Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) hockey team took on airmen from Langley Air Force Base in the inaugural "Air vs. Sea" hockey game at Scope Arena in Norfolk Jan. 30.

In the months leading up to this event, the two hockey teams played various games against other opponents in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This is the first inaugural "Air vs. Sea" hockey game, an event that encourages a friendly rivalry between the two military branches.

"Playing the Air Force on Saturday was incredible and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Stephen Dobbs. "Our team became closer than ever and took a lot from the game. We are very excited for our future games and to take what we have learned and use it against future opponents."

Hundreds of their Shipmates, family members and friends came out to support with Lincoln pride. The players all expressed what an honor it was to play in the arena with the support of the command and their shipmates behind them.

"It's a privilege to represent the command while doing something that I love to do," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Michael Greenberg. "Shift work gets really repetitive, so it's great to break up the weeks out there on the ice while only focusing on one thing, which is to win."

Lincoln did not bring home a win this year. The final score of the game was 8-4, but the team is already preparing for their next big game in the spring.

"We plan to work on moving the puck more," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Anthony Serio. "Next time we will come out fighting and not wait until the last period to really get into the game."

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

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/.