Ready, set, wear: Guidelines for IFRV wear announced Vo l . 2 6 , No . 07 No rf o l k , VA | f l ag sh ip ne ws .c om
Effective immediately, commands can now order the Improved Flame Resistant Variant (IFRV) coverall. » See A4
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LINCOLN COMPLETES CARRIER QUALIFICATIONS
Shooters prepare to launch an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
MCSN Ashley M.C. Estrella
By MC2 Jessica Paulauskas USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN
The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) completed carrier qualifications, Feb. 2. During this period, Abraham Lincoln qualified pilots from the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, the “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, and the “Vikings” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. The “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 and the “Chargers” of Helicopter Strike Squadron (HSC) 26 also worked with the ship in support of carrier qualification operations. Carrier qualifications are a time for Naval aviators to hone their skills to launch and land fixed-wing aircraft on an aircraft carrier. Each pilot must complete at least 10 landings during the day and six landings at night to
qualify. The student pilots must complete 150-200 flight hours in their aircraft to even have the opportunity to land on the flight deck for their carrier qualification. “It’s gratifying to train the next generation of pilots,” Lt. Justin Grofik said, an instructor pilot assigned to VFA-122. “Seeing these pilots progress from their first flights to their first-night operations to having the potential to fly with them in the future, is the most gratifying part of being able to teach them.” The success of the mission relies heavily on the interoperability between both the squadron and ship’s personnel. Abraham Lincoln Sailors who work in the carrier air traffic control center (CATCC) play a vital role in assisting pilots as they approach for recovery. “During night and inclement weather flight operations, we are the only point of contact for the pilots,” Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Joshua Huncheck said. “Being able to guide a pilot down to the point of qualify-
BY OUR OWN, FOR OUR OWN By MC3 Lindsay Preston The Flagship staff NORFOLK
A new year brings new opportunities and the Active Duty Fund Drive campaign in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is given another chance to raise money beginning March 1. Established in 1904, active duty Sailors and Marines have been taking care of their own by providing donated funds to NMCRS. This non-
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profit organization has several programs to provide financial, educational and other need-based assistance to active duty and retired Sailors and Marines, their eligible family members and survivors. “This is a great organization that helps our Sailors and Marines who may need
MC1 Josue L. Escobosa An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
ing, especially when they aren’t able to see, makes my job beyond satisfying.” Abraham Lincoln’s air department accumulated more than 135 sorties and 576 arrested recoveries, putting in more than 700 man hours during the carrier qualifications. “This is what our job is all about; recovering aircraft,” Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Donny Hunsaker said, Abraham Lincoln’s arresting gear leading petty officer. “Without the long hours and de-
manding work we do making sure the ship is ready to catch and launch aircraft, the main mission of an aircraft carrier would fail.” Completing carrier qualifications not only benefit Abraham Lincoln, but supports the larger mission of the Navy by sending skilled and experienced pilots to the fleet. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/ cvn72/.
CMS-ID database error causes accidental job posting cancellation From Naval Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, TENN.
An upload of corrupted data during routine software updates Feb. 3, caused an error within the Career Management System — Interactive Detailing (CMS-ID) resulting in many job listings to be
» See RELIEF | A7
LSOS: SAFETY ON DECK Landing signals officers supported Commander, Naval Air Training Detachment as the Navy’s newest pilots completed carrier qualifications aboard the Nimitzclass aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Feb. 6. » See A6
incorrectly listed as canceled. The database error caused more than 4,850 notices that Letters of Intent had been canceled. This problem was discovered Feb. 5, and Navy Personnel Command (NPC) fully restored the system Feb. 6. All errors have been fixed and all assignments are unchanged. Sailors began receiving notifications from the » See DATABASE | A7
MC2 Matthew Riggs Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Quiana Dalton, right, stationed aboard the USS Benfold (DDG 65) discusses future career opportunities with Master Chief Cryptologic Technician Dennis Reeder, a detailer for Information Warfare assigned to Navy Personnel Command, during the Career Development Symposium at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The symposium, hosted by Navy Personnel Command, is visiting Japan to reach out to Sailors and inform them of the benefits available from the personnel modernization initiatives of the Sailor 2025 program.
USS PREBLE CONDUCTS OPERATIONS WITH USS LEWIS B. PULLER Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) and the expeditionary sea base USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) experienced a different side of the U.S. Navy, during a brief crew swap between the two ships. » See B4
NOMINATE A HERO AT HOME! Heroes at Home, is a highly regarded, regional recognition program that honors military spouses from all ranks and branches. 2018 nominations are currently being sought. » See C5
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