USS Abraham Lincoln hosts Chairman, Key Commanders
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080904-18
Release Date: 9/4/2008 3:56:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arianne A. Anderson
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several senior military officials visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while operating in the North Arabian Sea, Aug. 26-27.
The visitors included Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq; Army Gen. David McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; Navy Adm. Eric Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, acting commander of U.S. Central Command.
The senior officers toured the ship, attended briefings, visited with Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 2 crew members and awarded a Helicopter Squadron 2 Sailor the Navy-Marine Corps Medal.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Jesse P. Hubble was recognized for his efforts in rescuing seven crew members following the crash of a Navy HH-60H helicopter off the coast of Southern California in November 2007.
"It was completely unexpected, but extremely appreciated," Hubble, a San Diego native, said. "It's a really big day for me."
Mullen congratulated Hubble and addressed the Helicopter Squadron 2 and Lincoln crews.
"Thank you," he said. "You represent the thousands of shipmates who couldn't be here. I want to express my -- our -- gratitude for everything you do out here."
Mullen said he believes today's Navy is the best it's been.
"I've been around for a very long time," he said. "Hands down, you're the best I've ever seen. We couldn't do this without you and your families' support. It's truly been spectacular in the last seven years."
Mullen said the visit was a wonderful experience.
"Thank you for the hospitality," he said over the ship's announcing system. "It's a terrific ship, a terrific crew, and I can't say enough. From the captain down to the folks that prepare the meals and make the screws turn, you're doing an excellent job."
Mullen reminded Lincoln Sailors not to become complacent in their jobs as they near the end of their deployment.
"You've done a great job so far," he said. "Keep your heads in the game, and get Lincoln home safely."
Petraeus and Mullen walked throughout the crowds meeting Sailors, and Mullen posed for pictures and passed out coins.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class James E. Harrison, from Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, said meeting Mullen was a unique experience.
"He gave me my first coin," Harrison said. "I doubt I'll be able to top it. I think it's really neat that he took time out of his busy schedule to hang out with us and see how we live out here on the ship."
The chairman had more words of praise for the deployed Sailors.
"Thanks for what you are doing -- for serving your country, especially during this critical time," Mullen said. "Lincoln and [Carrier Strike Group 9] have an exceptional reputation."
Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, the strike group commander, congratulated the crew for a job well done in facilitating the visit.
"Thank you for all of the hard work and helping out to make this visit a success," he said. "The visit went very well, and I think they had a good time visiting with you guys. Good job."
Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as performing maritime security operations.
For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.
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