Celebrating USS Abraham Lincoln’s History and Future Legacy By Capt. Karl Thomas, Commanding Officer, USS Abraham Lincoln Since Abraham Lincolns commissioning 24 years ago today on Veterans’ Day, Nov. 11, 1989, tens of thousands of Sailors have served aboard this great carrier. As the Commanding Officer of this proud warship, I am reminded every day of the sacrifices our service men and women make for their nation. Today, there are currently 2,500 Sailors and nearly the same number of shipyard workers taking Lincoln through her mid-life refueling and complex overhaul. I get an opportunity to interact with these great Americans on a daily basis, and to witness their patriotism first hand. The camaraderie and fellowship we share in military service helps define us and often profoundly changes our character and redirects our path in life. As we reflect on the many pivotal milestones that occur in November, I would especially like to extend my debt of gratitude during National Military Family Appreciation Month to the countless number of family members who support and stand by their Sailors day in and day out. Thank you for your service. During RCOH, Sailors and shipyard workers will poor nearly 25 million man-hours of hard work modernizing OUR ship; refueling her; blasting and painting tanks; putting in new command and control systems; reworking countless pumps, motors, valves; and overhauling her rudders, shafts, catapults and arresting gear. In a little less than three years, she will return to sea to serve our nation for 25 more years. There are Sailors not even born today who will one day serve aboard Abraham Lincoln. These Sailors will become our proud veterans of tomorrow. Today, we continue to give thanks that we live in a country where citizens from every generation willingly and courageously raise their hands to defend the freedoms that we hold so dear. Thank you for your service and for your many sacrifices. I share in the pride that you must feel knowing that you serve in the greatest military in the world, for the greatest country in the world, and that you are making a difference quite literally all the way around the world. Our namesake, President Abraham Lincoln, was well known for getting out on the battlefield to hear and see firsthand the progress of the Civil War. On Aug. 22, 1864, he ran across the One-Hundredth Sixty Fourth Regiment on their return from battle on their way home. He stated, I am greatly obliged to you, and to all who have come forward at the call of their country. Today we celebrate 24 years since the commissioning of our ship, and take a pause to recognize all the veterans that have served on this magnificent vessel. I too am greatly obliged to you, and sincerely appreciate your service whether it be in the past or present. Happy Veterans’ Day!
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 13:04:35 +0000
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