Cooks from the Valley Grill Steaks for Lincoln Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathleen L. Church, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) enjoyed fresh steaks complements of Cooks from the Valley during a steel beach picnic on the ship's flight deck, July 5.

The all-volunteer, California-based organization brought more than 4,500 Harris Ranch, 12-ounce New York center-cut steaks to Lincoln Sailors to show appreciation for their service and to help them celebrate Independence Day at sea.

"The Cooks from the Valley feel it is a privilege to feed the Sailors," said Donald Collins, one of the organization's volunteers. "It is a chance for us to come out and see all of the Sailors' hard work and reward them for their efforts."

The steaks were transported to the ship, where the volunteers, with help from Sailors, marinated and seasoned the meat in preparation for the event.

"Grilling the steaks is our way of giving back to the Sailors," said Jeff Peters, another volunteer with Cooks from the Valley. "We make sure to purchase a high quality of steak so each Sailor eats the quality food they deserve."

Celebrating the holiday one day after the Fourth of July, Sailors also spent the afternoon relaxing and enjoying a variety of recreational events. They competed in a touch football game, raced remote control cars, hit golf balls off the fantail and listened to music.

"Not only did I get a chance to relax from work and see my friends, I got the chance to enjoy an absolutely amazing steak," said Airman Recruit Torri Wentz. "The cooks did a great job; the steak was the highlight of my day."

Cooks from the Valley volunteers also brought steaks to Sailors serving aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) during a five-day visit to ships in the Arabian Sea.

Lincoln is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Nine, which is also comprised of embarked Carrier Air Wing Two, Cape St. George and Destroyer Squadron Nine. CSG-9 is in 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.