Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) held a College Fair Dec. 1 on the ship's mess decks to inform Sailors about the educational opportunities available for them and their families.

"The College Fair was sponsored by Educational Services and the career counselors office," said Lt. Denise Masella, Lincoln's educational services officer. "It provided information about Fleet and Family Support Center resources, Navy College program, and commissioning programs."

The event also provided Sailors with the opportunity to learn about Tuition Assistance.

"Many Sailors join for the GI Bill, and they should start going to school early," said Masella. "Not everyone likes regular college, but there are also tech schools and certifications available."

Masella said the fair's goal was to bring awareness of the Navy's many programs to junior Sailors aboard the ship.

Navy College Educational Specialist, Darlene Davis, talked to Sailors about Tuition Assistance and choosing the right school.

"Education is important, but it's equally important that a Sailor is ready when pursuing that goal because it's a huge time commitment," said Davis.

The most important thing any Sailor needs to do is to contact their education office to make sure they're making informed decisions, Davis added.

"The Navy invests time, sacrifice, and money in their Sailors, so it is important that our most important resource (people) are educated," said Masella. "Getting a degree sets Sailors up for success within the Navy, and it can lead to increased job opportunities after completion of naval service."

Abraham Lincoln is in the final stages of a four-year refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) and is scheduled to be delivered back to the fleet in early 2017.

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