I guess this is our way of saying thanks,” said Green.

firewatch Headed to the Farmers Market in

Virginia Beach to lend a helping hand.

Photos by MC2 Rusty Pang

weapons

Traveled to Bethal park for Habitat for Humanity.

air Dept.

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Volunteered their time at Creek Wildlife Foundation to help maintain the grounds.

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COMBAT SYSTEMS

Spent time with students in newport news

Photos by MC2 Danian Douglas

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Safety Department Spent the afternoon in Portsmouth giving new life to Paradise Creek Nature Trail by tilling soil for soon-to-be planted flowers.

Photos by MCSN Rob Ferrone Penny Press

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Supply Department Department Supply Supply Department Supply Department Provided muscle and manpower at Eggleston Service in Norfolk photos by MC3 Aaron Kiser

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Air Department’s Volunteered their time to paint the inside and outside of Temple of Refuge church in Downtown Newport News

Photos by MCSN Patrick Maher

Medical Dept.

Sorted donations at the Boys and Girls Club Thrift Store in Newport News

Photos by MC3 Michael Fiorillo

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A.I.M.D.

Paid respects to fallen Sailors and Soldiers at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Norfolk through their volunteerism Photos by MC3 Ryan Wampler

LINCOLN’S

Department went to

Fort monroe

Photos by MCSN Ciarra Thibodeaux

Women at Sea

Story by: Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Photos by: MCSN Liana Clough

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early 300 Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth attended a Leadership Symposium, sponsored

by Abraham Lincoln’s Women at Sea organization in Newport News, March 11.

“The Leadership Symposium is about capitalizing on leadership capabilities to enable us to better respond to our Sailors’ needs,” said Command Master Chief Lee Salas.

During the morning portion of the day-long symposium, held in conjunction with Women’s History Month, Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) April Beldo, Dr. Doris Gomez, dean of the School and of Business and

Lessons in Leadership for Hampton Roads Sailors

Leadership at Regent University, and Dr. Kathleen Patterson, professor of Strategic Leadership at Regent University, spoke to the crew about “Legacy Leadership”, “Winning in the Workplace Without Losing Yourself”, and “Finding Your Voice with Servant Leadership”.

“Seeing from all of the faces attending today’s symposium there is a good percentage of women who are assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln,” said Gomez.

“That is important to let it sink in.

Organizations like the Navy and this ship recognize that there is incredible potential and we need to celebrate that potential.”

Salas reflected on tips for success every Sailor can adapt into their daily careers to advance in the Navy.

“When people do things from the heart it sets them up for success,” said Salas. “If they do what’s in their heart then they do it with passion and dedication, there’s a true sense of pride from that. It is important for our Sailors to understand that.”

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rosalyn Martin, who organized the Leadership Symposium, reflected on the face-to-face interaction of the symposium, which allows Sailors to learn other leadership styles and techniques they can adopt.

“I expect for everyone here

today to learn that they are not in this alone, that there is strength in numbers,” said Martin. “When you come together with a group of people you can draw from that, you can always learn something from someone.”

Damage Control Fireman Pauliana Ciepiela attended the symposium and recognized the male Sailors who attended.

“It says a lot about the character of the males in the room to be here at this event,” said Ciepiela.

“I hope they will have a more open mind about women in the military and in leadership positions.”

Of the 2,700 Sailors currently assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln, nearly 700 are female and of the 18 departments four are led by women. Currently in the Navy, nearly 19 percent of the total force is female.

During her lecture, Beldo provided a historical look at the contributions of women who not only serve in the Navy today, but examined their roles since the beginning of our nation.

“We celebrate us in March, it’s not just about a day or a month, it is making sure that we as an organization realize that all of us bring something to the table,” said Beldo, who recognized the countless trailblazers who were the “firsts” in our history’s Navy and played a role in making who she

is today. “Women’s History Month isn’t just about the Navy, it is also recognized by our nation.”

Beldo spoke of the gratitude of those who served before her, and those who will follow in her footsteps.

“I honor those who have gone before me. It’s not a right, but a privilege to wear the cloth of our nation,” said Beldo. “Remember the women in the Navy have taken giant leaps of faith, making it clear to the organization that we are a better force when we capitalize on our diversity.”

Beldo, who earned her chief petty officer anchors on board USS Abraham Lincoln in 1995, thanked the crew for attending the lecture.

“It is truly a privilege and I’m humbled to be in front of the USS Abraham Lincoln,” said Beldo. “That is where it all started for me.”

Gomez who spoke on the topic of “Winning in the Workplace Without Losing Yourself” encouraged attendees that in order to truly win in the workplace you must strive to not lose your true self in the process.

“This is important for women to hear and for men to understand,” said Gomez. “It is so important to celebrate those who step up and encourage them to take leadership positions.”

Gomez encouraged Sailors to not lose themselves on who they think they should be and encouraged them to be true to themselves and to adopt authentic leadership styles.

“If you try to become the

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person you are not, and if you try to become like a male leader I tell you, you won’t necessary succeed,” said Gomez. “You will be unhappy in the first place and this is truly not what people in the long-run will respond to.”

Patterson discussed the seven habits of servant leadership consisting of love, humility, altruism, vision, trust, empowerment and service.

“Who you are everyday will make you the leader you want to become,” said Patterson, who added we must be mindful of who

we are leading and who we are serving. “Leadership is always going to be about the people.”

Patterson added that great leaders look to their followers to be more effective; she also highlighted the value of the Millennial Generation.

“The Millennial Generation has great hope for tomorrow,” said Patterson, who encouraged attendees to embrace the hope side of their personalities. “The fact that you joined the U.S. Navy, you signed up to serve, in many ways that servant part is already within you.”

Patterson added that great leaders know they are not the

stars of their own show.

“You must respect the worth of all people who work in your organization. When we learn to serve one another it actually becomes really infectious,” said Patterson.

Sailors from various other Norfolk-based commands attended the Leadership Symposium to take lessons back to their commands.

“I received an invitation to attend from the Lincoln chaplain,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kimberly Cain, CRMD principal assistant, USS Harry S. Truman, for the Women at Sea organization. “I plan on taking back information I learn here today to my command.”

During the afternoon portion of the symposium, two panel discussions were also held on the topics of “Embracing Your Leadership Style” and “Work-Life Balance: Can Women in the Sea Service Have it All?” to provide a question-and-answer opportunities for the audience to engage with the symposium speakers.

Patterson, who participated in panel discussion, reflected on the 16th president’s legacy that represents today’s Sailors serving not just on board Lincoln, but in the Navy.

“Abraham Lincoln served his country, not for power, but for the commitment to the greater good,” said Patterson, who said no one else at that time had the willingness to stand up and do what was right. “Your service today honors that legacy.”

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it sucks getting old I

By Chaplain Carl P. Koch

was visiting a few folks at work the other day and during our conversation one of them told me, “It sucks to get old.” I, being significantly older than this Sailor, laughed. “You’re telling me!” It turns out this Sailor is half my age. Which, along with all the other reminders I carry with me daily, made me think, “It DOES suck to get old.”

My mom, to whom I say, “Mom, you’re ancient!” regularly tells me that getting old “stinks.” I’m pretty confident that’s my mom’s ancient way of saying it sucks.

George Burns, a comedian who was old when I was a kid, turned 100 before he died. He may have lived a few more years, but at 100 he said, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.”

My son is into cross-fit. Big time. I’m proud of him because when he was younger, he was a skinny kid just like I was. I turned out to be a skinny old guy but he went from skinny to massive.

Okay, massive is a relative term. His arms are about the size of my legs. To me,

LINCOLNSailor Transitions from

Seabee to Electrician's Mate

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Story by: MCSA Brandon Davis

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailor, who previously served in the Seabee rating, reflects on the lessons learned after a recent transition into an Engineering rating using the Career-Waypoints (C-Way) program.

Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Gisselle Cruz, who had a desire to serve in the Navy, lacked a quota to remain in her current rating. She was recently granted the opportunity to cross rate into another career path.

"I would suggest trying to choose a rate similar to the one you've worked

that’s massive.

My son-in-law declined my son’s invitation to join him in training. He’s in much better shape than I am, but then again, he’s much younger. He told me he’s too busy to invest all the time required to be as fit as my son. I agree with him.

Back to my mom. Whenever she tells me it stinks to get old, which is often, I tell her what I told the Sailor who said it sucks to get old at half my age. “It beats the alternative!”

One thing is true for all of us: At some point in life, we will stop beating the alternative. You can be half my age. You can be over 100. You can be as fit as my son or as broken as I am. Eventually, we all die. So, how do we live between now and the day we go from looking at flowers to looking at roots?

A speaker at a recent conference I went to talked about living vertically and horizontally. Vertically addresses our relationship with God, or God’s with us.

Horizontally addresses our relationships with one another. I like the simplicity of

this analogy.

It seems to me that how we understand God is reflected in our relationships with each other. Do you understand God to be harsh and merciless? Do your relationships with others look similar? Do you understand God to be merciful, loving, and forgiving?

What do your relationships with others look like?

So, why does it suck or stink to get old? Our bodies aren’t as resilient as they used to be. They seem to betray us at times! If we haven’t had a healthy relationship with God, we can come face to face with the emptiness of our selfishness. That sucks. And it all sucks more the older we get.

But, if we’re in a healthy relationship with God and with others, there is great fulfillment in both. That doesn’t suck for as long as we’re alive.

I think it sucks not to get old! But, like George Burns, had I known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!

in," said Cruz. "I've worked with equipment like this in the Seabees, so instead of having to completely learn a new system, I just have to brush up on my skills. But it's all about the desire, I love being in the Navy, so having to cross rate was a sacrifice that had to be made."

Cruz received a reenlistment quota through C-Way to remain in the Navy.

Cruz, who recently checked aboard Lincoln, relies on her experience working as a Seabee and has applied it at her new command.

"Coming to a new command as a third class in a new rating was kind of stressful," Cruz said. "I'm in a leadership role in a rate that's brand new to me, but I look to my superiors for guidance."

Cruza dded that the process to cross rate is relatively simple. Most Sailors

qualify in C-Way 15 months before their respective End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) and begin applying for a quota each month beginning at month 13. If the Sailor doesn't receive a quota, they are presented with three options: separation from the Navy, serve as a full-time reservist, or cross rate.

"The Navy is building Sailors," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Ryan Armstead, one of Lincoln's career counselors.

Armstead added that by adapting to different situations is a natural part of life in the Navy.

Cruz is doing all she can to make a smooth adjustment, but has a strong desire to become proficient in her new rate, and seeks out hands-on training in order to get acclimated with the equipment.

Fit Boss Chris Jacquard While preparing for this upcoming PFA season, there are several factors to consider in for the BCA and PRT. Working your cardiovascular system along with training your muscular strength and endurance will help improve your scores on this cycle's PRT. Watching your diet and eating balanced, nutritious, meals will help improve body composition and physical performance.

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Sailor assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Supply Department has successfully completed the redesign of the command’s newest coin.

“I wanted something that was unique to the ship,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Victor Gorea, who initiated the new design in October 2014. “I have a lot of pride for this coin because this is the first aircraft carrier that I have been assigned to and I wanted to do something for the crew that would not only boost morale, but instill pride in the command and the Navy as a whole.”

While ships have the option of redesigning their command coin, the responsibility falls under the Ship’s Servicemen division.

Lt. Cmdr. Don Baker, assistant Supply Officer reflected on Gorea’s

Preparing for the

PFA Season

For developing the cardiovascular system, you should perform cardiovascular exercise such as running, swimming, biking or rowing at a minimum of 3 times per week for 35-40 minutes each session.

To improve your muscular strength and endurance, performing weight training or strength resistance exercises at a minimum of 3 times per week for 3540 minutes will increase muscular performance.

tenacity from start to finish in redesigning the logo.

“Gorea took an interest in redesigning Lincoln’s command coin based on prevision experience redesigning coins at other commands he had been assigned,” said Baker.

Gorea redesigned command coins while assigned to USS Nicholas (FFG 47) and USS Hawes (FFG 53. The six-month process to redesign the coin was completed in mid-March and is available for Lincoln Sailors to purchase.

“I wanted a coin that has never been seen before,” said Gorea. “The most unique character of the coin is that the carrier extends both sides and the back-side of the coin is an actual photo of our 16th president Abraham Lincoln.”

When preparing daily meals, try to balance out your plate by having a minimum of 2-3 food groups per meal. Eating smaller, more frequent, meals will boost your metabolism and help maintain your energy levels throughout the day.

Contact the Fitboss, Chris Jacquard, with any questions or make an appointment to sit down and talk with him about how to improve your success this PFA season!

2015 Active Duty Fund Drive

stand up for your fellow sailors and marines. donate today.

Your monthly allotment will generated at BeQRious.com make a big difference!

When in need, your gift provides financial assistance for: • • • • • • •

Basic living needs (food, rent, utilities) Essential vehicle repairs Emergency travel Registered nurses who make home visits Combat Casualty Visiting Nurses Disaster relief Funerals

www.nmcrs.org/adfd

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