A Supply Corps officer assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was recently selected for a highly competitive contracting internship program set to begin in December 2015.

Lt. j.g. Adalid Valenzuela, who was selected for the program at the rank of ensign, was one of twenty-two junior officers and one of four ensigns across the U.S. Navy to be hand-selected for this highly sought after internship program, the Navy Acquisition Contracting Officer (NACO)/Defense Acquisition Contracting Officer (DNACO).

"This internship will prepare me to serve better in today's Navy in this ever-changing environment to achieve our expected goals while maximizing proper utilization of our resources with a more cost-effective result," said Valenzuela, who added when he heard of his selection it was the best day of his naval career.

Cmdr. Thomas Neville, Lincoln's supply officer reflected on Valenzuela's selection to participate in the internship program.

"Selection in the Supply Corps Internship is reserved for our highest performing first tour, at sea or operational Supply Corps officers," said Neville.

Lt. Cmdr. Don Baker, Lincoln's assistant supply officer added that only the "best of the best" are selected for this program.

"Our best and brightest from the Supply Corps community are selected for these programs," said Baker.

While undergoing the training Valenzuela will learn a variety of subjects to include the following areas: acquisition management, contract administration, cost and price analysis, best value decision making, contract law, negotiation techniques, and other elective business and acquisition courses.

Lincoln is currently undergoing 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/.