USS Nimitz Arrives In San Francisco

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacquelyn Childs, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived in San Francisco May 27 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sailors on board Nimitz set sail May 24 along with family members and friends as part of a Tiger Cruise which allowed the guests to experience life at sea.

During the Tiger Cruise, guests were treated to numerous ship-wide evolutions including a flight deck and a lifeboat demonstration.

Additionally the ship's supply department and Morale Welfare and Recreation program treated the Tigers to a steel beach picnic and an array of activities in the hangar bays.

The skies cleared Sunday allowing the Tigers, and residents of San Francisco, an awe-inspiring view of Nimitz as the ship passed under the Golden Gate Bridge.

"I'm excited," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Tracy Cales. "I think having an aircraft carrier coming through the bay shows the safe operation and how we're trusted. Also, having my parents here is just awesome."

Members of Nimitz' Deck Department conducted a safe anchoring evolution concluding the transit into San Francisco Bay. The embarked guests agreed: arriving with the ship was a unique opportunity for the Tigers to be able to share the experience with the crew.

"I really enjoyed it," said Dennis Cales, Tracy's father. "I feel like it's a great opportunity to come down here with the carrier since carriers don't arrive in San Francisco every day."

While the ship was underway, Tigers had the opportunity to see Sailors performing their every day duties.

"They've been able to see what I do with my every day work," said Tracy. "Now when I call home and start talking to them about certain things they will have a better understanding."

Family members of the crew were grateful for the opportunity to set sail with the ship and experience the Navy life.

"It was great," said Brenda Cales, Tracy's mother. "I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Tracy and getting to see what her everyday life is like out here. This was a great opportunity and we probably would've come along no matter what the destination of the cruise was."

Before leaving for Tiger Cruise, Nimitz recently arrived to its homeport of Naval Station Everett, Wash., May 16 after successfully completing carrier qualifications including flight deck certification.

MCPON Visits Everett

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerine Lee, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West visited Naval Station Everett to speak with Sailors of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, Naval Station Everett Sailors and civilians during an all hands call in the ship's hangar bay, Nov. 3.

West spoke to Sailors about changes in the Navy such as budgeting, warfare pins, retirements and manpower in the Navy. Afterwards, he answered questions from the audience.

"We are a Navy on the go," said West. "Overall, we are doing well but the Navy is constantly changing and we need to stay focused, communicate with each other and keep moving."

In his remarks, he also recognized the dedication of the Sailors and support from their families by thanking them for their service and appreciation for their sacrifices.

"Nothing would get done if it wasn't for the hard work of the Sailors on this great warship," said West. "All those ships out there are just hunks of metal and technology floating in the sea. The engine that truly runs the Navy is you, our Sailors."

Personnel Specialist 1st Class Kathryn Benjamin met and spoke with West and said he brought inspiration to the ship.

"It was really nice to have a senior enlisted leader speak to us so we can relate," said Benjamin. "He is a good person and an even better role model that brought motivation to the crew before the upcoming deployment."

Abraham Lincoln Returns Home to Everett for the Last Time

From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) pulled into her homeport of Everett, Wash., for the last time, Oct. 18.

Lincoln will depart Everett in December for a change-of-homeport deployment that will take the ship to its new homeport in Norfolk, Va. Lincoln is relocating to conduct a scheduled four-year refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in-port maintenance period, which will refurbish the ship for another 25 years of service.

Lincoln Commanding Officer Capt. John D. Alexander said the ship's crew and their families will be sad to leave so many friends and Navy supporters behind when Lincoln departs Washington later this year.

"Abraham Lincoln will forever be tied to Everett and the Pacific Northwest," Alexander said. "The city has been home for the ship and our families for some 15 years. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for the support this community has provided."

The Navy announced in December 2010 that USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will replace Lincoln in Everett upon completion of a docking planned incremental availability (DPIA) maintenance at Bremerton, Wash., in December.

Lincoln has been based out of Naval Station Everett since January 1997.

"I wish to thank all the people of Washington and the Everett area for their enormous efforts on our behalf throughout the years," Alexander said. "They are all great Americans and are to be congratulated on their undying contributions to the Navy."

Lincoln departed Everett, Sept. 15, for several weeks of training in preparation for the upcoming deployment, including a three-week composite training unit exercise off the coast of California. Lincoln and Carrier Strike Group 9, Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) participated in the exercise.