Five Sailors attached to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were reenlisted by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert at a ceremony held on Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 25.
“What a better way to spend a Friday afternoon. I’m out of Washington, and I’m about to reenlist Sailors,” said Greenert in his opening remarks.
Greenert also highlighted the family members in attendance.
“Thanks for all that you do. You are the winds beneath their wings.”
Greenert has been the CNO for 16 months. He has held various fleet support and financial management positions in his career. As chief of naval operations, he is focusing his efforts on improving the Navy’s warfighting capabilities, developing Sailors professionally and maintaining the force’s readiness in order to support its assigned missions.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael D. Stevens was also in attendance and offered his encouragement to the reenlistees.
“It’s a big deal to reenlist in the Navy for three, five or even six years. My hat goes off to you, and I appreciate your continued service,” said Stevens.
The reenlistment ceremony is a way for Sailors to make a personal commitment in a public forum to wear the uniform with honor, courage and commitment.
Ship’s Serviceman 1st Class LaJoy Battle, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tun Z. Min, Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Reginald F. Sanchez, Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ryan C. Miller and Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Michael R. Rabey were selected for reenlistment by Capt. Karl O. Thomas, Lincoln’s commanding officer.
“Reenlisting today with the CNO is a once and a lifetime opportunity. This is going to be my last reenlistment,” said Battle. “I’m re-enlisting for a period of six years. I’m glad this could be so special.”
Battle currently works in S-3, the sales and services division on board Lincoln, as the assistant leading petty officer.
“It’s been a long road looking back on all the years I’ve been a ship’s serviceman. I enlisted in August of 1999 and reported on board Lincoln in October 2007. I’ve been with Lincoln for three deployments. After all of that, I knew I was staying in,” continued Battle. “Reporting as a second class petty officer and leaving Lincoln as a first class petty officer is a pretty big accomplishment for me.”
An all-hands call followed the reenlistment. Greenert covered a range of topics including concerns about sexual assault, suicides, operational tempo and manning of ships at sea.
Lincoln arrived in Norfolk Aug. 7. Over the next four years, Lincoln will undergo a refueling complex overhaul in Newport News, Va.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 29, 2013