Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class James Evans | Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen addresses Sailors in the hangar bay...... read more read more
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By Petty Officer 2nd Class Arianne A. Anderson
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command
NORTH PERSIAN SEA -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, Commander, Multi-National Force - Iraq, Army Gen. David Petraeus, Commander, International Security Assistance Force Gen. David McKiernan, Commander, Special Operations Command Adm. Eric Olson, Acting Commander, Central Command Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey and several other high-ranking military officials visited USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 26-27, 2008.
The distinguished visitors toured the ship, attended briefings, visited with Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 2 crew members and awarded a Helicopter Squadron 2 Sailor the Navy/Marine Corps Medal.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Jesse P. Hubble was awarded for his efforts in rescuing seven crew members in a crash of a Navy HH-60H helicopter off the coast of Southern California in November of last year.
"It was completely unexpected, but extremely appreciated," Hubble, a San Diego native, said. "It's a really big day for me."
Mullen congratulated Hubble and addressed the crews of HS2 and Lincoln.
"Thank you," he said. "You [Lincoln and CVW2 crew members] represent the thousands of shipmates who couldn't be here. I want to express my/our gratitude for everything you do out here."
Mullen said he believes today's Navy is the best it's been.
"I've been around for a very long time," he said. "Hands down, you're the best I've ever seen. We couldn't do this without you and your families' support. It's truly been spectacular in the last seven years."
Mullen said the visit was a wonderful experience.
"Thank you for the hospitality," he said over the ship's announcing system. "It's a terrific ship, a terrific crew, and I can't say enough. From the Captain down to the folks that prepare the meals and make the screws turn, you're doing an excellent job."
With less than two months left at sea, Mullen reminded Lincoln Sailors not to become complacent within their jobs.
"You've [Lincoln and CVW2 crew members] done a great job so far," he said. "Keep your heads in the game and get Lincoln home safely."
Petraeus and Mullen walked throughout the crowds meeting Sailors, and Mullen posed for pictures and passed out coins.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class James E. Harrison, of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, said meeting Mullen was a really unique experience.
"He [Mullen] gave me my first coin," Harrison said. "I doubt I'll be able to top it. I think it's really neat that he took time out of his busy schedule to hang out with us and see how we live out here on the ship."
"Thanks for what you are doing, for serving your country especially during this critical time," Mullen said. "Lincoln and the strike group [Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9] have an exceptional reputation."
Commander, CSG9 Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk congratulated the crew of Lincoln and CVW2 for a job well done in facilitating the visit.
"Thank you for all of the hard work and helping out to make this visit a success," he said over the ship's 1MC. "The visit went very well and I think they had a good time visiting with you guys. Good job."
Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as performing Maritime Security Operations.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.28.2008 12:28 |
| Story ID: | 22971 |
| Location: | NORTH PERSIAN SEA, AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 241 |
| Downloads: | 214 |
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