Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has gold anchors for the third consecutive year, once again earning the Retention Excellence Award for fiscal year 2016, Jan. 11.

The award, announced by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, is given to commands which pass the annual Career Information Program Review (CIPR) with a score of 90 points or better and meet benchmarks showing commitment to the growth and development of Sailors.

"The retention team's commitment to the Sailors, and the support that the Chiefs Mess and wardroom provided them really made us stand out for this award," said Chief Navy Counselor Eddie Wilkinson, a Lincoln command career counselor.

Commands which receive the Retention Excellence Award, formerly known as the Golden Anchor Award, are given the opportunity to paint their anchors gold in commemoration of their success. These commands have shown superior levels of retention, and represent a large number of individuals willing to make the Navy a long-term career.

The chain of command and departmental career counselors play a pivotal role when it comes to shaping Sailors' careers.

"It's our job to get to know the Sailors on a more personal level, see where they want to go, and what they want to do with their careers," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Shawn Fuller, a Lincoln command career counselor. "It's up to us to help them get to where they want to be."

Fuller went into detail about how programs like the family care plan and financial management program provide resources to Sailors and help make sure they are cared for, as well as their family.

Abraham Lincoln is in the final stages of a four-year, refueling complex overhaul and will be delivered back to the fleet early this year.

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