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AIRLANT presents Battle "E" to Lincoln Sailors
Story Number: NNS130327-03
3/27/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Walters, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, visited Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) March 25, to present and congratulate the crew on receiving the Naval Air Force Pacific Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award.

"This is the result of all the Sailors' hard work from last deployment; 30,000 flight hours, 881 arrested landings and a great performance during deployment," said Branch.

The Battle "E" is an evaluation of the ship's abilities in logistics, material, engineering, damage control, navigation and command and control, as well as air, surface and subsurface warfare.

After its deployment, Lincoln changed homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk Aug. 7, to begin its four-year refueling complex overhaul (RCOH).

Branch explained to the crew that RCOH is a very difficult time, and it's not typical duty for Sailors.

"This is not what many people join the Navy for," Branch said. "It is essential to get everything done right and as safely as possible during RCOH, so no Sailors get hurt."

Branch reminded the crew not to mix drinking and driving. He said alcohol abuse and sexual assault go hand in hand.

"To be successful with sexual assault prevention and response, we need to rely on Sailors to recognize the situation; being ready and having shipmates taking care of shipmates," said Branch.

Branch concluded by commending the Sailors on their hard work during the ship's last deployment before preparing to go into the ship yard.

"Congratulations on getting the Battle 'E', getting ready for a ship yard environment and the start to bringing this ship back into the fleet," said Branch. "Keep your head up and take care of each other."

Lincoln is scheduled to move to Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipyard March 28, for the majority of its RCOH.

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