The Norfolk Admirals hosted Lincoln night for the crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during their hockey game against the Leigh Valley Phantoms at the Norfolk Scope Arena April 1.

Approximately 500 Lincoln Sailors attended the game and participated in the pre-game ceremonies. Capt. Ron Ravelo, Lincoln's commanding officer, dropped the ceremonial first puck to start the game following the presentation of colors performed by Lincoln's color guard.

"Events like the Admiral's game help remind Sailors that the command does care about their well-being as well as their mindset," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brittney Jenkins, a member of Abraham Lincoln's color guard. "By providing small incentives like this it fosters positivity and growth within the ship's community."

Events such as this are held to enhance the morale among Sailors and show the surrounding area that they have Lincoln's support.

"When the community makes a point to recognize our Sailors and the work that they do, it reminds the Sailors of the responsibility and the duty they have, and that they are appreciated," said Brooke Webber, the fun boss aboard Lincoln. "Also, when the community can see the Sailors out together, it reinforces the fact that the USS Abraham Lincoln is a unified community both on and off the clock."

Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is in charge of coordinating events such as Lincoln Night and have more events coming up in the near future.

"We are in the middle of Captain's Cup and dodgeball will start next Wednesday," said Webber. "We are starting up our hiking trips to Shenandoah Valley soon, as well as more fun activities that Sailors can enjoy during their well-deserved liberty."

Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling 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/.