NAVCENT Commander Visits Lincoln

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

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in the Arabian Gulf, March 19-20.

During his visit, Vice Adm. Mark Fox met with leadership from Abraham Lincoln, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9. He also toured the ship and spoke to Sailors during an all-hands call.

Fox discussed numerous topics including Operation Enduring Freedom, the future of cyber warfare and the importance of the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"We as a nation have interests all over the world," Fox said. "The Strait of Hormuz, and this particular part of the world in general, are vital to the overall wellbeing of the global economy, and we are all interconnected."

He thanked the crew for all the long hours and months of work they have put in supporting the mission and maintaining stability in the region.

"I fully understand the nature and the challenges of the mission we've given to all of you," he said. "You guys have been on a really tough schedule, but you're all doing some incredibly important work. I appreciate it."

Fox acknowledged the professionalism of the men and women serving on the ship and throughout the strike group.

"You are the role models of what our nation is all about," he said. "You come together from all over different parts of our large country to serve and do something that is so much bigger than yourselves."

He concluded by thanking the crew for their service to the country and for their devotion to duty. "Thanks for your service," he said. "It's an honor to be aboard Abraham Lincoln. God bless you all, and thank you for what you're doing."

CSG 9 is comprised of Lincoln, CVW 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and DESRON 9, which consists of guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Momsen (DDG 92). The strike group is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.