Sailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) "paid it forward" to their fellow shipmates this year by raising more funds for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) than any other ship stationed in Norfolk.

"USS Abraham Lincoln is the top grossing ship on the waterfront," said Lt. j.g. Antoinette Broere, Lincoln NMCRS coordinating officer. "This includes all 30 ships currently residing within the Norfolk and Hampton Roads area that make up what is called Sub Area 3 Command."

While Lincoln Sailors raised more than $59,000 for NMCRS this year, Broere added that next year the ship's goal will be $72,000.

"Reaching the goal of $72,000 would further solidify the unwavering belief that, as a command, there is no mission too large for us to face or achieve," she said.

Lincoln's Command Master Chief Lee Salas had promised to shave his head if the command had reached the goal of $72,000 this year.

"This year's goal was established by the Sailors and it was accomplished," added Salas. "Next year, I'm challenging the Sailors to set their goal to $72,000, and if they accomplish it, I'll shave my head. This is one challenge that I'm willing to lose."

Salas and Lincoln's Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Ravelo, attended a NMCRS luncheon on June 29 that recognized the Norfolk-based commands that raised the most funds this year.

According to Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Melvin Abner, Lincoln's NMCRS coordinating assistant, this year's successful drive would not have been possible without support from the entire ship.

"[Our NMCRS team] was supported in every aspect and felt welcome in every department," he said. "This drive was a great example of how our command could come together to support Sailors, while in a demanding environment."

Abner added that supporting NMCRS is akin to supporting his fellow Sailors and families in times of need.

"It was an honor to get out with my team and do something that supports Sailors and Marines in need," he remarked. "NMCRS Norfolk was there to provide us everything needed to get the job done, while our regional coordinator ensured we were well-informed and provided every resource available to us."

Lincoln is currently undergoing 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/local/cvn72/