Chief petty officers (CPO) assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated the 122nd CPO birthday by participating in multiple activities throughout the Hampton Roads area, March 30 - April 1.

Lincoln chiefs celebrated the CPO birthday alongside other chiefs stationed in the region. One of the events coordinated was the Goat Locker Challenge held at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, March 30.

"The half-day competition included numerous challenging events designed to test the chiefs' ability to work together as a team, reinforce camaraderie and earn bragging rights among Chiefs [Messes] throughout Hampton Roads," said USS Abraham Lincoln Command Master Chief Lee Salas, who added that Lincoln Chiefs Mess won third place during the event.

Lincoln chiefs further honored the birthday by participating in other events such as the annual 5K Anchor Run, a CPO community relations event (COMREL) at Lee Hall Elementary School, a birthday celebration cake cutting and the annual CPO luncheon April 1, with the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Michael D. Stevens and Ima Black, the widow of the first MCPON, Delbert Black, in attendance.

"The term 'Chief' to me is the elder of the group who has the experience and knowledge of its group/organization," said Salas. "The Chief is looked upon to achieve the overall goal or mission of the command. As we celebrate our 122nd birthday, it is important to recognize the chief petty officers we have lost and those who dedicated their years of service to progressing the Navy mission."

More than 700 other chief petty officers in the Hampton Roads region attended the special luncheon at the Hampton Convention Center. MCPON Stevens was guest speaker along with honored guest Mrs. Black.

"I heard it said this way: leadership is not defined by what is on the collar; it is defined by the expressions on the face of the Sailor," said Master Chief Operations Specialist Tarrance Holcombe. "We embrace the contributions of past chiefs by developing young minds to take the helm of our precious Navy."

The rank of chief petty officer was originally established April 1, 1893 from the Navy General Order 409. The rank was created during a time when the Navy needed better leadership. The induction to the rank of chief is difficult and stands out among all branches of service for the tight-knit brotherhood that goes with it. It isn't just earned by time-in-rate.

"Although they have a strong sense of ownership and take responsibility for their division's activities, they are able to look beyond the job at hand: when other departments or divisions need assistance, chiefs in superior commands are willing to help. They personify ship, shipmate, self," said Holcombe.

Lincoln is currently undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington-Ingalls Industries in Newport News.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, the ship 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/.