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From the Editor Thanksgiving is approaching Lincoln Nation! Greetings Lincoln It’sfamily been anget-togethers exciting twoand weeks full of It’s that time of the Nation! year when turkey awards, achievements and good deeds. stuffing are normal occurances. Thanksgiving spirit is in full swing. Sailors conducted a canned food drive to combat hunger to help people who are less fortunate than them for Thanksgiving. Sailors also cleaned up Fort Monroe beach as part of a community relations project. Lincoln’s Medical and Safety Departments conducted a health fair to raise awareness for motorcycle safety and women’s health. Abe Warriors are definetly keeping busy. So as you can see there’s still plenty of events and activities keeping the men and women of our mighty warship busy! Keep it up Abe Warriors, and have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
CO’s Corner
By Commanding Officer Capt. Karl Thomas
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s the Commanding Officer of the proud warship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), I am reminded every day of the sacrifices our service men and women make for their nation. Every day I’m also reminded of our warship’s namesake, our 16th president, President Abraham Lincoln, and strive to pass on Lincoln’s teachings and leadership principles. During Lincoln’s presidency he spent “75 percent of his time” meeting with those he served, according to Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips. I’m inspired by Lincoln and his approachability to those he led and those who followed. On a weekly basis, my counterparts at Newport News Shipbuilding and our ship’s department heads nominate their best shipyard workers and Sailors to be recognized during our “Warrior of the Week” appreciation opportunities. These Sailors and shipyard workers will pour nearly 25 million man-hours of hard work into modernizing the ship; refueling her; blasting and painting tanks; putting in new command and control systems; reworking countless pumps, motors, and valves; and overhauling her rudders, shafts, catapults and arresting gear. In a little less than three years, she will return to sea to serve our nation for 25 more years. This year, it is most fitting, that many in our nation will commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address on the 19th day of the 11th month of this, our 2013th year. On that November day back in 1863, President Lincoln was challenged to speak about the enormity of Gettysburg. Spending only two minutes speaking the Address, Lincoln used the fewest number of words to convey the greatest, most important message of that time. To commemorate these words and this speech, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation invited today’s generation to connect pen to paper to remark on the importance of this address. People from around the world, to include past presidents, journalists, and Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln were invited to take part in this essay commemoration by voicing their words on what Lincoln’s message from 150 years ago personally meant to them and to our nation. USS Abraham Lincoln is the future of our Navy and it is only fitting that Sailors serving aboard his namesake carrier wrote their 272 words to pay homage to a president and the words he wrote 150 years ago that remain so resilient to this day. Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Danian Douglas represents one of those Sailors who took pen to
Nov. 22, 2013
paper to purport his thoughts of what the Address meant to him and his family. Douglas’ ancestors can be traced back to a former colonial island in the western hemisphere and it is fitting that his writing on Lincoln’s Address will be on display at the Foundation during its commemoration event on Nov. 19. Here’s a short excerpt from his essay: “It’s the feeling of belief that makes people reflect on the great sacrifice and diligent work that he has done, which transmits his power into the ones who read these works and recreates his eternal spirit.”
Chief Cryptological Technician Jeremy Crandall took on the challenge and submitted his essay to the Foundation. Here’s a short excerpt from his essay:
In a way, we as a nation can never do enough to dedicate and honor what you’ve done for us. These words I write will not be long remembered. But you Abraham Lincoln will be remembered. Your efforts, your words, inspire and teach to this day. For the people, by the people. We survive as do you. Shall not Perish.”
While we commemorate the Address, during the 11th month of the year, the crew of USS Abraham Lincoln also celebrated our Veterans’ service to our nation and the 24th anniversary of our commissioning on Nov. 11. Today, there are currently 2,500 Sailors serving aboard the Lincoln. Representing one of those Sailors is Lt. Cmdr. Tony Beaster, who also submitted an essay to the Foundation about the principles and qualities Lincoln espoused which are being taught on board USS Abraham Lincoln. “Many of our great Captains of Industry today have adopted the principles President Lincoln taught to us those many years ago during dark times. The Officers and crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln proudly celebrate the principles and qualities he taught us those many years ago and proudly embrace our motto “Shall not Perish”!”
To further commemorate the Gettysburg Address, several officers and crew members from USS Abraham Lincoln voiced lines of the Address. You can view it here: http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2013/11/19/seven-scoreand-10-years-later-lincoln-sailors-honor-gettysburgaddress/
Lincoln Sailors Participate in Native American Heritage Fair
Photos and Story by: MCSN Ellen Long
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) learned about America’s first culture at a Native American Heritage Fair organized by the Diversity Council Nov. 13. Capt. Randall Peck, Lincoln’s executive officer, commented about the importance of learning about other cultures. “Each ethnicity and diversity group brings something special to a team because of who they are,” said Peck. “So taking time out to celebrate what each one brings to our team is important because it helps us realize why we’re strong.” November is Native American Heritage Month, dedicated to recognizing the traditions and rich ancestry of Native Americans. Lt. Kimberley Temple, first lieutenant aboard Lincoln, said she was trained to be a Shaman from the age of two. “I’ve been practicing Shamanism my whole life,” said Temple. “It means I’m very in tune with nature and I’m a spiritual healer.” Temple led the ceremony with a list of many accomplishments made by the Native American community followed by a traditional Shaman prayer.
Above: Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), observe a painting by Information Specialist 1st Class Brett Winn at Lincoln’s Native American Heritage Month Fair.
Above: Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talks with Information Systems Technician 1st Class Brett Winn about the painting he created for Lincoln’s Native American Heritage Month Fair.
Lt. j.g. Eric Gonzalez, Lincoln’s diversity officer, said observances like the Native American Heritage Fair are important because they promote cultural awareness onboard the ship and give Sailors an open forum to celebrate their diversity. “I joined the Diversity Council to encourage Sailors to learn from each other’s backgrounds, cultures and differences,” said Gonzalez. “I believe celebrating each other’s differences together, unites our Navy.” The 2013 national theme for Native American Heritage Month, which is observed Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, is Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions, which encourages the nation to reflect and celebrate the cultures, histories and traditions of the indigenous peoples of North America, including parts of Alaska and the island state of Hawaii.
Nov. 22, 2013
Story and Photos By: MC3 Danian Douglas
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en Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) recited the Gettysburg address at the President Lincoln Cottage, in the Washington Nov. 19, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the famous address. The Sailors recited the address at the front of the cottage twice, first with members of the public and the visiting Nazareth Regional High School, from Brooklyn, N.Y., then, for the last reading with residents of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH). Ollie Brown, a retired Air Force master sergeant, a resident at the AFRH, said he was happy to see the Sailors reciting the address. “I come from Ohio and one of the requirements back then was to memorize the Gettysburg address,” said Brown. “It’s not mandatory today, but it is good to have service members perform the recital.” Executive Director of President Lincoln’s Cottage, Erin Carlson Mast, who is responsible for strategic planning for the organization, described the logistics behind the event. “We’re in the middle of the Civil War Sesquicentennial and we were looking for interesting
ways to mark a lot of these major anniversary dates. We wanted to bring in a special dignitary but decided to invite various groups of people to participate together,” said Mast. Mast also expressed her feeling of fulfillment to have the Lincoln in the area, since the ship switched coasts to come into the shipyard in Newport News, Va., for an overhaul. “When we found out that the USS Abraham Lincoln was coming to the east coast, we had an urgent meeting to discuss how we were going to get the crew involved in both the recital, as well as interacting with the AFRH residents,” said Carlson Mast. Chief Electronics Technician Christopher Kuwik, who works aboard the ship, appreciated the invitation. “I felt honored that we were personally invited to participate in the recital,” said Kuwik. “After seeing and reciting the actual words and reflecting on its meaning, it was evident that President Lincoln reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to democracy, emphasized equal justice for all, made the people aware of their rights, and declared that the government is answerable to the people.”
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Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Tyrone Wright, left, and Chief Religious Programs Specialist Elliot Warley, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talk with Raymond Tierney, an Armed Forces Retirement Home resident at the150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
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2. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Enrae Green, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talks with Ollie Brown, an Armed Forces Retirement Home resident at the150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington. 3. Electronics Technician 1st Class Andrew Senary, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talks with attendees to the 150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington.
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4. Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) escort Ollie Brown, an Armed Forces Retirement Home resident, to President Lincoln’s Cottage for a 150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address. 5. Electronics Technician 1st Class Andrew Senary, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talks with attendees to the 150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington.
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6. Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Tahji Thompson, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), high-fives an Armed Forces Retirement Home resident at the 150th anniversary-recital of the Gettysburg Address at President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington.
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The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
Nov 22, 2013
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ailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) soccer team, the Pirates, clinched a playoff position in the Naval Station Norfolk Fall Soccer League, at Capt. Slate Cutter Park Nov. 14. Amidst freezing temperatures, the Pirates thumped Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FCRMA) 3-1 to finish the regular season 5-1 which sent them into the playoffs. “It’s a great feeling taking the Lincoln team into the playoff tournament,” said Hosptialman Levecy DeOlivera. “I believe we will do very well due to our level of play and our confident players.” Playing without three of their top players and needing a win to guarantee a safe passage into next week’s playoff, the Pirates began their onslaught
early, peppering the opposing goalie with a barrage of shots and were rewarded with two goals before the half by Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jon Patrick Thornton and DeOlivera. FCRMA started pushing forward in the second half, putting Lincoln on the defensive. They capitalized on a bad clearance in the Lincoln’s defense to make it 2-1.The Pirates then turned up the tempo, launching raid after raid on FCRMA’s goal, until Thornton hit a low shot past the keeper to deflate FCRMA’s hope of an equalizer. by: MC3bad Danian ContraryStory to FCRMA’s luck,Douglas Pirates’ leftback, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Rajhae Ingram was optimistic. “It feels amazing to qualify for the playoffs because we’re much closer to winning the finals,”
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Robert Reyes, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), soars above opponents to head the ball, in a Norfolk Naval Station Afloat/Ashore Fall Soccer Season match. Lincoln Pirates won the game 3-1 to advance to the playoff competition.
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The Penny Press Vol. 25 Issue 22
said Ingram. Although many of the Pirate’s players represent the diversity of the ship’s company, they have been able to operate as a cohesive unit. “The biggest challenge we faced as a team thus far was probably trying to get each player to connect, because we all have different skills and styles of game play,” said Brazilian-born DeOlivera. Jamaican-born Ingram sees this challenge as an opportunity to grow. “Playing on the team helps me to not only relieve stress, and keep in shape, but it also helps me to become more familiar with my shipmates.” Story and Photos By: MC3 Danian Douglas
Nov. 22, 2013
Photos and Story by: MC3 Benjamin Liston
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ailors assigned to both Safety and Medical Department aboard the Nimitz-class aircratft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted a health fair aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) in Newport News, Va., Nov. 19. The fair covered topics that are concerning today’s Sailors. The topics ranged from motorcycle safety to male and female health. Lt. John Engel, Lincoln’s Industrial Health Officer, helped Sailors understand the effects of alcohol and being impaired while driving by having Sailors put on goggles that simulate the user being under the influence of alcohol. “The goggles help the Sailors realize that driving while impaired isn’t as easy as one would think,” said Engel. “Hopefully this deters our Sailors from making poor choices and raises the awareness of drunk driving.”
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Members of Lincoln’s Medical Department displayed information to the crew through fold-out presentations and models. “You’d be surprised how informative these things actually are,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sandra Guzman, who presented a fold-out presentation on fast food. “You’d be surprised how much saturated fat is in a taco at Taco Bell; it’s shocking to think people eat this stuff constantly.” The Abraham Lincoln Motorcycle Club (ALMC) participated in the health fair by showing proper protective equipment, and charts showing recent accidents and the involvement of Sailors and the ALMC. “This is a great way to reach out to the Sailors and make them aware of the ALMC,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nicole Stanley. “If we can help even one rider, our job has been a success.”
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
Left: Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attend a health fair aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility in Newport News, Va. Bottom Left: A Sailor attending USS Abraham Lincoln’s health fair aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility in Newport News, Va., is instructed on donning safety googles properly.
Nov. 22, 2013
Top Right: Capt. Karl O. Thomas, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talks with members of the Abraham Lincoln Motorcycle Club during health fair aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility in Newport News, Va. Bottom Right: Sailors assigned to the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attend a health fair aboard the Floating Accommodation Facility in Newport News, Va.
BEACH CLEAN UP Lincoln Sailor’s Clean Up Fort Monroe Beach
Photos and Story by: MCSN Ellen Long
S Above: Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) clear trash off of the beach as part of a community relations project at Fort Monroe, Va.
Above: Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) clear trash off of the beach as part of a community relations project at Fort Monroe, Va.
ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in a beach clean-up as part of a community relations project at Fort Monroe Nov. 8. Personnel Specialist 1st Class Mishell Brownlee, leading petty officer of Personnel Department on Lincoln, coordinated the event. “It’s important to let the community know that we’re not just here for the shipyard,” said Brownlee. “We’re here to help with anything we can, from beach clean-ups to soup kitchens to whatever they need.” Many departments from around the Lincoln participated in the clean-up. Seaman Jennifer Loretta from Deck Department on Lincoln said she frequently participates in community relations projects. “I like the view of the beach and helping out is just a bonus,” said Loretta. “It’s beautiful and we should have more people out here to get involved.” Seaman Jessica Nenninger from Deck Department is also a regular participant in community relations projects. “I think it’s good for us to be involved,” said Nenninger. “We want the community to know we care” Brownlee said she hopes that the Sailors get more out of this than just a day off of work. “We go to work every day and try to make a difference for our country,” said Brownlee. “But we do this to try and make a difference for our community as well.”
Right: Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) clear trash off the beach as part of a community relations project at Fort Monroe, Va.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 22
Lincoln Sailors
Donate Non-Perishable Food to Peninsula Food Bank in Hampton Story by: USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) have collected more than 1,000 non-perishable food items for a Hampton Roads food bank to be distributed in time for Thanksgiving. Lt. Michael Sturm, assigned to Lincoln’s Reactor department, spearheaded a “Hunger Shutdown” initiative for the Peninsula Foodbank in Hampton to collect food items for those in needs especially around the holiday season. “We have been collecting food over the past two weeks in preparation for Thanksgiving. I think as a whole we all can agree we have a great deal to be thankful for this holiday season, most especially the ability to take part in the tradition of sitting down and eating a hot meal with our families,” said Sturm. Many of the Sailors assigned to his department wanted to find ways to help out the community,
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especially those who might be struggling. “We wanted to contribute and make the holiday season better for those around us,” said Sturm. “So we came up with the idea for a food drive.” Sturm added that more than 300 Sailors from his department donated food items Nov. 3 – 22 for a local community food bank. “Due to the exceptional generosity of our Sailors, we have far exceeded our goal of 1,000 food items. I was actually surprised by how motivated our Sailors were, especially our younger junior Sailors who were willing to give up part of their hard earned pay checks to give back to the community,” said Sturm. In addition to the food donation to the Peninsula Foodbank, Lincoln’s Women @ Sea chapter also donated non-perishable food items to Virginia Supportive Housing and the Samaritan House.