Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Jeremy Crandall assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) was the guest speaker during a dining out event at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, March 27.

Speaking to 140 of the Navy's future leaders, Crandall shared some of his personal experiences during his naval career, thoughts on the role of a Navy chief petty officer in training junior officers and his philosophy of what makes a good leader.

"The leadership of Lt. Osborn and Master Chief Mellos has had a positive impact on my career. They have made me the leader I am today," Crandall said. "Not only do I owe them my life, I owe them for showing me how to lead in the face of adversity."

Crandall told the midshipmen that creating an effective working relationship between the chief and division officer is critical and it takes teamwork between the two to ensure the successful completion of the mission.

"My goal is to impress upon the midshipmen the importance of the officer and chief working relationship," Crandall said.

As the midshipmen finish up their education and training at the Naval Academy and enter the fleet as junior officers, they may not have a full understanding or working of knowledge of their roles, and will need the experience from their chief to help them acclimate to their new position.

"One of the jobs of the chief petty officer is to train junior officers and help provide a smooth transition into their new leadership role," Crandall said.

Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. 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/.