Lincoln Sailors Donate Blood in Support of the Troops

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) donated blood at a mobile blood donating facility at Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 23.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Aaron Oswald, assigned to Lincoln and one of the many assistants in the blood drive, said the drive was part of the Armed Services Blood Drive Program (ASBP) Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.

Sailors registered for the blood drive and filled out an initial screening aboard Lincoln's Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF). Once the initial screening was done Sailors transitioned to the mobile facility where they had a secondary screening and had their vitals checked. Following the blood iron levels test then they would choose their own donation bag from a box. A size 16 gauge needle was used to draw their blood.

"One pint is collected from each person," said Oswald.

The ASBP donations are used for military service members and their families only. By supporting the blood requirements for military facilities, ASBP provides blood to support overseas units.

ASBP ensures that there is enough blood for medical treatment facilities and for combat operations.

According to Oswald, it's important for the blood to be stored and readily available for patients at medical treatment facilities and for ships that are forward deployed.

Oswald said that donating blood is a simple process. The donor registers, fills out a few forms and completes a simple medical screening, which includes a finger prick to test the donor's hemoglobin. The donor then picks their blood bag and is sent to the donation area. Donors can even use the Internet sign up for the process in advance.

Lt. Heath Lucas donates blood regularly and had a great experience with the assistants from the ASBP.

"I give blood to support my shipmates and brothers and sisters in the armed services," said Lucas.

"For all who would like to donate I say 'good on you,'" said Oswald. "And thank you for supporting your brothers and sisters in arms."

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.