Military

USS Abraham Lincoln Goes Underway For "Work Ups"

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070710-09
Release Date: 7/10/2007 5:42:00 PM

By Information Technician Specialist 3rd Class Sabrina Wade-Brent, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) got underway from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett July 7, and began its transition south toward San Diego for a scheduled underway period.

Lincoln is returning to the Pacific Ocean for several weeks of training and exercises, marking the beginning of Lincoln’s training cycle following a nine-month dry-dock planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash.

The sea trials will test Lincoln’s systems and crew in preparation for their return to full operational capability status before departing on a scheduled six-month deployment early next year.

Many Sailors have set goals for themselves and plan on taking advantage of the underway period to advance themselves to the next stage in their Navy careers.

“I’m happy and ready to go,” said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristle Rhodes. “This underway period is a great way to work on my qualifications.”

“My goal is to get qualified and make rank,” said Cryptologic Technical Technician 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Logan, assigned to Operations Department. “By going on this deployment, it will enable me to get my air warfare pin so that I can make first class sooner.”

Some Sailors look forward to the chance to meet other goals during deployment.

"Being out to sea is a good way for me to save my money,” Cryptologic Technical Technician 2nd Class (SW) Terek Green of Operations Department.

Other Sailors expressed how much they will miss their families but said they are proud of what the Navy does for the country.

“Being away from my family is extremely hard, but we knew the time away from one another would be the price for being a part of something great when I joined,” Airman Jason Brent assigned to Lincoln’s Supply Department said. “I am proud of what I do and I know my friends and family feel the same. All I ask of them is to give me this time to do what needs to be done and when I get back I’ll be expecting hugs and kisses.”