Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Los Angeles for Navy Week

From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and several other ships arrived in Los Angeles, Jul. 25, bringing several thousand Sailors to visit the city and surrounding areas as part of L.A. Navy Week 2011.

Navy Week is an opportunity for the officers and crew of the visiting ships to help the Navy showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens. Lincoln's participation in L.A. Navy Week will demonstrate to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an effective and vital tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women.

The Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to showcase the investments Americans have made toward their national defense.

Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, said the visiting ships and personnel are eager to interact with the people of Southern California.

"We're excited to be here in Los Angeles to participate in Navy Week," Shoemaker said. "We're looking forward to showing the people here how much pride we have in our Navy and what we do in defense of our country."

Shoemaker said the visit to L.A. would highlight two complementary aspects that make the United States great. "The L.A.-Long Beach port is one of the biggest in the world. It's an incredibly important part of America's economy, and the Navy ensures sea lanes remain secure, open and free for trade and travel."

While in Los Angeles, Sailors will contribute to the local economy by taking part in a variety of Southern California activities, from attending L.A. Dodgers baseball games to visiting Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Lincoln Sailors are also scheduled to participate in community relations projects building houses for local residents in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity.

Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer, said he expects Lincoln Sailors to make a favorable impression on the people of L.A.

"We have some incredibly talented and hard-working personnel serving aboard this ship," Alexander said. "Every day, our Sailors positively contribute to the American way of life by serving in this great organization. No matter how remarkable the people of Southern California find our ships, they'll be even more impressed by the pride and professionalism of our people."

Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 are Lincoln, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 31, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods and prior to a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.