With the summer months rapidly approaching, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) motorcycle club hosted a motorcycle safety symposium in Newport News, April 15 to promote safety among both experienced riders and prospective riders.

Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach, president of the motorcycle club, put the event together to pass on information to riders before summer begins.

"This symposium plays an important role in getting vital information out to all the Sailors who are interested in riding before they purchase a motorcycle," Truebenbach said. "It's also a great refresher for active riders. It may be stuff they already know, but it's important to be aware since riding season is almost in full swing."

Virginia State Troopers Bryce Meekins and Seth Parks talked to Sailors about the rules of the road and demonstrated proper and legal safety maneuvers for motorcycle riding.

Meekins explained that although safety always comes first, Sailors should have fun too.

"Just be careful of the people on the road with you," Meekins said. "They don't always pay attention like you think they would. It can be dangerous out there."

Sailors in attendance also learned the Navy's basic personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and how to inspect a motorcycle for safety violations before riding.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Nicole Stanley, vice president of the club and a motorcycle enthusiast for more than 20 years, has no problem sharing her knowledge with anyone who asks, whether they're experienced or just curious about motorcycles.

"Everyone who has questions can get them answered," Stanley said. "It's a great opportunity for us to get together and just exchange information."

Lincoln's motorcycle club promotes riding safe above all else, but also gives Sailors who wish to ride an outlet to do so.

"Abraham Lincoln motorcycle club is a mentorship group," Stanley said. "We're here to give support to all Sailors on board and offer them the opportunity to get information on what types of bikes to buy and safety requirements for the Navy and the state of Virginia."

Truebenbach and Stanley coordinate safety rides for the crew. Anyone who is licensed and qualified to ride is encouraged to join the group.

"Safety rides are important because that's where Sailors learn the rules of the road," Stanley explained. "I have a clear mind knowing the information that I give to my fellow Sailors will stick, and as a command we can continue to ride safely."

Stanley further added that these types of events help to form camaraderie on board between Sailors from different communities on the ship, of different ranks and departments, getting together to have fun and ride safe.

Truebenbach made it a point to encourage people to come out, even just to see if motorcycles interest them.

"It's the love of riding that brings us together," Truebenbach said. "We pass on all training to new and potential riders because we want every motorcycle rider to make it home safe."

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

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an 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 www.navy.mil/.