Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hosted the Capt. Tembe Memorial Golf Tournament, Oct. 29, in honor of Capt. Tushar Tembe, a former commanding officer (CO) of the USS Truman (CVN 75).

Lincoln Sailors competed against Sailors from USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), PCU Gerald Ford (CVN 78) and the Truman.

Capt. Tushar Tembe, who died suddenly Nov. 8, 2011, is seen as an inspiration and hero by many of the participants in the tournament.

"I had the honor of serving with him he was my [executive officer] and my CO at a former command," said Cmdr. Louis V. Scott, a Lincoln Sailor. "One thing I truly remember about Captain Tembe is his love for his Sailors and officers. I have a great deal of admiration and respect for him. He was definitely one of the key players in my life, not just in a professional standpoint but a personal one as well. He really catapulted my career."

Many Sailors said they looked fondly on the tournament as a chance to build relationships and blow off some steam, all while honoring a man who played in important role in many Sailors' lives.

"I'm grateful that [Morale, Welfare and Recreation] put on this event to remember men like Captain Tembe," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Bradley Henry. "I came out here to get to know everyone, including the people I work with, junior and senior, and this is a great opportunity to do so."

Enterprise Sailors won the multi-carrier tournament, receiving a trophy to mark the occasion. Awards also went to individual Sailors who scored well in other aspects of the game.

Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Virginia.

Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class ship to undergo 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 the nation's defense.

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