USS Abraham Lincoln Underway for Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark Logico

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham 

Lincoln (CVN 72) got underway for sea trails, May 9, following a four-year 

refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, 

Newport News, Virginia.

The four-day sea trails marks Abraham Lincoln's first time underway since 

March 2013. The ship spent its last days in the shipyard completing a five-day

"fast cruise," May 2-7, making final preparations for its transit to Naval Station 

Norfolk.

"We are looking forward to taking the ship out on the open water where we 

belong," said Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, Lincoln's executive officer. "I am 

honored to serve with our crew. This dedicated and impressive group put an 

incredible amount of work into revitalizing this ship. We are grateful for their 

efforts and to our partners at Newport News Shipbuilding, and eagerly 

anticipate completing successful sea trials and returning to the fleet ready 

for tasking later this year."

During sea trials, the Abraham Lincoln crew will undergo multiple training 

scenarios and qualification evolutions to include engineering maneuvers 

designed to evaluate the performance of the ship after the extensive 

maintenance period.

"Our team has worked hard to get USS Abraham Lincoln ready to redeliver 

to the fleet," said Rear Adm. Brian Antonio, program executive officer for 

aircraft carriers. "She has undergone significant combat systems modernization 

and will also be the first CVN capable of accommodating the F-35C 

Lightning II. This RCOH enabled the ship to meet future missions and 

continued service life requirements for many years to come."

During RCOH, more than 2.5 million man-hours of work were conducted 

aboard the ship, including refueling the reactors, upgrading ship's infrastructure 

and modernizing combat systems and air wing capabilities to increase combat 

effectiveness.

Abraham Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH, 

a major lifecycle milestone at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of 

Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News. She returns to the fleet as 

one of the most modern and technologically-advanced Nimitz-class aircraft 

carriers in service and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense 

for an additional 25 years. 

Abraham Lincoln Begins Crew Move Aboard

By Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Raine Northen, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) began the ship's first phase of the crew move aboard (CMA) process Feb. 26.

 CMA marks a major step for the crew as they bring the ship one step closer to completing its refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) and returning to the fleet.

 "The crew move aboard is a major milestone," said Lincoln's Command Master Chief Lee Salas. "Today, we are opening up our berthing spaces and galley and officially returning home. We still have a long way to go, but now we are coming down the home stretch toward delivering this warship to the fleet this fall."

 Sailors settled into berthing spaces and enjoyed a special meal in the ship's newly refurbished Aft Mess Decks to mark the occasion.

 "It's remarkable that we're here today, cutting the ribbon on the crew's mess decks and getting ready to sit down and eat the first meal on board with our shipmates," said Capt. Ronald Ravelo, Lincoln's commanding officer. "I'm immensely proud of the hard work our Sailors have put into getting us to this point. I'm also proud of our teammates from Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) and the various other contractors that have made this day possible. None of us could have done it on our own; today is a true testament to the enduring partnership between the U.S. Navy and our shipbuilder partners."

 Nearly 500 spaces were completed by Lincoln's crew and their NNS counterparts. Work in most spaces included updating electrical and mechanical equipment, replacing furniture and decks, painting, and readying the ship for another 25 years of service to the fleet.

 In addition to some Sailors moving aboard, special opening ceremonies were held for the ship's store, barbershop, Morale, Welfare and Recreation spaces, post office, and cardio gym.

 "It is all about taking back our spaces and getting back to work as if we were at sea again," said Ship's Serviceman Seaman Temarcus Jones, who provided the barbershop's first haircut to the command master chief. "I am looking forward to Sailors coming in for a trim and the getting closer to the normal living and working routine aboard the ship."

 Ravelo added that CMA event is the most visible signal that Lincoln is coming back to life and ready to provide for its Sailors.

 "The ability to berth and mess the crew means we're one step closer to getting underway in order to meet operational commitments," he said. "For many of my Sailors, the ability to live aboard a Navy warship is an experience that is both new and exciting. This is why they joined the Navy -- to be a part of this crew, live aboard this ship at sea, and bring sustained combat power from the sea wherever it might be needed."

 Lincoln is currently undergoing RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. 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 the nation's defense.

Theodore Roosevelt Returns to Norfolk as a Ready for Tasking Carrier

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to its homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 29, after conducting Sea Trials following an extensive four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

Sea Trials are a multi-day underway period to test the carrier's systems and overall mission readiness. Theodore Roosevelt conducted Sea Trials after departing from Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) shipyard at Newport News, Va.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of this ship and crew," TR's commanding officer Capt. Daniel Grieco told the crew. "You've done a fantastic job putting the ship through her paces, testing every system and ensuring TR is a ready for tasking aircraft carrier and asset to Naval aviation. Enjoy the holiday weekend, then come back rested and ready to show the fleet that the 'Big Stick' is back and ready to be the pride of the fleet."

Throughout the ship, Sailors were excited to have their ship become operational, as some have spent most of their time aboard while in the shipyard.

"Heading to Norfolk means that we are going to be underway a lot, which is fun for me because I am in the Navy, and this is what I like to do," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd class Anna T. Brightwell.

Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth aircraft carrier to have successfully completed 25 years of service and to undergo RCOH. Next, TR begins focusing on additional training and certifications to once again become deployment ready.

Roosey Underway after 4 years in Yards

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departs Newport News Shipyard August 25, in Newport News, Va. The air craft carrier is underway for the first time in four years, conducting Sea Trials, following Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cory Asato/Released)

Navy Establishes Carrier Strike Group 1

An F/A-18E Super Hornet from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 prepares to land on USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) flight deck during routine flight operations. Carl Vinson is underway conducting flight deck certification after the completion of its scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. The RCOH was an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen Rowe/Released)

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy formally established Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 in San Diego October 1, 2009. The flagship for CSG 1 will be the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), currently homeported in Newport News, Va. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1, USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) will round out the strike group.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Ted "Twig" Branch, CSG 1 will be a San Diego-based operational command and will report to Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet.

"We are excited by the opportunity to establish this new command and bring the power of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group online in support of our nation's defense," said Branch. "I'm also very happy to bring this capability, along with the men and women who make it possible, to the great city of San Diego."

Carrier Strike Group 1's first mission is expected to be a transit around South America in the spring of 2010 as Vinson relocates to its new homeport of San Diego.

In support of the nation's maritime strategy, CSG-1 will help promote regional partnerships, deter crisis, project power, promote maritime security, and provide humanitarian assistance or disaster relief within the U.S. Pacific Fleet's 100 million square-mile area of operations.

The Navy took redelivery of Vinson July 11, 2009, following the successful completion of the ship's midlife refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH).

USS Carl Vinson is the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News and is undergoing a four-month post-refueling shipyard maintenance period to prepare for its transit to San Diego.

USS Theodore Roosevelt Transitions to Newport News Shipyard for Complex Overhaul

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Nathan L. Lockwood, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) made the move across the James River Aug. 29 to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News to begin the aircraft carrier's scheduled Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

During the "dead-stick" move, Sailors on the ship's bridge maneuvered the ship while it was moved by tugs en route to a dry-dock at the shipyard where it was built and commissioned nearly 25 years ago.

"RCOH is an important process for the life-span of the ship that will require the combined efforts of the shipyard and the Sailors to finish on time," said TR's commanding officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler. "I am confident that the 'Big Stick' will complete this yard period safely and efficiently and return to the fleet in the coming years ready for full service."

A multi-year overhaul, RCOH involves the alterations, repair, maintenance, and refueling of the aircraft carrier. The RCOH enables the ship to meet future mission and continue service life requirements for approximately the next 25 years. USS Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to participate in the RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding.

Shortly after returning to Naval Station Norfolk on April 18, the ship began the process of preparing the ship for the transit to Newport News. This included making cuts in the ship's hull to accommodate removal and replacement of major ship components.

TR, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, completed a seven-and-a-half month deployment in April during which they deployed to the Gulf of Oman in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ship also made a historic visit to Cape Town, South Africa, and a port call in Portsmouth, England.

After successful completion of all mission requirements Theodore Roosevelt arrived at Naval Station Norfolk on May 30 and began the transition period from an operational front-line, surge capable aircraft carrier into a complex maintenance period where just about every space will undergo refurbishment to sustain the next 25 years of service. Referred to as the "Smart Start" period, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and other maintenance activities were able to get a jump start and prepare TR for entering drydock.

"The Smart Start period allowed the crew and the shipyard to begin building the foundation work on a successful RCOH," according to Cmdr. Gunter Braun, TR's chief engineer. "Based on the results the foundation for success is well-rooted."

Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was commissioned Oct. 25, 1986. The 1,092-foot ship weighs 101,000 tons and carries a crew of approximately 3,200.

USS Theodore Roosevelt Contract Awarded

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded a $2.4 billion contract on Aug. 26 to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

The Navy's Program Executive Office, Aircraft Carriers, heads the planning and execution of aircraft carrier RCOHs in collaboration with NAVSEA, the Fleet and the shipbuilder. NAVSEA is committed to fiscal responsibility and streamlining our maintenance and modernization processes to maintain current readiness at a lower cost.

"USS Theodore Roosevelt will benefit from the experience gained by the Navy and the shipyard from three previous RCOHs," said Capt. Frank Simei, program manager for In-Service Aircraft Carriers. "Refueling, repairing, and modernizing a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier gives the Navy a fully mission-ready aircraft carrier, ready for two and a half more decades of service on the front line."

During a RCOH, the ship is recapitalized for the second-half of its nominal 50-year service life. This includes refueling the reactors, repairing and upgrading ship infrastructure and systems, and modernizing the ship and its combat and communication systems. Theodore Roosevelt is the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to undergo an RCOH in Newport News, Va., the only shipyard capable of conducting a Nimitz-class RCOH.

Additionally, Theodore Roosevelt will be the first aircraft carrier to not include a follow-on Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) maintenance period. The work typically conducted in the SRA will be incorporated into the RCOH.

Theodore Roosevelt's RCOH is scheduled to be completed in February 2013.

Aircraft carriers enable the Navy to execute all six core capabilities of the maritime strategy - forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

Navy Accepts Re-Delivery of USS Carl Vinson

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) performs high-speed turns during the rudder check phase and sea trials certification. Carl Vinson is now working towards a flight deck certification. While at sea, the ship will launch and recover aircraft for the first time in nearly four and a half years. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy took re-delivery of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) July 11, following successful completion of its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

USS Carl Vinson began its RCOH in November, 2005. During her RCOH more than 20 million man-hours of work were conducted on board the ship, divided between refueling the propulsion plant, upgrading ship's infrastructure to last another 25 years, and modernizing combat systems and airwing capabilities to increase combat effectiveness.

"USS Carl Vinson's return to the fleet is the result of hard work by the ship's crew, shipyard employees, and the men and women at Program Executive Office (PEO) Carriers and the Naval Sea Systems Command who plan and oversee the ship's RCOH. Thanks to advance planning efforts begun years before the start of work we were able to complete the RCOH on budget," said Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers Rear Adm. Michael McMahon.

USS Carl Vinson is the third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier to complete RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) begins her RCOH later this summer. Advance Planning is currently ongoing for the USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) RCOH.

PEO Aircraft Carriers is responsible for the acquisition, modernization and support of the Navy's in-service and future aircraft carriers.

USS Theodore Roosevelt Scoops Equipment to Prep for Overhaul

By MC2(SW) Bonnie Williams, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) began a shipboard coordinated off-load and outfitting plan (SCOOP) at Naval Station Norfolk June 15.

The SCOOP process involves unloading all shipboard equipment, furniture and tools not welded, wired or piped into place.

"Things that we can use again will be kept; everything else will be [disposed of]," said Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW/SS) Michael Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt's (TR) maintenance, material and management coordinator.

Everything on the ship must be accounted for and inventoried to be placed in storage or transferred to the floating accommodation facility (FAF) before the scheduled 40-month refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) in October at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard.

"We've been planning SCOOP since January, and all departments are ready to begin this process," said Lt. Cmdr. Karen Dallas, TR's principal assistant for logistics and primary SCOOP coordinator.

A team of 100 Sailors from every department aboard the ship will be issued specialized computers to inventory equipment from their respective departments. Departmental personnel will pack the material and hand it over to civilian contractors for the move.

"Each department has its own SCOOP coordinator who is in charge of making sure the equipment is [in good working condition] and that it is accounted for properly with the computers," said Dallas.

The medical department will be the first to have equipment removed from the ship, followed by the supply department.

"It's important for medical to SCOOP their equipment first, as they need to have services for the crew set up on the FAF," said Dallas. "Supply will move next to provide meals on the FAF."

SCOOP will be the largest evolution conducted by the ship before it enters RCOH. Despite the immensity of the job, TR Sailors are more than ready to handle it.

"I think it will be great," said Dallas. "Everyone is excited and being proactive to get all the material off the ship. All hands have been actively involved in ensuring the process [goes well]."

Naval station visitors may experience slight delays in transiting near the naval station's waterfront with the additional equipment movements.

"Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes as we anticipate traffic delays along Decatur, said Lt. Jeff Eidenberger, a security officer at Naval Station Norfolk.

Gold Eagle Sailors Welcome 3rd Fleet Commander

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) maneuvers away from the pier to turn the ship around to enable operation of the ship's propellers and complete the next phase of the scheduled ship's refueling complex overhaul (RCOH). Carl Vinson is undergoing a scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Shen/Released)
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Philip Schrickel, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- As USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares to become a 3rd Fleet asset, the commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet paid a visit to "Gold Eagle" and her crew April 29.

Vice Adm. Samuel J. Locklear was able to take a first-hand look at the pride, professionalism, and technical competence of Carl Vinson Sailors in addition to their effective and productive teamwork with Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB).

Along with Locklear's visual update of the progress made by Carl Vinson and her crew during refueling complex overhaul (RCOH), an emphasis was put on the integration and cooperation between Gold Eagle, Supervisor of Shipbuilding and NGSB, which has directly contributed toward an under budget completion and delivery to the fleet.

"I am very proud of what you all have accomplished in the shipyards," said Locklear. "This place is unbelievable, it looks so much better than when I was aboard."

Locklear served aboard Carl Vinson as the electrical principal assistant early in his career after completing the Navy nuclear propulsion program.

During his visit, Locklear stopped and addressed Carl Vinson chiefs and officers in the ship's wardroom, answering questions and reassuring them of San Diego's eagerness to receive the Sailors and their families into their community.

"We are very flexible and adaptable at North Island," said Locklear. "San Diego awaits you at the end of the tunnel."

Toward the end of his visit to the aircraft carrier, Locklear took time to attend the enlisted surface warfare specialist and enlisted aviation warfare specialist pinning ceremony and address the awardees on a job well done.

"It was such an honor to have Vice Adm. Locklear attend our pinning ceremony," said Seaman (SW) Ryan Burns of Deck department's 1st division. "It made the accomplishment mean that much more."

Carl Vinson is completing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding at Newport News VA. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.

During RCOH, Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel has been replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and ready for another 25 years or more of service.

USS Carl Vinson Readies to Get Back in Fight

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristan Robertson, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are conducting general quarters (GQ) drills this November after a three-year pause while the ship was undergoing it's extensive mid-life overhaul at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.

For Sailors who have served aboard Vinson during its tenure in the shipyard, the implementation of GQ drills signals an imminent return of the aircraft carrier to operational status.

"As a new Sailor on board the ship, I am impressed and assured with the ship's commitment to readiness, and I am confident our crew will learn and do what we need to during this training to protect the ship in the event of an emergency," said Electronic Technician Seaman Michael Rodman, CS-6 division.

Leading the efforts is the ship's Damage Control Assistant, Cmdr. Chris Majors. Now is the time for Vinson's crew to bring themselves to an at-sea state of readiness. GQ drills enhance the ship's ability to be effective as a war-fighting platform.

"GQ can be called away anytime we encounter potential threats to the ship at sea, whether it's an air, surface or subsurface contact coming toward the ship in an aggressive manner, or there's a fire that can't be handled by the ship's flying squad alone," said Majors. "It's about obtaining maximum readiness to protect our ship."

Carl Vinson is taking a 'crawl, walk and run' approach with bringing back proficiency in damage control drills. Initial goals for weekly GQ sessions center around ensuring members of ship's company are in the right place at the right time. This means Sailors report to their repair lockers in four minutes or less, material condition Zebra is properly set throughout the ship in 12 minutes or less, and watertight hatches are secured to maintain maximum battle integrity.

Proficiency with GQ drills only comes from practice and enthusiasm.

"It is especially important for every crew member to take time during GQ to learn their role and become proficient with it," said Majors. "If you look at USS Cole, USS Stark and USS Samuel B. Roberts, it wasn't just the damage controlmen handling the emergency, it was the entire crew who reacted to save the ship. Damage control, by way of GQ drills, is everyone's responsibility," said Majors.

USS Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.

During RCOH Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25 years or more of service.