Junior enlisted Sailors assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) gain an appreciation for their chief petty officers after walking in their shoes for a day on board the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Lisa Crocker implemented the "Chief for a Day" program on board USS Abraham Lincoln in Weapons Department at the start of the New Year as a way to apply her leadership goals and vision for her Sailors.

"I implemented this program as a way to get to know my Sailors better," said Crocker. "I have seen that my Sailors walk away from their day by gaining a better understanding of what the chiefs do on board USS Abraham Lincoln."

Crocker added that the Sailors chosen as "Chief for the Day" are provided a rare seat to view the various production, administrative and leadership assignments being managed on a day-to-day basis.

"There are a lot of behind the scene work, and a lot of administrative assignments that I didn't know about," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Antonio Scales, who is assigned to Weapons Department and reflected on the general motivation received when chosen as the "Chief for the Day". "By walking in their shoes I see what they get to do in their daily tasks, see what goes on behind the scenes, and a lot of things you wouldn't have thought of."

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Terrance Parks, who works with Crocker, believes the initiative is improving the overall morale in their department.

"From my understanding, the morale has definitely gone up because the Sailors see a little more of the big picture and it has a positive effect on them," said Parks.

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