Lincoln Sailors Experience New Zealand Ship

ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, AT SEA

08.03.2008

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Rialyn Rodrigo
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command

ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN — Ten Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln visited the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana during a crew exchange.

During their time aboard Te Mana, they were able to tour the ship, enjoy lunch and gain an appreciation of how the New Zealand Navy operates.

"Visiting Te Mana was a great experience," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Lind, a native of Milwaukee, Wis., assigned to Deck Department's 1st Division. "This was my first time to cross-deck to another ship, and it was very exciting."

Leading electronic technician Darryl Hanson and Leading Marine Technician Richard Te Nana, were two of the Royal New Zealand Sailors who gave a tour to the visiting Lincoln Sailors.

"I think it's cool to have other Sailors aboard," Hanson said. "From my point of view, it's good to take advantage of the opportunity to visit another Navy's ship. It's a good chance to compare and contrast the differences and gives us a chance to talk to other people and see our common interests."

While aboard Te Mana, Lincoln Sailors explored the engine room, flight deck, sickbay and living spaces.

"I was able to see what other countries have and compare it with what we use on Lincoln; it's amazing to compare the two ships' technology side-by-side," said Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Frost, a native of Winnemucca, Nev. "I think we should give Sailors a chance more often to cross-deck."

Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as Maritime Security Operations. Operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2008
• Date Posted: 08.03.2008 10:11
• Story ID: 22070
• Location: ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, AT SEA