Lincoln Concludes Operations in Support of OEF

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tim D. Godbee, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), completed their final combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) this deployment, July 9.

Currently deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 since December 2011, CVW-2 launched its first flights in support of OEF in February.

Since then, CVW-2 aircraft have flown more than 2,200 sorties in excess of 13,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate.

"We've been flying missions flawlessly in support of OEF for nearly six months now," said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, CSG-9. "This is the strike group's second deployment in less than two years, and the level of expertise our air wing Sailors have demonstrated over that time is remarkable. I couldn't be more proud of this team for the consistently superb support we've provided our coalition troops on the ground in Afghanistan."

Lt. Cmdr. David Whitmer, a pilot and the operations officer for the Vigilantes of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, said the flights CVW-2 squadrons have flown over Afghanistan have been tremendously successful.

"I feel that our mission has significantly contributed to the strategic stability of the region," Whitmer said. "Our close air support provided vital, prepared protection for coalition forces. While it's our turn to go home to our friends and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who will continue to stand the watch."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Charlene Drake said she enjoyed contributing to the success of the OEF mission.

"It's a great feeling knowing that what I do aboard Lincoln could be saving lives in Afghanistan," she said. "I'm glad I had the opportunity to help defend our nation. For the rest of my life, it will be something I can be proud of."

Lincoln is the flagship for CSG 9, which is also comprised of CVW 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. CSG-9 is currently operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

Kuwait Military Officials, US Ambassadors Visit Lincoln at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Wade T. Oberlin, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Kuwaiti Air Force and U.S. Embassy officials met with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 leadership aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, May 9.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence Director of Operations and Plans, Kuwaiti Air Force Maj. Gen. Abdulrazaq Al-Awadhi, and the Defense Attaché of Kuwait City, Brig. Gen. Rick B. Mattson, a U.S. Embassy senior defense official, joined several other Kuwaiti military officials to tour Lincoln and observe maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf.

The visit was designed to strengthen military-to-military relations and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to long-term stability and security in the region.

From the ship's flag bridge and vulture's row, Kuwaiti military officials and cadets viewed fly-bys as Kuwaiti pilots rode in the backseats of two F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2. The guests also viewed an F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Kestrels of VFA 137 in the ship's hangar bay.

Al-Awadhi said the visit would increase the cadets' understanding of the importance of Lincoln's mission in the region.

"Many of the cadets in this group have recently graduated," Al-Awadhi said. "We have been involved with exchange programs in the past, and this embark is to operate with friends in the area. It's also a great opportunity for the cadets to come out and see this ship."

Lincoln is currently deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, which also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, guided-missile cruiser Cape St. George (CG 71) and Destroyer Squadron 9, comprised of guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104). CSG 9 is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Soldiers on the High Seas: Coordinating Ground Forces Aboard Abraham Lincoln

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy D. Godbee, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Throughout the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, Army personnel will be embarked to help coordinate Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 air support for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

These U.S. Army ground liaison officers (GLO), assigned to the 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment (Det.), serve as communications links between soldiers and Marines on the ground in Afghanistan and the pilots of CVW 2.

GLOs use various networks such as the combined enterprise regional information exchange system and secret internet protocol router network phones to communicate with ground forces about planned missions and patrols. They also brief pilots prior to every sortie flown in support of OEF. Once the aircraft launch from the ship, the forces on the ground are in direct contact with the pilots in the air.

GLOs also help interpret jargon from the different branches of service and work to decipher it for other personnel.

"Different acronyms often mean different things for each service, and sometimes certain terms are used differently, too," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Bishop. "We act almost as translators between the two when needed."

GLOs deploy for a year at a time and transfer from one carrier to the next whenever a different ship begins operations in support of OEF.

"We were on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) before this, and we'll go to whatever ship relieves Lincoln afterward," said Army Capt. Asher Ballew. "GLOs have been known to be out to sea for up to 120 consecutive days, sometimes more, without a port call. We have to pack light and be ready to move when and where we're needed."

Ballew said working side by side with Sailors aboard a carrier is a rare but exciting experience.

"There's a statistic that only about .01 percent of soldiers will ever serve on a naval warship," Ballew said. "It's pretty cool to be part of such a small statistic."

Lincoln and embarked CVW 2 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of OEF.

Lincoln is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 9, which also includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and Destroyer Squadron 9, comprised of guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

Lincoln Begins Air Missions in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan P. Idle, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG) launched its first combat sorties this deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Feb. 16.

The ALCSG, which was last in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in March 2011, is comprised of the most effective collection of assets in the Navy, said Capt. David Silkey, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2.

"Having been deployed out here twice in a year and a half, we've played a huge role in the Navy's persistent presence in the AOR over the last couple of years," Silkey said. "Another trip out here is just business as usual for our guys. U.S. Navy assets have been in this region for more than 60 years, and we'll be here for decades to come, even long after the OEF mission is complete."

Lt. Troy Teasdale, a pilot assigned to the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, said the OEF mission suits the professionals of CVW 2 quite well.

"We train our entire careers to properly execute what is asked of us," Teasdale said. "All of our aircrew are prepared to support coalition forces working hard to ensure security and stability throughout the region. We have the best maintenance team and aviators in the world to ensure we accomplish this demanding mission."

Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, said the strike group is well-equipped to assume the challenges of the OEF mission.

"The strike group's surface ships and aircraft squadrons are all manned, trained and ready," Shoemaker said. "We've done the preparation, now it's time to get to work."

CSG 9 consists of Lincoln, CVW 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron 9, comprised of guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104). The CVW 2 squadrons are the Bounty Hunters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2; the Vigilantes of VFA-151; the Kestrels of VFA-137; the Blue Blasters of VFA-34; the Sun Kings of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116; the Lancers of Electronic Attack Squadron 131; the Golden Falcons of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12; the Saberhawks of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77; and the Providers of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron 30.

The ALCSG deployed Dec. 7, 2011, and is operating in the 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following deployment, Lincoln will change homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

Lincoln Flies Final Flight in Support of OEF

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Mickler, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) aircraft flew their last flights in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) for the ship's current deployment, Feb. 3.

Since Lincoln's first flight of the deployment in support of OEF, Oct. 20, 2010, Lincoln's air wing (CVW-2) has launched more than 1,800 combat sorties in excess of 10,000 flight hours with a 100 percent completion rate.

Lt. Charles Schellhorn, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2 pilot, said the deployment has definitely been a success.

"For four months, we supported coalition troops on the ground in Afghanistan, giving them the safety and security that only we can provide," Schellhorn said. "These contributions made Afghanistan a safer place and helped to strengthen the government forces while simultaneously helping to eradicate terrorist networks that bring violence and instability to the region."

Having passed the torch to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to take up the ongoing support of OEF, Lincoln Sailors can reflect on their experiences and accomplishments.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Allissa Kinsey said she has enjoyed contributing to the success of the OEF mission.

"There is a feeling of relief knowing that we have done our part and supported the troops on the ground," Kinsey said. "We can leave knowing that the Vinson is taking over, and they will do a great job, just as we did."

Kinsey and her colleagues loaded missiles, bombs and 20 mm rounds equaling more than 900,000 lbs. of ordnance during the deployment.

"I'm honored to be on the Lincoln and to be involved with the OEF mission," said Kinsey. "I finally had the chance to say that I am protecting our country and our freedom."

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

All Female Catapult Team on Lincoln Launches Success in Support of OEF

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Morales, Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Fourteen female Sailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Air department formed an all-female catapult crew to launch aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Jan. 23.

Thirteen Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Equipment) (ABE) joined catapult and arresting gear officer, or "shooter", Lt. Cmdr. Jessica Parker, from St. Louis, to form the all-female launch crew manning critical positions such as topside safety petty officer and catapult deck edge operator to launch the missions over the deck.

On and below the flight deck, 167 ABEs maintain and operate the catapults on a daily basis; six percent of which are females.

"The rate for females only opened up not too long ago," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Sheila Seripap, from Atlanta, Ga. "Every work center only has a handful of females in it."

Lincoln's ABEs work long days and nights to keep the catapults in a readiness condition, which has led to more than 1,400 sortie missions launched since October 2010 in support of OEF.

"Aviation boatswain's mates are some of the hardest working people on the flight deck of the ship," said Seripap. "It is not that many of us, but we can do it."

Parker, the only female shooter aboard Lincoln, inspected the waist catapults prior to flight operations and signaled the launch of aircraft. She attributed the unique opportunity to field an all-female team to the tenacity of the team members.

"If it weren't for the guys training the women, and the women having the courage to work in the most dangerous four-and-a-half acres of sovereign U.S. territory there is, then we wouldn't have had the opportunity to have an all-female catapult crew," Parker said. "These ladies are awesome, and the guys they work with are awesome too."

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Gates Praises USS Lincoln’s Crew for War Contributions

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

MUSCAT, Oman, Dec. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today praised the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln for its support of the war effort in Afghanistan.

Gates arrived aboard the Nimitz-class supercarrier off the coast of Oman this morning, and in addition to touring the ship, observing operations and meeting with small groups of crew members, he held an “all hands call” with hundreds of sailors.

“This visit gives me the opportunity to thank all of you for your service, personally and on behalf of the American people,” he told the Lincoln’s crew. “I want you to know that the entire nation is praying for you and for the success of your mission.”

Though they’re hundreds of miles from Afghanistan, the secretary said, their efforts are making an important impact for ground forces there.

“When your aircraft come screaming, our troops hear the sound of relief and the enemy knows what’s coming next,” Gates said. “You are delivering lethal blows to them and protecting the lives of our men and women on the battlefield. Still, recognizing the complexities of this battle environment, you have been extraordinarily conscious about the need to avoid civilian casualties.”

The secretary invited questions from the crew, and their topics included the defense budget, the prospects for repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, and North Korean provocation.

In response to a sailor who asked whether defense budget cuts might affect the Navy’s ability to buy ships, Gates said that while the country is facing a $1.3 trillion deficit, the defense budget should not be a target.

“People are going to look to us to be responsible and to contribute to addressing these problems,” he said. “My view is that we don’t address those problems by cutting the defense budget. We address those problems by making sure that every dollar spent for defense is spent wisely and intelligently. It means cutting wasteful programs and overhead and excess staff, and investing that in force structure and capabilities.

“I don’t see the world getting safer over the next 10 years; there will continue to be significant challenges even after Iraq and Afghanistan,” he continued. “And so my hope is that the Congress will work with us, recognize the efforts that we have made to rid the defense budget of waste and abuse and allow us to use the monies we’ve identified in overhead and apply them against capabilities.”

Failing that, he added, the military’s ability to sustain its force structure, including the number of ships, “will be seriously in jeopardy, in my view.”

Another sailor asked whether, in light of recent North Korean provocation, the Lincoln crew might head to that region next. Gates replied that it’s not likely.

“I think the general feeling is that what we are seeing in these provocations in North Korea is a part of the succession, as Kim Jong-Il prepares for his son to take his place,” he explained.

The sinking of a South Korean ship earlier this year, the revelation of a North Korean nuclear enrichment facility and the recent artillery attack on a South Korean island seem to be designed to show the North Korean people, and most importantly, its military, that the ailing leader’s son and heir apparent is tough and strong enough to take leadership, Gates said.

“I think this is a difficult and potentially dangerous time,” the secretary added. “The North Koreans have engaged in some very provocative actions. They get everyone upset, then they volunteer to come back to talks, and we basically end up buying the same horse twice.

“So I think we need to figure out the way ahead with North Korea,” he continued. “Nobody wants a war on the Korean peninsula. And I think we just have to work with the Chinese and with others to see if we can’t bring some greater stability, some greater predictability to the regime in Pyongyang.”

Another crew member wanted to know whether Gates thinks the current Congress will repeal the law that bans gays from serving openly in the military after a Defense Department working group that studied the issue released its report last week.

“I’d have to say I’m not particularly optimistic that they’re going to get this done,” he said, noting that Congress has only two weeks remaining in the current session. “I would hope that they would,” he added.

Gates reiterated his concern that if Congress doesn’t act on the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation –- which would repeal the law once he certifies, along with the president and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that the military can handle it -- the courts might overturn the policy on their own.

“My greatest fear is that we will be told that this law will be overturned by a court and we will be told to implement it without any time for preparation for training [or] any of the other efforts that need to be undertaken to prepare us for such a change,” he said. By contrast, he added, the legislative repeal route gives the Pentagon “enormous latitude” to prepare for such a change.

The service chiefs provided testimony on the matter before the Senate Armed Services Committee last week, and some said that while they believe the law eventually will be repealed, now may not be the right time for that to happen.

“I agree with the service chiefs,” Gates said today. “A change in this law is inevitable. Their concern is whether it ought to be done now, while the force is under such stress, with such continuing rotations, or deployments, still having the war in Afghanistan, and still having 50,000 troops in Iraq.

“Their view is, by and large, that it should come, but not now,” he continued. “And we’ll see where the Congress goes with it.”

If Congress does repeal the law, Gates told the group, he would put a lot of stock in the service chiefs’ views in terms of when to certify the military is ready to implement repeal.

Gates will remain aboard the carrier overnight.