On a wet, overcast Sunday morning, approximately 400 Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) participated in the annual “Run with the Chiefs 5K” event on the flight deck while underway, Aug. 26.

The “Run with the Chiefs 5K” event for East Coast Sailors is annually held in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, but because Abraham Lincoln is currently underway conducting operational testing, the crew completed the event while steaming through the Atlantic Ocean.

Prior to the run, USS Abraham Lincoln’s Command Master Chief James Stedding spoke to the participants.

“Normally we would be doing this 3.1 mile run on Naval Station Norfolk with 15,000 to 20,000 Sailors from the area running around the waterfront, to Iowa Point then back through half of the base,” said Stedding. “Due to scheduling changes we will be the first ones from base to do this and what better way to kick it off than Lincoln style.”

The event consisted of 12 laps around the flight deck, where chief petty officers (CPO) and future CPOs ran in formation, accompanied by other crewmembers running at their own pace showing stamina and athleticism during the three-mile journey.

“Seeing chiefs and [future CPOs] running gives me motivation and a morale boost,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Mavrryc Oribello, a 5K participant. “I don’t know about my future in the Navy, but seeing their drive makes me want to stay in.”

More than 30 future CPOs participated in the 5K as part of the CPO 365 program, which consists of two phases that teach future chief petty officers leadership and team building.

“This event coincides with phase II of the CPO 365 process,” said Senior Chief Aerographer’s Mate Sherita Jackson, a 5K participant. “This is a key turning point where we all unify together to accomplish one goal, which shows the [future CPOs] they are not alone in the Chiefs Mess.”

Even with a flight deck full of puddles, Sailors of various ranks showed their support and encouraged the future CPOs on their path to becoming a chief petty officer in the United States Navy.

“The turnout from the Abe Lincoln crew was amazing and inspirational,” said Jackson. “It’s important for junior Sailors to see how their future leaders are being molded, which hopefully will inspire them to fill those same shoes one day.”

CPO 365 phase II concludes with the pinning of the selectees on Sept. 14.