The Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education visited Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Aug. 18.

Fleet Master Chief April Beldo spoke with Sailors about the command's current refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) period, relaying her own experience while assigned to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the command master chief.

"I've experienced RCOH myself in 2009 on the Carl Vinson, so I feel your pain -- keep working hard and stay positive," she said. "I know there are a lot of outstanding Sailors aboard this ship. They need to know how leadership appreciates everything they do during this pivotal time and how far along they have come."

Beldo spoke with the Chiefs Mess about the recent and upcoming uniform changes, as well as the Navy's new transgender policy. She stressed the importance of leaders talking to their Sailors to ensure they have a clear understanding on the issues.

Beldo said changes are coming and it is imperative chiefs not only understand those changes, but that they make sure the junior Sailors understand them and are prepared.

Prior to departing, chief petty officer selectees assigned to Lincoln and USS Enterprise (CVN 65), hosted a special flag raising event, presenting Beldo with a flag for her father.
Beldo assumed her duties as MPT&E fleet master chief in March 2014 and will be retiring from the Navy in 2017.

Lincoln is currently undergoing RCOH at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. 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.

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