USA: CVN 72 Promotes New Leaders

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) promoted 213 of its Sailors at a frocking ceremony Dec. 5 at Huntington Hall Athletic Field.

Twenty-five Sailors advanced to petty officer first class, 78 to petty officer second class and 110 to petty officer third class. Slightly more E3s were promoted to petty officer third class than the spring 2013 cycle.

Lincoln’s Educational Services Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Telly Myles, reflected on the results.

“Advancement plays a key role toward retention and a service member’s decision to make the Navy a career,” said Myles. “When highly trained Sailors advance in pay grade, they tend to re-enlist, which helps the Navy’s goals.”

Newly frocked Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Kenneth Gilliam, is excited with being frocked after three tries.

“It feels amazing to be advancing my career,” said Gilliam. “Now that I made it, I look forward to being stationed overseas.”

Lincoln’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Karl O. Thomas, presented each newly frocked Sailor with an authorization letter and words of encouragement.

“I enjoy rewarding hard work and I am looking forward to diffusing new, energetic leaders into our command,” said Thomas. “I hope this motivates all of the Sailors that didn’t advance this cycle, to study more and work hard during this difficult RCOH period.”

Lincoln is currently undergoing a 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 aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense.

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Press Release, December 06, 2013; Image: US Navy