Three Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were presented awards from Command Master Chief Lee Salas on behalf of the Oakland CA Council of the Navy League of the United States on March 30, in recognition of their excellence.

Bluejacket of the Year award winner Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Lucero English, Sailor of the Year Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Hellen Streeter, and Senior Sailor of the Year Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Marquita Canada were all presented with the awards from the Navy League during a ceremony held on the Floating Accommodation Facility (FAF) at Newport News Shipbuilding.

"It was a humbling experience to see an organization outside the Lincoln (the Navy League of the United States) recognizing us," Streeter said. "It reminded us that the little things that we do on a daily basis actually means something to someone else."

The awards are presented to recognize Sailors for their hard work and outstanding performance. Sailors are nominated by their chain of command.

"This award is totally unexpected but greatly appreciated," said Canada. "Knowing that what I do is valued means a lot to me. I come to work every day to do my job, service and lead my Sailors because I care; and to know that I am being recognized and awarded for something that I love to do and is natural to me is a great honor."

The Navy League of the United States was founded in 1902 and is comprised of 40,000 civilians in more than 240 councils around the world working to support sea service members and their families.

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

USS Abraham 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/.