U.S.S ABRAHAM LINCOLN

1. U.S.S ABRAHAM LINCOLN JANUARY, 2008 SOMEWHERE IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN

2. This project was 8 years in the making. I had applied and been approved in Corpus Christi—then 9/11 intervened. Thanks to Sen. Norm Coleman’s office for making it possible.

3. A bonus for patience—the Public Affairs Office on the Abraham Lincoln suggested coming out to San Diego early, to watch the Nimitz get under way for its own deployment.

4. Nimitz would be leaving for a 7 month deployment—and Abraham Lincoln would deploy weeks later.

5. At over 1000’ in length, 97,000 tons displacement, and over 5000 on board, these ships are BIG!

6. There are 4 elevators on board, each capable of lifting 2 aircraft with a combined weight of 150,000 pounds—in a matter of seconds.

7. Dependents see the ship off for a 7 month deployment—while sailors man the rails.

8. Close-in defense—the CWIS (Sea-Whiz) Gatling guns

9. Our pre-flight briefer—about 10% of sailors aboard are women. Olena flies the C-2 Greyhound.

10. Our Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) awaits—we’re headed out to the carrier!

11. Another Cod, from the rear ramp of our aircraft, just before departure.

12. Cod coming aboard, tailhook extended, for an arrested landing.

13. Our destination—the Abraham Lincoln

14. Yes, we ARE going! to land on that

15. 4 arresting wires

16. Arresting gear below decks—one for each of the 4 wires. It is LOUD!

17. The hangar deck is stacked—TIGHT! All aircraft must be chained down.

18. The hangar deck measures roughly 100X700 feet—enough for TWO football games.

19. A lot of time is spent stacking the hangar deck and securing aircraft.

20. There are no elevators, and stairs so steep they are called LADDERS—and there are 15 decks!

21. And don’t hit your head going down!

22. Transverse bulkheads are called “knee Knockers”

23. And this is why!

24. Corridors are narrow—”If you aren’t touching metal, you’re in somebody’s way!”

25. Our stateroom—2 bunks, lockers, a sink, and an airport on the roof.

26. Looking towards the bow—the Air Wing is just starting to come aboard

27. Hangar deck—a mini-AWACS aircraft completes maintenance

28. Avionics shops—a carrier must be able to make repairs at sea.

29. The versatile FA-18 can have 5 drop tanks, to serve as a tanker.

30. Elevator in the down position—these 4 elevators are BIG!

31. Every inch of flight deck is used—here, a Prowler hangs the tail over the side—100’ above the water.

32. These radars control ship defense missiles, and high rate Gatling guns capable of hitting football-sized targets

33. Helicopters shuttle people and cargo to other ships in the fleet—serve as plane guards, and Anti-sub warfare

34. A tanker-equipped FA-18 comes aboard—as viewed from the Landing Safety Officer platform

35. Every landing is taped, graded, and broadcast throughout the ship.

36. The Landing Safety Officer (LSO) station—the best seat on the boat!

37. In the event of an impending crash, jump into the “bailout bin”

38. “If you see people jumping over the side, follow them into the bailout bin!”

39. Hornet coming aboard

40. The landing deck is only 445’ long and about 55’ wide. Don’t be long, don’t be short, don’t miss to the side.

41. “Hangin’ with the LSO’s”—the most interesting place on the boat

42. The “Jokers” are one of the embarked squadrons—each has their own LSO—as well as “CAG paddles”

43. Standing next to 30,000 pounds of thrust—it’s LOUD!

44. Think this is hard during the day? Try it at night, in bad weather—after a mission!

45. Hornet Tanker Coming aboard external A.O.A light shows he is fast

46. Sometimes you miss (“Bolter”). Note the “meatball” lens on the left.

47. There is only ONE deck crew, and they work HARD. Imagine doing your job, with 60 pounds of chain around your neck!

48. Looking at the bridge, from “Vulture’s Row”—where everybody is an expert!

49. Fixed-wing aircraft are struck below—time for helo ops!

50. The versatile COD—not only delivering parts and people, but mail, and fresh supplies for the fleet.