Researcher Allows Lincoln Strike Group to Perfect Tactics

By Mass Communication Specialist Jerine Lee, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- An embarked researcher from the Center for Naval Analysis (CNA) gathered data to help improve USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), efficiency and effectiveness Sept. 27.

Brent M. Goode, Ph.D., a CNA research analyst since March 2006, came aboard Lincoln as an operations analyst for the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group's deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

Goode is collecting statistics on systems, such as failure and success rates, to improve potential tactical advantages and refine techniques that advance the strike group's mission success.

"My work involves a wide spectrum of Lincoln's operations, such as study of flight operations efficiency, support levels for underway refueling and resupply, and advanced tactical positioning and maneuvering techniques" said Goode, a native of Huntsville, Ala.

By linking empirical and quantitative data, CNA gives Lincoln strike group another tactical advantage over possible threats.

"We look for procedures in the Navy that are efficient and those that could be improved. That way, through research and experimentation, we can develop more ways to be work-effective and cost-effective." said Goode.

CNA performs their objectives by using a unique observational method with field-based, hands-on research. While deployed with Lincoln Strike Group, Goode is considered part of the Lincoln team just like the 7,000 active duty Sailors that comprise the force.

"The great thing about CNA is that as researchers, we do more than look at stats and compare them," said Goode. "We get to leave the office and do work for the Fleet that is meant to have an impact and make a change for the better."

CNA is a federally-funded research and development center that provides the Navy and Marine Corps with evaluations and studies in multiple fields, such as advanced technology and systems analysis, operations and tactics analyses, and strategic studies.

"I'm learning so much here, being exposed to everything. It is exciting seeing the myriad of operations that happen aboard Lincoln and I hope to make it a more efficient fighting force," said Goode. "All the documentation is an effort to learn and improve things, and help the strike group, but beyond that, to affect the Navy as a whole."

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and the embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. Ships assigned to DESRON 9 include the Everett-based destroyers Momsen (DDG 92) and Shoup (DDG 86), as well as USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).