More than two dozen Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) took part in guided visits to historic locations around Washington, D.C., commemorating the 206th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Lincoln Sailors started off the day by visiting their namesake's memorial where they embarked on a guided tour and gained valuable insight into the life of President Lincoln.

"The anticipation of this trip really charged everyone up," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Charles Scott. "It's moments like this that we truly appreciate who we are and why we serve."

Raised from humble beginnings, Lincoln grew up to be a successful lawyer and later the president who would reunite the United States after years of war.

Other stops on the tour included the Martin Luther King Memorial and the Mary Mcleod Bethune council house. Both locations are examples of Lincoln's lasting impression and influence on the country.

Reflecting on the day, Interior Communications Electrician Second Class Shannon Plucinski said, "The juxtaposition of going to both the Lincoln memorial and the MLK memorial during black History month and on Lincoln's birthday was truly inspiring with the significant roles both of these men played in bringing equality to our great nation."

Trips such as this one give Sailors a chance to get to know the history behind their ship's name, and leave them with a better understanding of the man that it represents. Lincoln Sailors look forward to similar opportunities that will allow them to stay connected to the history and pride behind their namesake.

"Even after his death, Lincoln and those he inspired still motivates many of us," said Information Systems Technician Third Class Salcedo. "His quotes give me something to strive for. With this, I may one day apply it out to my shipmates, my division, but most importantly my ship."

Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. 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/.