Sailors and shipyard workers aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) moved a flight deck elevator that hasn't seen use in two years during an operational test of the equipment. Throughout this equipment testing, Lincoln's Engineering and Air departments ensured that the pumps work properly, electrical and mechanical systems are operating normally, and checked computers for full diagnostic efficiency to maintain safe and fully functioning operations. "I've worked around this type of equipment before and being able to see this evolution is a great opportunity," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Joseph Dennison. "Making sure the equipment works is important, but we always want our Sailors to have a safe working environment as well." Given the vast amount of work to get such a task accomplished, it gives Lincoln Sailors a moment to pause and reflect on how far the ship has come while pushing forward to get the ship back into the fight. "The ship is starting to come back to life and we all know that it's because of the work we put into it," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class James Carson. "It's awesome to see the ship coming back to life and know that you get to see it through all the way." Sailors aren't the only ones putting in the hard work. Gregg Flick, a consulting field engineer for AMSEC, oversaw this evolution and has worked on many projects involving ships to get them ready for sea. "It's something that I believe in and there's always new challenges to help with," Flick said. "I was never in the military, but this is my way of serving the Sailors who are our nation's first line of defense." Lincoln is currently undergoing (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va. Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class ship to undergo 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.

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