A USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailor, who previously served in the Seabee rating, reflects on the lessons learned after a recent transition into an Engineering rating using the Career-Waypoints (C-Way) program.

Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Gisselle Cruz, who had a desire to serve in the Navy, lacked a quota to remain in her current rating. She was recently granted the opportunity to cross rate into another career path.

"I would suggest trying to choose a rate similar to the one you've worked in," said Cruz. "I've worked with equipment like this in the Seabees, so instead of having to completely learn a new system, I just have to brush up on my skills. But it's all about the desire, I love being in the Navy, so having to cross rate was a sacrifice that had to be made."

Cruz received a reenlistment quota through C-Way to remain in the Navy. Cruz, who recently checked aboard Lincoln, relies on her experience working as a Seabee and has applied it at her new command.

"Coming to a new command as a third class in a new rating was kind of stressful," Cruz said. "I'm in a leadership role in a rate that's brand new to me, but I look to my superiors for guidance."

Cruz added that the process to cross rate is relatively simple. Most Sailors qualify in C-Way 15 months before their respective End of Active Obligated Service (EAOS) and begin applying for a quota each month beginning at month 13. If the Sailor doesn't receive a quota, they are presented with three options: separation from the Navy, serve as a full-time reservist, or cross rate.

"The Navy is building Sailors," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Ryan Armstead, one of Lincoln's career counselors.

Armstead added that by adapting to different situations is a natural part of life in the Navy.

Cruz is doing all she can to make a smooth adjustment, but has a strong desire to become proficient in her new rate, and seeks out hands-on training in order to get acclimated with the equipment.

According to Armstead, staying competitive and ahead of the learning curve is the key to earning your quota.

"Sailors get complacent in their rates, and start just 'showing up' for work instead of showing out," Armstead said. "Everything is a competition; if you strive to be the best, you'll be successful."

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/.