Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) gathered on the track at Huntington Hall not just for weekly physical fitness training, but for the results of the advancement exams, Nov. 21.
The tension was thick and the faces were painted with nervous excitement as Sailors waited to hear their names called. The crowd of Sailors fell silent when Capt. Todd Marzano, Lincoln’s executive officer, stepped up to the microphone and said, “We’re going to start with the new First Class Petty Officers …”
Exactly 236 Lincoln Sailors advanced to 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class Petty Officer, respectively. As expected, advancements to E-4, E-5, and E-6 have risen compared to last cycle’s results of 184 advancing.
Marzano expressed his pride in all of the Lincoln Sailors who advanced to the next rank.
“The number of Sailors who advanced is significantly higher than last years’ numbers,” Marzano said. “It’s really a testament to the professionalism and hard work of all the Lincoln Sailors.”
Many Sailors who advanced this cycle, such as Fire Controlman 3rd Class Joseph Williams, have taken the advancement test multiple times, which made the feeling that much more rewarding, he commented.
“Now that I made [Petty Officer] 2nd Class, I feel relieved,” Williams said. “I’m glad I finally have the opportunity to step up to bigger and better things in my career.”
Fire Controlman 2nd Class Travis Raub also advanced this cycle, and is looking forward to the responsibilities expected of him, given this new rank.
“I’ve been in the Navy for six years, and I’m proud to have made [Petty Officer] 1st Class,” Raub said.
For Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Darin Speers, his newly acquired rank is a chance for him to prove himself, take on more responsibilities, and be better equipped to support the command’s mission.
“Now that I’ve advanced, this is a good way for me to develop my leadership qualities,” Speers said. “I know that I deserve it because I worked hard for it, now I have to step up and take on more of a leadership role.”
Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class carriers.
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Press Release; Image: US Navy