USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) Diversity Council hosted a ceremony for the crew in the ship’s hangar bay, Feb. 17, in celebration of African-American History Month.
Lincoln Sailors performed songs by African-American artists and viewed various displays and presentations acknowledging the achievements of notable African-Americans throughout history.
In his opening remarks, Capt. William Triplett , deputy commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, embarked aboard Lincoln, said Sailors should reflect periodically on the lives and accomplishments of great Americans.
“We come together to take time off and recognize those who have contributed to the America we live and serve now,” Triplett said. “It’s important to remember and pay homage to the diversity of men and women that contributed to our history.”
After beginning the festivities with a cake-cutting ceremony, members of the Diversity Council read poems honoring a variety of different cultures and backgrounds.
The ship’s band and choir performed music by African-American artists including the jazz song “Autumn Leaves,” by John Coltrane, the blues song “Feeling Good,” by Nina Simone, the doo-wop song “Don’t Make Me Over,” by Dionne Warwick and Bob Marley’s reggae hit, “Is This Love.”
“ We highlight all societies of our American culture, and we honor their legacy,” said Triplett . “This celebration creates a more cohesive team within the crew. In effect, that cohesion projects combat power in the Arabian Sea in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).”
Lincoln’s Diversity Council hosts regularly scheduled holiday events like the African-American History Month celebration to educate the crew and increase awareness of the diversity present on the ship.
“Doing this helps the crew feel more at home,” said Lt. j.g. Ian Brenner , Lincoln’s Diversity Council officer. “This reminds people of each other’s talents and what makes us unique, but it brings us together as well. ”
Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of OEF.
Lincoln is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, which also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and DESRON 9, comprised of guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 21, 2012; Image: navy