4

Hey there, Abe Warriors! RCOH may have been delayed but that didn’t stop us from continuing our mission and getting physical while doing it! Mighty Abe is still sporting gold anchors, thanks to our outstanding retention! We also sported gold T-shirts during our first of many enthusiastic command physical training exercises. We were so excited to get together, we did the Harlem Shake! In other news, our decking team has been pounding away and breaking up everything that comes in its path! Abe’s basketball team went off to our nation’s capital and laid everything out on the court for the annual Coca-Cola Classic! Don’t stop reading after that! Check out the two COMRELs our Sailors preformed.

From the Editor

8

6 8 14

Following a year of heavy operational commitments, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) earned the

Navy Retention Excellence Award for outstanding retention for fiscal year 2012.

The Golden Anchors recognize a ship’s superior Career Development Program that provides relevant information to Sailors so they are able to make more informed decisions about their careers.

“It all starts with the khaki leadership,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Paul Tyquiencgo. “From there it goes down to the departmental and divisional career counselors who carry out our message and go forth and help out every Sailor on our ship.”

Abraham Lincoln’s Career Counseling team consists of Tyquiencgo, Chief Navy Career Counselor Leslie Alston, Naval Career Counselor 1st Class William Gillespie, divisional and departmental career counselors, Chief Petty Officers who sit on the career

development boards, the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Command Master Chief.

“Achieving this award reflects how well we have operated and succeeded as a carrier,” said Tyquiencgo. “We can only go forward from here. Our chain of command is ready to take our Sailors to the next level.”

For some Sailors, the decision to reenlist comes down to the guidance of their leaders.

“Leadership is the key ingredient in forming a successful Sailor,” said Alston. “Without great leadership, many of our Sailors would be lost and not know how to go about forming a future in our Navy.”

This award marks one of the many retention awards Abraham Lincoln has won over the past years.

“Quite honestly, this award shows the Navy that Lincoln Sailors are doing their part and are at the top of their game,” said Alston. “It also shows the rest of the carrier fleet why we are the best carrier out there.”

Lincoln Receives Retention AwardStory and photo by MC3 Benjamin Liston

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jonteil Johnson

U.S

. Nav

y ph

oto

by M

C3

Zach

ary

And

erso

n

U.S. Navy photo by SN Phylicia Hanson

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Joshua Walters

U.S

. Nav

y ph

oto

by S

N P

hylic

ia H

anso

n

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Joshua Walters U.S. Navy photo by SN Phylicia Hanson

U.S. N

avy photo by MC

2 Kyle H

enley

U.S. N

avy photo by MC

SN K

ayla King

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Zachary Anderson

U.S. Navy photo by MCSN Kayla King

6

As the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) approaches its next phase in the refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) process, decking

team personnel (PM-13) have put forth a major effort in expediting work requests from shipyard construction supervisors.

With 38,000 square feet of various tiles and flooring material removed and the accomplishment of 51 line item requests, the cost-benefit analysis indicates Lincoln sailors have saved the Navy over six million dollars in construction costs and man power thus far.

PM-13’s work is a part of the ship’s forces initiative in preparation for the dry dock stage of the ship’s RCOH. Lincoln’s PM-13 team has completed a majority of work that is usually contracted out to shipyard workers assigned to a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier.

“This is a historical event for a Nimitz class aircraft carrier because normally this phase of work would occur during dry dock process,” said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Smith. “We are doing this so shipyard reactor personnel can literally cut holes into the ship in order to conduct the beginning stages refueling process

sHAKING THE fOUNDATIONlINCOlN tIlE tEAM FURtHERS RCOH

pROCESSStory and photos by MC3 Jeremiah Mills

so we can stay on schedule”. To meet this amount of progress so early in the

RCOH process, PM-13 has been working diligently to maintain their already outstanding work with only 55 sailors.

“Doing this type work is much different than what I’m used to but it’s just like deployment in that we know the work is hard but we take care of each other said,” Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Apprentice Brandon Wallace “but when any one of us gets tired we take each other’s place and we get the job done.”

In an effort to meet their goal of cutting the initial two year time span for deck removal in half, PM-13 wants to remove all of the flooring in the required spaces within one year’s time.

“The same concept of teamwork that we adopted on deployment applies to what we are doing now, said Smith.” We have the right people, attitude and leadership all the ingredients for a recipe for success.”

With even more deck removal and re-application in the near future, PM-13 has their work cut out for them.

Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln volunteered their day off at Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads (SHR) Feb. 15. The volunteers cleaned, organized, and moved supplies at the Tidewater Drive store, allowing Habitat for Humanity to attract additional customers so they can build more homes in the Spring, said Helen Summer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity SHR.The Navy is one of the organization’s contributing volun-teers, Summer said. “Out of the military volunteers, 95 percent are Sailors.”Summer also said, 50 percent of her total volunteers are active duty or retired military.The community relations (COMREL) project event took place on a planned liberty day, but that did not deter the Sailors from spending time investing in the community. When asked why they volunteered, many simply said, “Why not?”“It helps gets us positive feedback from the community,” said Airman Andrew Adams. “It’s for a good cause.”Assisting a local organization like Habit for Humanity feels

Sailors with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) gathered to participate in command physical training (PT) at the Naval Station Norfolk Parade

Field, Feb 21. This is Lincoln’s first command PT since moving to Norfolk, Va. in August following an eight month deployment.

Before starting the command PT session, Capt. Karl O. Thomas, commanding officer USS Abraham Lincoln, recognized four Sailors who got outstanding marks on their last physical readiness test. Airman Sean Craig received the Lt. Cmdr. Richard Cochrane Tribute Award, Seaman Damian Temple received the Body-By-Jake Award, Damage Controlmen 3rd Class Michael Everhart received the Abercrombie Award, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Jennifer Riggs received the GI Jane Award.

“I am proud to recognize these Sailors for doing outstanding on their last physical fitness assessment and being PT superstars,” said Thomas.

During the hour of PT, Lincoln Sailors did calisthenics ranging from push-ups to Jumping Jacks while listening to motivating music.

After completing command PT, everyone gathered in a mob and participated in the Harlem Shake.

Due to its sucess, Lincoln will continue its PT sessions every Thursday.

Physically UnitedLincoln Sailors come together for PT

Story and photo by MC3 Joshua Walters

Physically UnitedLincoln Sailors come together for PT

9

8

Build Because the World

Needs You

9

Story and photos by SN Phylicia Hanson

Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln volunteered their day off at Habitat for Humanity South Hampton Roads (SHR)

Feb. 15. The volunteers cleaned, organized, and

moved supplies at the Tidewater Drive store, allowing Habitat for Humanity to attract more customers so they can build more homes in the Spring, said Helen Summer, executive director of Habitat for Humanity SHR.

“The Navy is one of the organizations best at contributing volunteers,” Summer said. “Out of the military volunteers, 95 percent are Sailors.”

Summer also said, 50 percent of her total volunteers are active duty or retired military.

The community relations (COMREL) project event took place on a planned liberty day, but that did not deter the Sailors from spending time investing in the community. When asked why they volunteered, many simply said, “Why not?”

“It helps us get positive feedback from the community,” said Airman Andrew Adams. “It’s for a good cause.”

Assisting a local organization like Habit for Humanity feels good, according to Airman Chaharnecia Mcgee. “I like helping people out and giving back to the less fortunate.”

The idea for the COMREL started with Aviation Support Equipment Technician Senior Chief Arnel Atienza. He decided to focus his hobby of home repair in a positive way to help the local neighborhood of Norfolk.

What began as one Sailor’s hobby turned into a group effort to benefit Habitat for Humanity SHR.

Lincoln Sailors may not have swung any hammers Feb. 15 to build homes, but their efforts make it easier for Habitat for Humanity SHR to increase sales, said Summer. Increased sales lead to more homes for the Norfolk community.

According Habitat for Humanity SHR’s website, it has built more than 180 homes since 1988.

Sailors HelpHabitat for HumanityStory and photos by MC3 Rusty Pang

the WorldNeeds You

Charitable DonationsFirst Class Mess Volunteers

Story and photos by Seaman Phylicia Hanson

Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) made

breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House Norfolk charity (RMHC-Norfolk) Feb. 22.

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Kenneth Gaal proposed the idea to FCPOA of volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House. The FCPOA agreed that reaching out to the community a is great idea.

“After talking to the Ronald McDonald House manager I found out how we were able to sign up, and then presented it to the First Class Mess,” said Gaal. “The FCPOA used our funds and decided that we would come here.”

“We are so blessed to have Lincoln Sailors wanting to come and help out with something as little as breakfast. Though it might not sound like a big deal, to the families who have been at the hospital all night and most of the morning, coming back to a hot home cooked breakfast makes all the difference in the world,” said Vicki F. Kennedy, RMHC-Norfolk.

The Ronald McDonald House charity program provides a “home-away-from-home” for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The RMHC Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get

their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest.

“The management here loves the fact that they have people willing to come in and contribute in any way they are able to,” said Gaal. “Even though they are funded, the volunteers help replace operation funds that then can be used in different areas of need.”

Many families travel far from home to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children at hospitals such as Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, adjacent to RMHC-Norfolk. Often, it can be a long time to be away from home. And for children facing a serious medical crisis, nothing seems scarier than not having their mom and dad close by. RMHC-Norfolk of Charity can house up to 17 families.

“My daughter was in Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, and while she was there the hospital offered for me to stay at the Ronald McDonald House,” said Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 1st Class Eric Scott. “When I was offered this room there was another family at the hospital that was from North Carolina. My wife and I thought it was best for them to have the space since they lived further away and I live in Newport News.”

Lincoln’s FCPOA plans to continue volunteer with the RMHC-Norfolk doing projects such as cleaning, roofing and, raking leaves in the fall, to continue to help with its mission.

“The management here loves the fact that they have people

willing to come in and contribute in any way they are able to.”

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) sent their basketball team competed in the annual Coca-Cola Classic, an

all-military double elimination invitation basketball tournament in Fort Myers near Washington.

Lincoln coaches Religious Programs Chief Warley, Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Washington and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Rashard Orr were confident that their team was ready to represent the ship.

“We are confident, we are ready to play hard and make the most out of this opportunity,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Michael King.

The opening game against Fort Lee went back and forth throughout the first half, with the Lincoln team trading baskets with Fort Lee. Unfortunately, the tide turned in the second half and Fort Lee came away with

LINCOLNBASKETBALL

Story and photos by MC3 Zachary Welch

14

5

the victory, 77-52.“Just shrug this game off and move on to the next

game tomorrow,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Joshua Shelley. “We’ll make some adjustments and get ready for Quantico tomorrow.”

After an overnight rest, Lincoln faced elimination in its match with the Marine Corps Base Quantico’s team. With a win, the team would live to play again in the double elimination tournament. A loss would send them packing.

Just before tipoff, Warley had a team meeting.“I just wanted to gather the guys and explain that

we’ve already accomplished so much,” said Warley. “Regardless of the outcome, I wanted them to be proud of themselves, that we are a team, win or lose.”

A win for the Lincoln team wasn’t in the cards. They were completely outgunned by Quantico, an abrupt end to a journey with so much potential. But, the team gained some much valuable bonding.

As Lincoln packed its for a long trip home, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Shelly pulled the team together and spoke about the positives of their experience in D.C. It was the defining moment of the journey, finding the outcome as a unique experience to not only grow, but stick together as a team.

“Even though we didn’t advance I feel we played our best,” said Shelley. “This trip brought us together and I’m really glad I got to be a part of it.”

Story and photos by MC3 Zachary Welch

15

Story and photo by MC3 Christina Naranjo

12 THE PENNY PRESS