The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) welcomed six members of the U.S. House of Representatives aboard the ship to observe underway operations and to meet with Sailors, June 13.
The group of delegates included U.S. Reps. John C. Fleming, Jack Kingston, Stephen Lynch, Tom Marino, Todd Platts and Glenn Thompson .
While aboard, the representatives spoke with Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker , commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, about challenges the Navy faces in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the importance of maritime security around the world, carrier operations and future budgets for the Departments of Defense and the Navy.
“We get a lot of briefings in Washington, but none of them ever match up with being out here with a carrier strike group,” said Platts, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “You get a lot more feedback when you’re closer to the point of the spear.”
The group also observed daily operations around the ship.
“I’m so impressed with our military personnel,” said Marino. “Our young people have stepped up voluntarily to protect not only the U.S. but the world, and they do it so efficiently and effectively. They are experts at everything.”
During the visit, the congressmen also took time to sit with Sailors and answer questions about a variety of topics, including domestic issues and legislation up for debate in Washington.
Before visiting the ship, the delegation visited troops on the ground in and around Afghanistan.
Lincoln is currently deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, which also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, embarked Destroyer Squadron 9 and the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71). CSG-9 is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , June 18, 2012; Image: US Navy