USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

History of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) became the fifth Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to enter service with the U.S. Navy on November 11, 1989, serving the Pacific region of the world for military and humanitarian needs, according to Service is required. She joins the US Navy's existing formidable division of Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, which includes the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS Theodore Roosevelt, and USS George Washington, among others.

Other aircraft carriers named by previous presidents.

The USS Abraham Lincoln was a traditionally designed aircraft carrier with an island to starboard and a flight deck that sloped to port. Four hangar elevators serve her flight deck, three on starboard and one on port.

The three on the starboard side were split, one sat aft of the island and the remaining two were in front. Four steam catapults allow for quick responses from the cockpit.

Like other Nimitz-class carriers, the USS Abraham Lincoln can operate up to 90 aircraft of various makes, models and types, including helicopters. As such, the ship's offensive strikes have played an important role in the U.S.

Navy's Pacific operations in the region and will continue to do so for some time to come.

The Great Abe carries 2 Carrier Wings (CVWs) consisting of 9 squadrons, 2 Super Hornet fighter-bombers, 2 Hornet fighter-bombers, 1 Hawkeye fixed-wing, 1 Prowler electronic warplanes form the war, 1 Greyhound logistics support aircraft, 2 Seahawk attack helicopter squadrons.

Lincoln is defended by two Mk 57 Mod3 Sea Sparrow series surface-to-air missile launchers and two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile surface-to-air missile launchers. Additionally, the crew can deploy three 20mm phalanx melee anti-missile/air defense weapon systems.

Power comes from two Westinghouse A4W-class nuclear reactors driving four steam turbines, which in turn drive four shafts with 260,000 shaft horsepower. Due to the nature of nuclear reactors, the range of Abraham Lincoln (and the entire Nimitz class) is essentially unlimited.

Sensors, radars and systems abound in this floating city. The ship has about three air traffic control radars, a powerful air search radar, landing aid radar and guidance systems. The countermeasure revolves around the SLQ-32A(V)4 kit and the SLQ-25A "Nixie" torpedo countermeasure system.

The crew includes an impressive 3,200 sailors and 2,480 pilots. The 3,200 crew and 2,480 crew members ate very well aboard the Lincoln, and the hard work around the clock required multiple meals a day. The crew consumes 800 loaves of bread, 13,000 bottles of soda and 660 gallons of milk a day.

Serves 540 pounds of hamburger meat plus 180 dozen eggs and 800 pounds of fresh vegetables every day.

The Lincoln was called up for immediate duty almost immediately after deployment in Operation Desert Shield (which eventually became Operation Desert Storm). She took on a humanitarian role in evacuation operations following the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Gulf (before supporting Desert Shield/Desert Storm). Tensions also erupted in Somalia during the turbulent 1990s, leading to a full-scale conflict that prompted the US to send the Lincoln to the Horn of Africa.

In addition, the ship supports Operation Southern Watch's high-status operation - the implementation of a no-fly zone in southern Iraq. So far, the Lincoln has made a total of five outingsall in the Persian Gulf.

In the new millennium, the USS Abraham Lincoln will be deployed in the war on terror, with operations spanning both Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and her Air Force was one of the first to strike in the latter. Over the next few years, the Lincoln was called on to perform additional humanitarian assistance missions, and she remains deployed in the Arabian Gulf.

Naval Station Everett, Washington, is the newest and most modern naval port facility of the United States Navy and the home port of the United States Naval Battle Group. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) arrived in 1997 and left for the last time in December 2011, beginning an eight-month deployment in the areas of responsibility of the U.S. Navy's 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet.

A typical battle group consists of 1 nuclear aircraft carrier, 2 guided missile destroyers and 3 guided missile frigates.

During the mission, the CVW-2 flew more than 11,000 sorties, 2,400 of which were combat sorties, providing air support in support of U.S. and coalition forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). OEF is the official name for the war in Afghanistan under the umbrella of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).

The vessel, which left Everett in December, sailed more than 72,000 miles in 245 days, 105 of which were spent in support of the OEF in the Arabian Sea.

Lincoln was relieved of her combat duties by the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet after the Navy extended the ship's operational schedule for two and three months. On August 7, 2012, after eight months of service at sea, the Steam House Big Abel arrived at her new homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Lincoln plans to perform a four-year refueling compound overhaul (refueling system overhaul) prior to deployment, but it is required by OEF and is currently (2012) underway at the Newport News Port Repair Depot.

During the refueling complex overhaul, workers will refuel Lincoln's nuclear reactors, install improved combat systems and an advanced ship-wide communications system. A crew of 400 will overhaul the hull in dry dock, replacing all mechanical and electrical systems.

Moving to a new workplace requires family members to follow staff. It's part of the Navy way of life, being away from family for months and then getting up again when the Navy calls. Home port changes and the end of long-term missions allow crew members to spend time with family and friends.

Many crews can serve on other ships alongside guided-missile cruisers and guided-missile destroyers that serve as umbrellas for their battle groups. Her Air Force Wing (CVW) 2 will also be reassigned during the 4-year overhaul. Lincoln plans to return to service in 2016.

Lincoln was first ordered in 1982 and rolled off the assembly line in 1984. She was launched in 1988 and entered service a year later. She docked at her home port of Everett, Washington, and fought under the unofficial flag: "Won't perish, get over it!". The USS Abraham Lincoln, affectionately known simply as the USS Abe, is currently in service.

Lincoln is also proud to receive the following awards: Joint Merit Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Maritime Service Deployment Ribbon and Kuwait Liberation.

Specifications of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)

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AIR WING