Adm. James Caldwell, Jr., director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, visited the Newport News Shipyard (NNS), Nov. 16, to speak to Sailors assigned to ships and submarines in construction or maintenance periods at NNS.

This was the first time Caldwell visited NNS since being appointed director of the program. As part of his visit, he addressed Sailors and shipbuilders in the Virginia Class Submarine Consolidated Facility. During his speech, Caldwell mentioned the importance of getting warships out into the fleet and the significant impact they have on international security.

"Having an increased naval presence is important to the world," Caldwell said. "We can help calm conflicting nations by having ships in areas they're needed in."

Caldwell touched on the fact that, historically, having a strong Navy was crucial during the early year's of our country, and highlighted that today's modern fighting force comes from proud traditions of naval service.

"Water served as protection for our budding nation," Caldwell said. "It helped protect our trade and invested interest in commerce when our nation started."

While the admiral spoke, Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Krystal Clark, assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), listened along with many other Sailors, and shared the impression his words had on her.

"I've always felt that the U.S. has had a long history of excellence, and hearing the admiral talk about it makes me proud to be a Sailor," Clark said. "By talking to us about the importance of our jobs, it helps me realize the gravity of the position we're all in. I keep in mind ship, shipmate, self."

After speaking to the Sailors, Caldwell and employees of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) toured USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

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

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, visit http://www.navy.mil/.