The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) hockey team played the U.S. Navy All-Stars at the Norfolk Scope arena in support of a Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) fundraiser, March 2.

NMCRS is a nonprofit, volunteer service organization dedicated to providing need-based assistance to active duty and retired Sailors and Marines, as well as their family members. Abraham Lincoln's Morale, Welfare and Recreation raised $2,850 through ticket sales in support of NMCRS.

The game resulted in a 3-2 win for the Abraham Lincoln team led by Master Chief Air Traffic Controller James Warner.

"The All-Stars came out ready to win and gave us every opportunity to lose, but we politely declined," said Warner. "We fought to the end and it paid off, getting the winning shot with only 48 seconds to spare."

Warner's son, Jayden, also plays on Abraham Lincoln's hockey team.

"It feels great to have something we can do together that we both love, and to do it in a stadium with so many people watching us, I wouldn't trade it for anything else," said Warner.

More than 100 Abraham Lincoln hockey fans showed up to support the team, cheering them on until the final horn blasted.

"The team did great today, and I had a blast watching," said Chief Logistics Specialist Jenny Fernandez. "It's wonderful to see Sailors having fun outside work, as well as raising money for a good cause. It was a great experience to see them working hard, and winning to boot."

The Abraham Lincoln hockey team is undefeated this season and currently sits at 76 wins, 10 losses and 1 tie since 2015. They compete against civilian teams from the Hampton Roads area.

"I was very proud of how our Sailors did on the ice, both in skill and composure," said Chaplain Lt. Youree Posey. "I know it can get pretty heated out there; all the adrenaline and physical contact can get the players riled up and with what seemed to be referees showing bias towards the opposing team, our Sailors maintained exemplary conduct, and still beat the 'H-E- double-hockey-sticks' out of them!"

NMCRS offers assistance through a quick-assist loan program as well as with basic living expenses including rent, mortgage, utilities, and day care. They also help Sailors with medical and dental bills, as well as emergency leave. For more information on the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society visit their website at www.nmcrs.org or visit your local NMCRS office.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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