USS Abraham Lincoln – Life Aboard America’s Aircraft Carrier
The USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) is a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the United States Navy. Commissioned in 1989, it is homeported in San Diego, California, and plays a key role in America’s defense. The ship is massive:
- Length: 1,100 feet
- Weight: over 100,000 tons
- Crew: about 5,400 sailors
- Aircraft: more than 90 jets and helicopters
- Fuel: 3,000,000 gallons of jet fuel
The USS Abraham Lincoln can travel the seas for over 20 years without refueling, making it one of the most powerful ships in the world. It is one of 11 active U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, able to move anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
Service and History
Since joining the fleet, the USS Abraham Lincoln has taken part in many important missions. It has supported humanitarian aid, combat operations, and global security. The carrier has been deployed to the Persian Gulf, the Pacific, and other key regions where the U.S. Navy is needed.
Each mission shows the strength of the ship and the skill of its crew. The USS Abraham Lincoln is more than a warship – it is a symbol of freedom and American strength at sea.
Our Distinguished Visitor Experience
We had the honor of joining the Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Program, thanks to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. To reach the ship, we boarded a Sikorsky CH-53 helicopter. With the rear loading ramp open, we could feel the power of the Navy before even landing.
When we touched down on the flight deck, we were surrounded by F/A-18 Super Hornets, stealth F-35s, radar planes, and helicopters. The energy on deck was nonstop. The crew can launch a jet every 30 seconds, 24 hours a day if needed.
Watching jets take off at full afterburner only a few feet away was a bone-shaking, 140-decibel experience. Seeing them land in the dark, on rough seas, was even more intense.
Life Aboard the Carrier
Life on the USS Abraham Lincoln is fast, focused, and demanding. Everyone has a job, whether on the flight deck, in the kitchen, in the hospital, or repairing jet engines. The average age of the crew is just 20 years old, yet every sailor shows incredible discipline and teamwork.
What surprised us most was the warmth and respect we felt from every sailor. From Rear Admiral Kevin Lenox, Captain Pete Riebe, Captain Damon Loveless, and Command Master Chief Robert Stumm to the youngest sailors, everyone welcomed us. They guided us through the maze of passageways, stairwells, and “knee knockers” with patience and pride.
Meals were shared with crew members who spoke openly about their work and dreams. Many plan to build careers in the military, while others will later bring their Navy skills to private industry.
Honoring the Crew
The USS Abraham Lincoln is not just steel, jets, and power. Its real strength comes from the men and women who serve on board. They are fit, focused, and dedicated to protecting the United States every single day.
Our time on the ship gave us a deep respect for these young sailors. They are the brightest and bravest among us, carrying out missions that keep our country safe.
Conclusion
The USS Abraham Lincoln stands as one of the most advanced and capable ships in the world. It is both a warship and a home, where thousands of sailors live and work with honor and discipline.
Our visit through the Distinguished Visitor Program showed us not only the incredible power of the ship but also the human spirit behind it. The crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln represents the very best of America.
To learn more, visit the official U.S. Navy site: www.airpac.navy.mil.
