The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) crew is comprised of over 3,000 Sailors of many different rates, all performing separate tasks to achieve once common mission. Although the launching and recovery of aircraft often receives the spotlight, Abraham Lincoln could not operate successfully without the Sailors working behind the scenes to handle the variety of administrative tasks required of a floating city.

One group of these dedicated administrators is the Personnel Specialists aboard. Their work affects all Sailors, from the commanding officer to the Seamen reporting to their first command, and deal with a variety of situations from financial entitlements to retirements.

“It’s not always easy to balance out our daily requirements with the requests of Sailors coming in,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Michael Rangel, Personnel division’s leading chief petty officer. “It’s rewarding to see their appreciation when we are able to help.”

The Personnel Specialists who play a part checking in Sailors complete must complete several crucial tasks, along with introducing them to their new environment. With these matters handled, new Lincoln Sailors may more readily focus on their jobs.

“It’s important that I do my job properly because it helps Sailors do their job properly,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Wiggins. “Some Sailors are still in that rigid, if not scared, boot camp mentality when they arrive. They spend their first hour aboard with me, so I try to be friendly and welcome them to the Abraham Lincoln family.”

Check-ins, as well as more seasoned Abraham Lincoln Sailors should visit Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Shawnnesha Madison to maintain records of their Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI).

“While I hope I never have to process a claim, my job is to make sure your life insurance is set up to go to the right person,” said Madison. “You want to keep it up to date so, for an example, your money goes to your parents instead of your ex-spouse. The Navy is making these programs more accessible. I’m more than happy to help if you come to see me.”

For those who need to move their families and household goods to a new command, the travel section of Personnel, including Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Papa Tandoh, can help. He’s able to help Sailors acquire advance pay so they can move to their next command, or, if they are coming to Abraham Lincoln without advance pay, he can reimburse them for their travel expenses. Tandoh also works with Sailors separating from the Navy, ensuring they have a plane ticket to their home of record.

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to help Sailors during a generally stressful and sometimes expensive time,” said Tandoh. “I’ve been in that position before, so I am genuinely glad to do my part to make it an easier process for them.”

Personnel Specialist Seaman Ronald McKelly is transitioning from checking in Sailors to checking them out. He is being trained to handle tasks such as final paychecks, retirement pay and filling out DD214 separation forms.

“While I still have a lot left to learn, I’m excited to be exploring this new aspect of being a Personnel Specialist because now I get to assist Sailors with the next step in their careers,” said McKelly. “I get to wish them luck with their future, whether it involves staying in the Navy and moving onto a new command, converting to the reserves or becoming a civilian.”

For Sailors who undergo life changes in between arriving and departing from a command, Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel Powers, the pay supervisor for Personnel, is ready to assist. Powers deals with adjusting Sailors’ housing and dependent pay from changes such as marriages and divorces. Powers is also responsible for making sure Sailors receive bonus pay for any entitlements they’re subject to such as sea pay, flight deck pay and flight duty pay.

“I’m the go-to guy for Sailor financial inquiries,” said Powers. “I’m quite experienced as a Personnel Specialist and have dealt with just about every single entitlement there is. If you have any issues or questions about your pay, I’m always willing to help.”

Sailors wanting to further their careers need only look to the Education Service Office’s (ESO) Leading Petty Officer Personnel Specialist 1st Class Robert Bobo. Bobo and his team process Sailors wishing to use Tuition Assistance, administer advancement exams and offer resources for commissioning through programs such as Seaman To Admiral (STA)-21 and Officer Candidate School (OCS).

“It means a lot to me to be where I am because I have the chance to help my shipmates progress in life,” said Bobo. “My crew and I are proud to see so many Sailors make strides forward in their Naval careers and personal betterment.”

A common request from the crew is replacement, unlocking or updating of common access cards (CAC). This is important for Sailors to be able to access their Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), which needs to be kept updated with changes to the service members’ marital status and dependents. Sailors can direct these needs to Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Chris Papandreou.

“I like being able to give Sailors a smile on their face by helping them, even if it’s from something as simple as resetting their CAC,” said Papandreou.

Personnel, open in the morning from 0900-1400 or at night from 1800-0000, is ready to receive and assist Sailors.

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