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From the Editor Fall is definitely here! Greetings Lincoln It’sthe been an exciting twoback, weeks It’s that time of the Nation! year when clocks are rolled thefull of awards, achievements and good deeds. temperature starts to dip and the leaves are changing. We are busy prepping for the holidays. Sailors and their families coordinated a trunk-or-treat for Halloween and a group of our Abe Warriors helped winterize a church. Our young men and women also are getting some valuable training in as well. Our SAR (Search and Rescue) swimmers prepare to requalify. Big Abe’s Combined Federal Campaign moved at a quick rate of speed by raising more than $80,000 since the carrier launched its campaign! So as you can see there’s still plenty of events and activities keeping us busy! Keep it up Abe Warriors!
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 21
CMC Corner
November Reflections
By Command Master Chief Gregg Weber
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ovember is personally one of my favorite months. We celebrate Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving, football season is in full swing, and nothing beats a run on a cool, crisp fall day. Before the rush of the holidays, I use this time of year to look back, assess the past year, and get ready for the next. November is also a significant month in USS Abraham Lincoln’s history. The keel was laid on Nov. 3, 1984, and on Nov. 11, 1989 – Veterans’ Day -- USS Abraham Lincoln was commissioned. I recently reflected on all we, as a crew, have accomplished this past year. We moved over from Naval Station Norfolk to Newport News Shipbuilding. Our Sailors immediately jumped into action on numerous production and support teams and accomplished significant progress towards getting ABE back into the fight, restoring her to greatness, just as she was 24 years ago. We are less than one year from undocking and are already putting the ship back together! Look around and you can see signs of the ship coming back together. Sailors, Shipbuilders, and contractors are working side-by-side as a cohesive team. Every day you can see progress. I am looking forward to our next milestones of flooding dry-dock and undocking. We are well on our way. Our Sailors are not only making a positive impact on the ship, but we also are making a positive impact on the Hampton Roads community. Whether it is a beach cleanup at Fort Monroe or down in Virginia Beach, working at the Ronald McDonald house, a Habitat for Humanity build, serving at a local soup kitchen, a local food bank or many other events, our Sailors are making a difference in the lives of others. November is also a time when we need to look out for ourselves and for each other. Holiday leave plans are well underway. Sailors are getting excited about going home. The same deliberate planning we do at work, we need to do in our personal lives. Whether it is planning for a long road trip, or a financial budget to make sure you spend wisely during the holiday season, we have resources to ensure all of our Sailors are set up for success. We have some great resources aboard the ship and over at the Fleet and Family Service Center at
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Building 2600. The holiday season also brings stress to the lives of Sailors for a number of reasons. Depression during the holiday season is a real concern of mine. Suicide rates increase during the holiday season. If you are on the ship and you need help look for a Sailor with an “ASSIST” sticker on his or her hard hat as your first line of defense. Please ask for help. As we approach the holidays, ensure you have a plan. Remember to use alcohol responsibly and not to drink and drive. For those who go on leave to where it is considerably colder than Virginia, watch out for ice and snow. Being from the northeast I know driving in that environment is a skill that requires practice. Please be careful out there. As we wrap up 2013 and get ready for 2014, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for this crew. Remember to take pause during Veterans’ Day and remember all those who have gone before us, making the United States armed forces the best in the world. Remember on Thanksgiving Day to give thanks for all you have. I will give thanks for the privilege I have to serve as your Command Master Chief, and the fact that we have the best Sailors the Navy has to offer. I ask that we all make sure that we look out for each other through the holiday season and that we all return happy, healthy, and ready to bring USS Abraham Lincoln afloat again in 2014!
Around the Ship
(Top) Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Recruit Jesse Turtenwald assists Logistics Specialist Seaman Recruit Eduardo Mendivil in donning his self-contained breathing apparatus’s face piece, during a toxic gas drill Oct. 22. (Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas) (Right) Rear Adm. Thomas J. Moore, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, salutes the side boys while leaving the ship after a tour of the USS Abraham Lincoln. (Photo by MCSN Ellen E. Long) (Bottom) Rear Adm. Troy Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, addresses the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Coalition for Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) for a job well done. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson)
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(Top-Left) Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Madison Robinson, an inport emergency team instructor, lectures Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during a toxic gas drill Oct. 22. (Photo by MC3 Danian Douglas) (Bottom-Left) Capt. Karl O. Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer, cuts the cake for his 50th birthday celebration Nov. 1. (Photo by Lt. j.g. Andriana Genualdi)
(Top-Right) Rear Adm. Troy Shoemaker, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, awards Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ronalon Roark an Admiral’s coin for a job well done. (Photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson) (Bottom-Right) Rear Adm. Thomas J. Moore, Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers, looks at the ship’s catapults during a tour of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (Photo by MCSN Ellen E. Long)
Nov. 8, 2013
Trunk-or-Treat Lincoln Sailors Celebrate Halloween Story By MCSN Christopher Huot Photos By MC3 Danian Douglas
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(Above) Aviation Electronic Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach shows off his halloween style at Lincoln’s Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 24.
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ailors and their families from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) got a jump start on Halloween at Lincoln’s first Trunk-or-Treat at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Annex, Oct. 24. Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln’s Motorcycle Club, First Class Association, Second Class Association, Junior Enlisted Association as well as the Abraham Lincoln Family Associationteamed teamed up with Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) to host the event. More than 25 motorcycles and cars decorated with Halloween-themed displays were lined up for trick-or-treaters. Aviation Electronic Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach, who helped coordinate the Trunk-or-Treat event, passed out candy to military families while sitting on his decked out his motorcycle with a wolf’s head and bloody ear props. “Most people that I know wouldn’t put anything on their motorcycles, probably to mess up the paint, but it’s for a good cause,” said Truebenbach. The event offered a variety of safe activities, such as a bean bag toss, light-up bowling, an inflatable house and a costume contest, for kids to participate in as they walked from vehicle to vehicle. “The kids seemed to really enjoy themselves,” said Shannon Smith, the director for Lincoln’s MWR program. “There were a few Sailors who got dressed up and sat still like mannequins but then moved when children said ‘trickor-treat.’ Some of the children were startled at first but soon realized the joke and received their candy joyfully.” Decorated vehicles were later judged on their creativity and the Sailors of the winning car and motorcycle received one special liberty pass. Smith hopes that Trunk-or-Treat will become an annual event with even bigger prizes, more games and refreshments. (Left) Operations Specialist 3rd Class Lena Vang offers candy to a trick-or-treater during Lincoln’s inaugural Trunk-or-Treat, an event organized by Lincoln associations Oct. 24.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 21
(Left) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Indira Jagdeo paints a trick-or-treater’s face during Lincoln’s inaugural Trunk-or-Treat, an event organized by Lincoln associations Oct. 24, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Annex.
(Middle) A trickor-treater shows off his costume during Lincoln’s inaugural Trunk-or-Treat, an event organized by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) associations Oct. 24, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Annex, to provide a safe Halloween environment for Lincoln dependents.
(Right) Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Udreinna Goshen offers candy to a trick-or-treater during Lincoln’s inaugural Trunk-or-Treat, an event organized by Lincoln associations Oct. 24, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Scott Annex, to provide a safe Halloween environment for Lincoln dependents.
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‘As we approached, we realized it was a life raft that had seven drifters.’
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Search and Rescue Training Lincoln Sailors Re-qualify Story and Photos By MC3 Danian Douglas
(Above and left) Airman Adryana Deangelo attempts to control a simulated combative survivor during a search and rescue swimmer requalification course conducted by the Afloat Training Group, Norfolk.
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wo Sailors from the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in a two-day Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimmer requalification course Oct. 23-24, conducted by the Afloat Training Group, Norfolk. The course featured CPR and wound dressing for medical training, as well as a range of strenuous fitness tests to evaluate the swimmers’ physical abilities both in and out the water. Surface SAR Swimmer Evaluator, Chief Naval Air Crewman Mike Helvey, described the evolutions. “They do a minimum of four pullups, a 2000 meter timed swim, a 500 meter regular swim, then immediately do buddy-tows for an additional 400 meters,” said Helvey. Seaman Eric Skibinski, assigned to the Lincoln, who graduated from SAR school in October, described the challenges he faced during the course. “The hardest part for me was getting used to a snorkel,” said Skibinski. “This was the first time I used one.” According to Helvey, each swimmer is supposed to maintain their training quarterly, and over a twoyear period, each ship is supposed to conduct lectured training onboard, which leads into a build-up consisting of knowledge-testing, gear assessment, administrative procedures, training phases and then certification. “A lot of times we have swimmers from ships still in the shipyards because they have to be qualified before the ships can conduct seatrials,” said Helvey. Helvey explained how having a competent SAR team available at a moment’s notice whether in the shipyard or out to sea can come in very handy.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 21
“On my last deployment we noticed a small orange dot floating in the water,” said Helvey. “As we approached, we realized it was a life raft that had seven drifters -- four of them were Afghans. They were out there for three days and were out of food and water.”
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Helvey said that although communication was at a minimum because the survivors didn’t speak English well, they were extremely happy to be rescued. “When we do acts like that, it shows goodwill to other nations,” said Helvey.
(Above) Sailors prepares to submerge underwater during a search and rescue swimmer requalification course conducted by the Afloat Training Group, Norfolk. (Below) Sailors attempt to control a simulated combative survivor during a search and rescue swimmer requalification course conducted by the Afloat Training Group, Norfolk.
Winterize Local Church During COMREL
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hirty-eight Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Air department, helped Gleaming Light Baptist Church in Gloucester, Va., prepare for the coming winter season, Nov. 1. The group cleared a few acres of trees and brush in the church’s yard to accommodate a new playground, raked fallen leaves and debris from the cemetery, painted sections of the roof and sorted out an enormous pantry of dry goods that was collected by the Virginia Peninsula’s Foodbank, which helped organize the event. Stevens Burrell, a retired U.S. Army construction equipment mechanic, who has pastored the church for six years, expressed his gratitude. “I was really pleased by the effort of the Sailors, and the closeness they have with each other is beautiful,” said Burrell. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman (Fuel) Brandon Hutton, who has participated in four community relations (COMRELS) projects such as this one since checking onboard three months ago, said he looks forward to these opportunities. “I really enjoyed it because it was much more involved than the others I participated in,” said Hutton. “I love giving to people and helping the community. It shows that Sailors are doing more than just serving our country.” Lt. Stephen Haggard, the Sailors’ division officer, said that the event was valuable because the Sailors got an opportunity to go serve their community, which raises their morale. “We get a lot of positive feedback from the division when we do these events. I’ve had several people come
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up to me saying that they want to do more COMRELS,” said Haggard. Haggard said that the shipyard environment makes it difficult to maintain closeness, compared to being underway and due to so many people being assigned to temporary billets. “The COMRELs give us an opportunity to build camaraderie, which promotes team building,” said Haggard.
The Penny Press Vol. 25 Issue 21
Story and Photos By MC3 Danian Douglas
Nov. 8, 2013
Combined Federal Campaign Story By MC3 Jeremiah Mills
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ailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN72) contributed more than $80,000 since the beginning of the carrier’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) fund drive. The CFC runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 15. In 2012 CFCs’ campaign raised $258.3 million overall, this includes total annual pledges, average gifts, and participation rates. “However the true success of the program comes from the individual Sailor.” said Lt.j.g. Barry Smith, Lincoln’s CFC coordinator. The CFC team of command coordinators set out to equip Sailors with the information necessary to continue the Navy’s tradition of giving back to those in need, approximately, 30 percent of the crew contributing with an average donation of almost $115. “I’d like to think our success aboard the Lincoln is due to our genuine concern for both our local and global community “It’s humbling to know that our contributions are affecting so many people in such a positive way, “said Smith. The CFC is made up of 165 different campaigns that participate in an annual fund raising effort in federal workplaces in the U.S. and abroad. Expressed goals of the CFC are to provide all federal employees an opportunity to give to the charities of their choice.
Letters To Lincoln
Church Gives Thanks to Sailors
Story By MCSN Ellen E. Long
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ailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) are to receive letters of appreciation from members of the Deer Park United Methodist Church in Deer Park, Texas, Nov. 10. Jean Ann Hardesty, a member of the congregation, has participated every year as a church member to write letters, as part of the church’s November Month of Thanks.
“Each November the church makes a point to be thankful...” - Jean Ann Hardesty The theme for the week of Nov. 10 is to be thankful for those who serve in the military, so the church is focusing on military members by sending letters to Lincoln Sailors as well as other service members. “There are members of the congregation who have family members assigned to Lincoln,” said Hardesty. Cmdr. Carl Koch, Lincoln’s command chaplain, said that he sees such selfless measures on the part of civilians having a great impact on Sailors. “I’m grateful that this congregation, along with many across the country, are remembering active duty military,” said Koch. “A thank-you note from a stranger may just be the thing a Sailor needs as motivation to do an outstanding job.” The letters being sent to Sailors aboard the ship are ones of support and appreciation for being in the Navy. “The church is very supportive of its children that join the military,” said Hardesty. “Even though they’re not at sea right now, their work is still important because they’re paving the way for future Sailors aboard Lincoln.”
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 21
Lincoln Sailors Celebrate Home Dedication Story and Photos By MCSN Jonathon Lockwood
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olunteers, including Sailors from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), gathered in the living room of a house built by the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity in Hampton, to dedicate and celebrate its completion, Oct. 24. Lincoln Sailors contributed more than 600 hours of volunteer labor into helping construct the house and the house next to it over the last three months. “I think that it is an awesome experience to be able to come out and give back to the community,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Taylor Denett. “Even if I was only able to put 16 hours into this house, knowing that what I did helped out a family in need and to see their smile on their faces is an amazing experience.” The home Lincoln Sailors helped to construct is part of the Habitat for Humanity Building on Faith project. More than 25 area congregations of all denominations combined forces to sponsor a home for Cynthia Owens
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and her two sons. “I enjoyed the opportunity to come out and volunteer on such a great project,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Dianne Brathwaite. “Knowing that I was able to help give this family a home that would allow them to care for their son is an amazing feeling.” The house was built for a family with special needs, including accommodations for a wheelchair. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to purchase a house that will give me the ability to care for my son more easily,” said Owens, who helped build the house. Local officials witnessed the ribbon cutting, including Hampton Mayor George Wallace. “I have been present for a few other homes that Habitat for Humanity has built in the neighborhood and I know that you are moving into a very warm neighborhood,” said Wallace. Since arriving in Norfolk in August 2012, Lincoln Sailors have volunteered more than 10,000 hours in various communities in the Hampton Roads area.
Lincoln Officer Reflects on Family’s Legacy of Service
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s the nation gives thanks to our Veterans on Nov. 11, a USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailor reflects on his family’s legacy and service to our country dating back to the Spanish-American War. “I think it is neat that we have a large military lineage with every male in my family since my grandfather who has served in the Navy,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Cheatham, who added his father, three uncles, grandfather and two cousins have all served in the U.S. Navy equaling more than 100 years of service. During Cheatham’s formative years he was reminded by his father of the sacrifices of previous generations to include a great, great uncle who served during the Spanish-American War to Rear Adm. Joseph Johnston Cheatham’s service during World War I and II. “Joseph Johnston Cheatham was the commanding officer of the Supplies and Accounts for the entire U.S. Navy in 1929,” said Cheatham, who added his uncle died at the age of 70 and witnessed all of the major battles through World War II. Cheatham explained the naming of a government
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installation as a tribute to his uncle’s service. In 1942 with the outbreak of World War II the U.S. government opened the Annex as an avenue to assist with various ordnance handling and other related war efforts. A year later, in June 1943, the U.S. Navy renamed the Annex as FISC Cheatham Annex in honor of Joseph Johnston Cheatham’s service, who was the fifth and eighth commanding officer of Naval Supply Depot Norfolk. Today, the Annex is a part of Naval Weapons Station Yorktown-Cheatham Annex. “At the time I entered the U.S. Navy I had no idea this profound connection to my ancestor,” said Cheatham, who has come to appreciate his ancestor’s service to the U.S. Navy and nation. “It’s a little strange to see my name on a government installation.” Cheatham’s specialty in the U.S. Navy has a direct tie to his ancestor in that he chose the ordnance field when he first entered the Navy in 1987. “There is definitely a call to serve that drives the family of Cheatham. It is a nice legacy to have an Annex named after your family,” said Cheatham.
The Penny Press Vol. 25, Issue 21
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James E. Williams
killful battle direction is one of the most important requirements for a leader in the U.S. Navy. Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James E. Williams, who received the Medal of Honor for his achievements, demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Vietnam War. The petty officer was assigned to the River Patrol Force whose mission was to intercept Viet Cong arms shipments on the waterways of South Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. On 31 October 1966, Williams, patrol commander for his boat, River Patrol Boat 105, and another PBR was searching for Viet Cong guerrillas operating in an isolated area of the Delta. Suddenly, Communist guerrillas manning two sampans opened fire on the Americans. When Williams and his men neutralized one boat crew, the other one escaped into a nearby canal. The PBR sailors gave chase and soon found themselves in a beehive of enemy activity as Viet Cong guerrillas opened up with rocket propelled grenades and small arms against the Americans from fortified river bank positions. Against overwhelming odds, several times Williams led his PBRs against concentrations of enemy junks and sampans. He also called for support from the heavily armed UH-1B Huey helicopters of Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3, the “Seawolves.” When that help arrived, he kicked off another attack in the failing light, cleverly turning on his boats’ searchlights to illuminate enemy forces and positions. As a result of the three-hour battle, the American naval force killed numerous Viet Cong guerrillas, destroyed over fifty vessels, and disrupted a major enemy logistic operation. BM1 Williams not only displayed great courage under fire, but a keen understanding of how his Sailors, weapons, and equipment could be used to achieve victory. Information from history.navy.mil
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