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Damage Controlman Fireman Cara Wendling was born and raised in Owosso, Mich. She joined the Navy in December 2009 with hopes of making good friends and using the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to further

her education.“I joined because I wanted to go to law school, but it was so expensive,”

said Wendling. “Also, I wanted to travel because I’ve never really been out of my home state.”

Wendling’s job in the Engineering department aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) includes cleaning, checking firefighting equipment, painting, maintenance and restoration. She said her time in the Navy has helped her realize the freedoms Sailors go without when out to sea.

“I have a lot of appreciation for the things I used to take for granted,” she said. “As a civilian, you have a lot more rights and a lot more freedom. I hope that when I go back to that, I still appreciate what it was like to be a Sailor.”

Wendling enjoys outdoor activities in her free time, such as kayaking and hiking. She also has an interest in world conflicts and attends political events and donates to a charity in Thailand. She said that whenever she decides to get out of the military, she is going to law school. Before that, however, she plans to take a vacation to Mexico.

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Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary WelchCNaF ViSitS liNColN, reCogNizeS SailorS

The commander of Naval Air Forces (CNAF) visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during the ship’s port call in San Diego, Dec. 11.

CNAF Commander Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers met with Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 and Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln’s commanding officer, to present them with the 2010 CNAF Battle Efficiency Award (Battle “E”) and addressed the ship’s crew.

During his address, he commended Lincoln Sailors for their high state of readiness heading into the ship’s second deployment in the last year, and said the job they are doing is essential to the Navy’s overall mission.

“I commend the Sailors aboard this ship for their hard work and dedication,” said Myers. “Facing yet another

deployment really shows the tremendous character of each and every Sailor aboard.”

Myers also told the crew they possess a tremendous responsibility to represent their nation to the people of the world.

“Being overseas, you act as a global deterrent to foreign nations. You’re constantly protecting our sea lanes. I wish you luck on your deployment, and I have every confidence you will continue to set the bar for success,” he said.

Carrier Strike Group 9, comprised of Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing 2 and Destroyer Squadron 9, departed Everett, Wash., Dec. 7, on deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Abraham Lincoln is changing homeports from Everett, Wash. to Norfolk, Va. following deployment for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

For some of us that work below-decks, we rarely stop to think what the weather is going to be like for

the day. Fortunately, the Meteorological Oceanographic Center (METOC) personnel track weather and sea conditions for us.

The METOC forecasters build a list of recommendations based on current and forecasted atmospheric conditions. They examine a number of weather patterns that can affect the success of operations at sea, such as thunderstorms, turbulence and icing.

To create their forecasts, METOC personnel attach a radiosonde to a weather balloon to measure various atmospheric parameters and conditions. The radiosonde transmits the collected data to a receiver, from which the data is plugged into various programs to determine which equipment aboard the ship and her embarked aircraft is potentially susceptible to changing

weather conditions. METOC then presents their recommendations, known as tactical decision-making aids (TDAs), in a brief for the warfare commanders. TDAs can affect the timing and staging of events during each phase of mission planning.

Aerographer’s Mate 1st Class Stephanie Reynolds said she’s always learning more and more about the nature of weather.

“I enjoy working in strike warfare because of all the interaction with the air wing, but I particularly love that I’m always learning how different sensors will be impacted by different weather phenomena,” Reynolds said.

“It’s a rewarding feeling when a pilot stops me in the passageway after he’s returned from flying and says, ‘AG1, your forecast was on the money,’” she said.

In addition to forecasting conditions for the ship and the air wing, the METOC team is also responsible

Story and photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory Harden

Weather Guessers? Guess aGainAGs track the weather for the strike group

for providing winds, currents, sea surface temperature and water survivability time during search and rescue missions.

METOC uses environmental data to compute the search object’s drift from distress time to determine the area of the search in which the object may be found. While the current of the ocean can indicate a likely location, the temperature of the water determines how long a person can survive in the water.

“The assistant forecasters take the observations to the forecasters, who ensure the safety of flight and navigation for all strike group assets. The leading petty officers, leading chief petty officer and divisional officer ensure that we’re writing forecasts in accordance with METOC guidelines. This is a real team effort,” said Reynolds.

“Everyone plays a role in the overall safety of our pilots, ships and aircraft,” said Reynolds.

Weather Guessers? Guess aGainAGs track the weather for the strike group

So long, San Diego...

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Brian Morales

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...Bring On Deployment!

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...Bring On Deployment!U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jeremiah Mills

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Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Idle

Sailors attached to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) committed the remains of 44 veterans and dependents

to their final resting place in the Pacific Ocean during a burial-at-sea ceremony, Dec. 15.

The interred received full military honors, including a 21-gun salute, under the direction of Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, Lincoln’s executive officer, and Cmdr. Denis Cox, the command chaplain.

Cox believes this kind of ceremony highlights the character and heritage that Sailors hold dear.

“It continues a great tradition that we have in the Navy that we will take care of our shipmates even in their death,” said Cox. “We will bury them at sea, and we will do it with honor, solemnity and dignity.”

While Cox has been through ceremonies like this before, it was a new experience for many others in attendance, including Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jovan Gates.

“It was a very humbling and solemn ceremony,”

Gates said. “It reminded me that one day it’s going to be me heading to the bottom of this ocean, too.”

Throughout the last week, as Cox cared for the remains, he grew attached to all 44 of the people he was watching over.

“As I’m going through these files, time and time again, getting the spellings correct, getting their ranks or their ratings all correct, I began to form a bond,” he said. “I began to bond with all of these people, with their stories and with their families. It was an honor and a privilege to be able to enter into their lives and do this.”

Cox said there was one story in particular that highlighted the love and respect some Sailors have for the sea and their Navy. Among the 44 people committed to the ocean today, two were a couple who died at different times and wished to be buried at sea at the same time.

“They wanted to do this together,” Cox said. “Now they’re resting together at sea.”

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jon Idle

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U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Gregory Harden

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Gregory Harden

Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sean HillierNaVY CaSh CarDS Keep You ChargiNg

Navy Cash Cards can be found in the pockets of most Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham

Lincoln (CVN 72). Sailors use these cards to purchase items

from the ship’s store, tickets from the Morale Welfare and Recreation Office, vending machines, money orders, stamps and phone cards.

Cash Cards are issued to Lincoln personnel after they check in with the Disbursing Office. Likewise, Air Wing personnel check in with the Air Wing Admin Office, and the squadrons’ personnel specialists set up Navy Cash accounts for their Sailors.

“You can purchase almost anything you need on board with your Navy Cash Card,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd class Toiosha Willis.

Your card can also be used to make purchases ashore at any place that accepts MasterCard. To use this feature of the card, you must load money from the card’s “chip” to the “strip” on the back of the card. This can be done at any of the many Cash Card machines aboard Lincoln.

“The chip is only used aboard the ship, but the strip could be used anywhere just like a debit card,” said Willis. “But you can’t use the money on your chip out in town, you can only use the money that’s on your strip.”

Disbursing also allows you to have part of your

paycheck applied directly to your card on payday. “With split pay, you don’t have to put money on

your card because the money will already be transferred there,” said Willis. “You know exactly how much money you have on your card and how much you can spend in between pay periods. Split pay can also help you avoid overspending.”

Since it takes seven days for money to be transferred from your bank account to your card, however, the risk of overspending remains.

“If you put $100 on your card, the funds will be accessible immediately,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Bobby Simpson. “So if you don’t have the money in your bank account to compensate for that, you will go into the negative.”

If your balance dips below zero, an email will be sent down your chain of command and your card will be put on suspension. First-time offenders will have a 30-day wait before being able to access Navy Cash. The second offense freezes your card for six months, and the third time is indefinite. Also, before being able to use your card again, you’ll be required to submit a special request chit through your chain of command.

“It’s always good to remember that if you’re negative, the Navy could take that money out of your paycheck,” said Simpson.

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“Shipmates and Navy families,Can you believe another year is almost over? It’s amazing how quickly time passes when

you’re staying busy! It seems we were kicking off 2011 just yesterday and here we are, about to usher in 2012.

With the traditional festivities of December upon us, I want to wish you all the happiest possible holidays, and to say thank you for the outstanding service and support you provide to our Navy and nation. I continue to be humbled by your selfless dedication and the outstanding job you do every day around the globe.

We faced some challenges this year and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, but we will get through them together as we have done for the past 236 years. The Navy, after all, is a team sport and in 2011, we enjoyed many operational successes together that are worth celebrating. They are your legacy ... the deployments, the steady presence in difficult places, the helping hand when natural disasters left vulnerable people in their wake.

You and your Shipmates worked hard and sacrificed often. As you visit with loved ones, scour the shopping malls, or hit the ski slopes during these joyous weeks, take a moment to reflect on the special appreciation America has for you and your family. Be proud of your accomplishments, and share sea stories with moms, dads, siblings, aunts, uncles, and old buddies.

Most of all, be safe and enjoy the holiday season to its fullest. Celebrate responsibly: You are important to our Navy family and we need every one of you to return recharged for the next adventure. Don’t let bad judgment ruin the New Year or your life. Look out for each other, and keep an eye on your Shipmates who may be having a difficult time.

It’s also important that we remember the thousands of our Shipmates who are deployed, on station around the world vigilantly keeping the watch, ready to answer our nation’s call. They are there ensuring we have this chance to deck the halls, gather around family dinner tables, and belt out Auld Lang Syne in a storm of confetti.

Thank you again for serving our great Navy and preserving our nation’s freedom. Sailors and families, you are truly among this country’s greatest gifts.

Happy holidays Shipmates and HOOYAH! Very Respectfully, MCPONFor more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/. ”

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Some Sailors involuntarily separated from active duty may retain commissary and exchange

privileges during their transition from the Navy, officials said Dec. 15.

According to the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2008, any member of the Armed Forces involuntarily separated under other than adverse conditions from active duty through Dec. 31, 2012 may continue to use commissary and exchange privileges for a two-year period beginning on the date of the member’s involuntary separation, said Kathy Wardlaw, director, Navy Personnel Command, records management and benefits division.

This means Sailors separated from the Navy due to the Enlisted Retention Board, and some Perform

to Serve separations may qualify for this benefit.

Navy will forward separating Sailors’ information to the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System (DEERS) for issuance of a Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card for eligible former active duty and selected Reserve Sailors.

Former Sailors can visit the Defense Commissary Agency website at https://www.commissaries.com// and use the locator to find the nearest location. The card will also allow them access to Navy Exchange, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Marine Corps Exchange and Coast Guard Exchange facilities.

Eligible veterans may obtain their Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card at any ID-card site.

They must present their DD-214 and two forms of identification.

For questions concerning eligibility and to learn more about this benefit, separating Sailors should speak with their transition assistance counselor when completing their pre-separation counseling checklist.

Continued exchange and commissary privileges are just one of many transition benefits available to Sailors including those affected by the enlisted retention board.

For more information about ERB and other transition benefits, visit the NPC ERB Web Page at www.npc.navy.mil/boards/ERB/, you can contact the NPC customer service center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672) or email cscmailbox@navy.mil.

SeparatiNg SailorS maY Still uSe CommiSSarY, NeXBy Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

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In response to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries, the secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) discussed updates to the standards and procedures for awarding the Purple Heart Dec. 15, one of the military’s most recognized awards.

“In light of recent research, military neurologists have discovered the scope of mild traumatic brain injuries is wider than previously thought,” said SECNAV Ray Mabus. “Wounds suffered while defending our nation, whether seen or unseen, deserve our utmost gratitude and respect.”

The standards provided in the ALNAV message are consistent with historic standards and previous awards of the Purple Heart since World War II, when the award was first authorized for the Navy and Marine Corps.

“Sailors and Marines may be awarded the Purple Heart for certain mild traumatic brain injuries that were caused by enemy action” explained Jim Nierle, president, Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals. “If they suffered a loss of consciousness, or had to be given the disposition of ‘not fit for full duty’ by a medical officer for a period greater than 48 hours after a concussive event, they may qualify for the Purple Heart.”

Purple Hearts awarded for MTBI will continue to meet the historical standards of severity applied to all types of wounds, ensuring the prestige of the award is maintained. Applying these standards to MTBI, the concussive event must have been caused either directly or indirectly by an enemy action with intent to kill or maim.

NaVY upDateS purple heart aWarD poliCYThe director for Personnel

Readiness and Community Support offered ways to reduce

stress during the holiday season, Dec. 12. The holidays can be a joyous time

for Sailors and their families, but they can also be stressful.

By doing some simple things, most people can manage their stress and have an enjoyable and safe holiday, said Rear Adm. Martha Herb, director, Personnel Readiness and Community Support.

“We can feel the full range of emotions during this holiday time. They can range from happiness and joy to extreme stress. And we can deal with the stress if we plan appropriately,” said Herb, a member of the explosive ordnance disposal community and a licensed clinical professional counselor.

There are practical steps Sailors can take to manage the stress of the holidays, to include: maintaining an exercise routine; ensuring enough sleep; taking time to relax; planning and keeping to a budget for gift-giving; and celebrating in moderation.

But if the stress and struggles seem overwhelming, Sailors are encouraged to ask for help. Sailors are also encouraged to help shipmates navigate stress by

taking the time to be a friend and listen. “Everybody needs a friend,” said

Herb. “Everybody needs to be connected with another person. By connecting with somebody, you help them feel better and help them deal with stressors in life.”

Herb reminded Sailors that they can make a positive difference in the life of a shipmate who is struggling by taking a little extra time to A.C.T - Ask if they need help; Care enough to listen, offer hope and not judge; and Treat, take action, get proper professional assistance, and follow up.

Additionally, command leaders can maintain a healthy unit by being familiar with the resources the Navy offers and recommending them to their Sailors who are dealing with stress or thoughts of suicide. These resources include Military OneSource at www.MilitaryOneSource.com and 1-800-342-9647, the Veterans Crisis Line at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net and 1-800-273-8255, Navy Fleet and Family Support Program, Navy chaplains and medical providers.

By looking out for each other and planning ahead, Sailors can make sure that their holidays are happy for themselves and their shipmates.

SailorS Keep their holiDaY CheerBy Lt. Tom Gordy, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

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