Lincoln Sailors Visit Downtown Disneyland

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

ANAHEIM, Calf. (NNS) -- The happiest place in the world just got happier as Sailors of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) visit Downtown Disney to enjoy the Navy band's performance, the attractions and the support from locals and tourists in celebration of the 2011 L.A. Navy Week, July 27.

Visiting Downtown Disney gave Lincoln Sailors an opportunity to express their gratitude for the patriotism from all civilians. Sailors had the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, eat at hot-spots such as the 'House of Blues' and listen to local bands.

"I think it's great that the Sailors are out here and having some well-deserved relaxation and fun," said Walter Prescott, a fellow Los Angeles native visiting the sites of Downtown Disney. "I am so thankful for their service and hope they enjoy their time in the city."

The Navy Region Southwest Show-band performed songs in support of L.A. Navy Week and to boost morale for the audience.

"I love performing during Navy Weeks because it gives us an opportunity to bring something to civilians, and those who have friends and family in the service," said Musician 2nd Class Heather Downing, a baritone saxophone player, piccolo player and singer for the Navy Region Southwest Show-band. "It's even better when we boost morale for other Sailors. Performing is our way of saying thank you."

The band was great and I had a really great time," said Cryptologic Specialist (Technical) 1st Class Darryl Hitchcock. "We are in a great place with great people, celebrating together."

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 for Americans the investments they have made toward their national defense.

Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 are USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), 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 ahead of a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.

For more information and a schedule of L.A. Navy Week 2011 events, visit www.navyweek.org/losangeles2011.