Before joining the Navy, Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Jeffrey Gatlin worked as a dispatcher for the Forrest County Sheriff’s Department in Forrest County, Miss.

“I enjoyed my time there,” said Gatlin. “It was an experience I’ll never forget.”

As a gunner’s mate working in G-2 division, his job is to be ready to respond quickly as part of a team of GMs that man .50-caliber gun mounts as directed by Ordnance Control.

Gatlin said it was his passion for firearms that motivated him to seek a job in weapons-based rate. He remembers his first time shooting a weapon, a Remington Nylon 66 model, a sleek .22-caliber rifle.

“I remember I was with my father in the woods. I was about seven years old, and he decided to start me off with a .22 rifle because I was so young. I couldn’t handle the kickback from anything else,” Gatlin said. “Now, with my job, the question is what haven’t I shot.”

Gatlin’s family has a long history of naval service. His grandfather, father and uncle have all served in the Navy.

Gatlin, who has been married for two and a half years, said it can be difficult at times to be away from his loved ones.

“But I love my wife, and I love my job,” he said. “And I know if I stay focused, I can do anything.”

GM2 Jeffrey GatlinWeapons Dept., G-2 Division

.

Know your ShipMate

Photos and information by M

C3 Jerem

iah Mills

Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kirk Putnam

There are plenty of fun activities awaiting Lincoln Sailors as soon as the ship pulls into Los Angeles, July 25, for L.A. Navy Week

2011, which runs through July 31. While you don’t need an exact itinerary for what to do in L.A., you

can certainly have fun participating in one or more of the command- or MWR-organized events in the city that week.

After we arrive, and after the first day’s flurry of onlookers and media has quieted down, Lincoln’s crew (you) will prepare for the week-long celebration. However, it’s the second day when the fun really gets rolling.

Tuesday, July 26 - Early in the day, filming will begin for an episode of “Good Day L.A.” in the forward mess decks, where Lincoln culinary specialists will test their skills in a cook-off against students from Le Cordon Bleu culinary school. Afterward, Lincoln Sailors can help the local community by participating in a Habitat for Humanity building event in Linwood, one of two such community relations projects (COMRELs) that will continue throughout the remainder of Lincoln’s stay in L.A. Then representatives from Weinerschnitzel restaurants plan to bring a thousand-hot-dog lunch for the Lincoln crew to enjoy.

Wednesday, July 27 - Sailors will have another COMREL opportunity in conjunction with historic Rancho Los Alamitos on Wednesday. Lincoln will also be opening its doors for the public to come aboard and catch a glimpse of

what life is like on an aircraft carrier. That afternoon, Sailors will attend tapings of the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “America’s Got Talent.” To round out the evening’s events, the Navy Band is scheduled to perform in the Downtown Disney district near Disneyland.

Thursday, July 28 - Lincoln once again hosts a public open house in the morning. Later that night, Sailors will cheer for their favorite knight, realm or kingdom at Medieval Times or see the Navy Band perform again, this time in Hollywood.

Friday, July 29 - The Los Angeles Zoo opens its doors for Navy Day until 5:00 p.m. Around the same time, an L.A. Navy Week Celebration kicks off at the Elks Lodge in Redondo Beach.

Saturday, July 30 – Chavez Ravine welcomes Lincoln Sailors to Dodger Stadium Saturday night for a taste of summer baseball. Over at Staples Center, another group of Lincoln Sailors will see Capt. John D. Alexander present medals at the Summer X-Games.

Sunday, July 31 - The final full day for Lincoln in LA, Los Angelinos will have one last chance to see the ship. Also, Knott’s Berry Farm (don’t let the name fool you—Knott’s is an amusement park full of roller coasters) shows its appreciation with its very own Navy Day. Those looking for a little more relaxation on their last day in L.A. can take buses from the Port of L.A. Cruise Terminal to a join their shipmates for some down time in Santa Monica.

a looK ahead to la navy weeK

When USS Abraham Lincoln’s Dental d e p a r t m e n t

personnel provide the ship’s Sailors with dental

care, they are doing more than simply keeping ship’s company cavity-free and minty fresh: they’re keeping the crew operational.

Dental department performs a wide range of dental procedures ranging from routine fillings to comprehensive oral surgery. Surgeons and technicians are able to provide timely assessments and evaluations of the patients’ oral health with the aid of the department’s diagnostic equipment, including panoramic and tube head x-ray machines.

Even with the right equipment and skills, the oral health needs of the crew keep Dental department quite busy.

With a staff of only 18 members and a crew of approximately 2,800 Sailors (more than 5,000 when the air wing is aboard), Dental department works hard to make sure Sailors get the dental care they need. Hospital Corpsman 3rd

Class Michael Weinmann said Dental department personnel see between 60 and 70 people every day.

“The most common ailments we see down here are cavities. To restore those teeth, we use amalgam fillings, which consist of a metallic alloy placed into and over the affected area,” Weinmann said. “After a thorough cleaning, of course.”

Root canals, procedures used to prevent further damage to the infected roots of teeth, are another common practice aboard Lincoln. When an infection starts on the apex of a root, the tooth becomes compromised by decay within the pulp. During a root canal, dental personnel will remove the root nerve and use files and a sodium hypochlorite solution to clean and disinfect the area.

Weinmann stressed that many dental problems can be minimized or altogether prevented by following some common guidelines.

“Use floss!” he insisted. “A lot of people brush everyday but don’t use floss. That’s the main reason people get cavities. Daily flossing helps prevent

cavities by getting plaque and food out of hard-to-reach areas.”

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Dylan Usenick, Dental department’s front desk recall coordinator, is in charge of annual checkups. Usenick manages the dental records of every Sailor aboard Lincoln and ensures each one is properly scheduled and kept current on an ongoing basis.

Usenick said 100 percent of Lincoln’s crew has undergone a dental evaluation within the last year.

“When it’s time for your annual checkup, come down and take care of it. Most of the time, it will only take five minutes of your day,” he said.

Weinmann wondered why any Sailor wouldn’t want to take advantage of Dental’s free services.

“A routine filling on the civilian side costs between four and six hundred dollars; a gold crown molding would cost between two and three thousand dollars,” Weinmann said. “You don’t have to pay that kind of money here.”

For more information, contact Dental department at 7336.

dental perSonnel Keep you freSh, Clean By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Randolph

U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Seth Clarke

U.S. N

avy photo by MC

2 Seth Clarke

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zach HuntSparKle on the Shine

USS Abraham Lincoln’s (CVN 72) dental personnel earned a 98 percent score on a Dental Readiness Assessment, July

11. The score was high enough to count the assessment as a Dental Readiness Inspection.

T h e C o m m a n d e r N a v a l A i r Force (CNAF) dental officer and dental chief petty officer conducted the assessment, which took place June 16. They determined that all the dental equipment was serialized, sterilized and up to date. They also inspected all the records and dental instructions to ensure those were up-to-date as well.

Cmdr. Sam Westock, Lincoln’s Dental department head, said the inspectors’ main concern was the readiness of Lincoln’s Dental department.

“We had to be ready to deploy that day,” she said. “Since we have all the supplies we need, and all the records and instructions are current, we were ready when they came.”

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Asterik Knotts said the schedules of procedures need to be clear and precise.

“Any corpsman needs to be able to walk in and do our job,” said Knotts. “The standard operating procedures (SOPs) make sure that they are able to do just that.”

Knotts said the department worked hard to prepare for the assessment.

“It was rough,” she said. “We had to go through everyone’s dental records—over two thousand of them—and make sure they were all accurate and filled out correctly.”

Westock praised the personnel in her department, adding that she was grateful to the rest of the ship as well.

“Every department helped us,” said Westock. “By making sure their people came down here for birth month readiness (BMR), every department had a hand in helping us pass.”

Both Westock and Knotts said Dental’s teamwork and determination helped them achieve the high score.

“The teamwork down here is like clockwork,” said Westock. “Everyone is so dependable and reliable, they all took the assessment very seriously.”

“Everyone here puts in long hours,” said Knotts. “I love this crew.”

U.S

. Nav

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oto

by M

C2

Seth

Cla

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By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy Cellini

As we prepare to depart from the Pacific Northwest

(and all its majestic beauty) for the last time, you may be

wondering if you’ve made the most of your time in the Evergreen State.

If your scrapbook of Washington

memories feels a little empty, don’t panic. The intrepid reporters of the Penny Press are on the job, ready to help you get the most out of your remaining time here. We present you with our “Washington State Bucket List,” our picks (in no particular order) for the best area sights and events to try before we leave for Virginia.

everGreen BuCKet liStTen Things to do in Washington … While You Still Can!

Visit the Space NeedleWhere? Seattle (you can’t miss it)

Yeah, so maybe it’s a little corny (it’s definitely overpriced),

but it’s the Seattle Space Needle. You have to go at least once. Take a short elevator ride to the top of the city (sort of) and enjoy the view. We recommend going at night for

the best experience. The lights of the Emerald City will not

let you down.

Go Take a Hike!Where? Mt. Rainier/Mt. St. Helens

Weird Washington StuffWhere? Seattle

Probably the two most famous mountains in the Cascades, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens offer two completely different landscapes to take in. Whether you want a nice day hike or you’re serious about climbing some mountains, Mt. Rainier has something for everyone. You can get up close to some glaciers, see a lot of wildlife and, once you get up high enough, experience the best view of the Cascades anywhere in the state. Mt. St. Helens is almost a complete 180 degrees from Rainier. Even after more than 30 years, the total devastation caused by the 1980 eruption is still apparent. If you want to understand the pure power and destruction a volcano can cause, you have to go to St. Helens. Go to the visitor center and check out the movie about the eruption, then go take

a hike to the lava dome and check out the growth where nature has just recently

starting showing signs of life again. And, get yourself a little trinket

made of ash.

There are some things that are just too Washington to miss before we leave. The gum wall (located just downhill from the famous Pike’s Place Market) is one such attraction. A section of alley that has been collecting chewed-up bubble gum for what appears to be forever, it’s a destination sure to evoke an opinion (or gag reflex) in everyone. Also, in the Fremont area, be sure to stop

under the Aurora Bridge to visit the area’s most famous resident: the Fremont Troll. This particular denizen

of the underworld may look fierce, but he never seems to mind taking a few photos

with the kids.

Located outside a small town along the 101, the Olympic Game

Farm offers a zoo experience you’d have a hard time finding anywhere

else. Unlike hot, crowded zoos where you’re not even guaranteed to see all the animals you want to see, the Olympic Game Farm lets the animals come to you. Armed only with your vehicle and a loaf of bread, you can make

your way slowly through the park. Animals like Elk, Bison and Llamas will come right to your

window and eat bread out of your hand. It’s a completely unique experience no one in your family will

soon forget.

The Olympic Game FarmWhere? Sequim - head north on the 101, you’ll see some signs

See a Show at the GorgeWhere? Head east on I-90, located along the Colombia

River, in beautiful George, Washington (HA!)The Gorge Amphitheatre is one the coolest concert venues in the country. Located on the Colombia River Gorge, the stage sits near the edge of a cliff overlooking the river. This is a breathtaking backdrop for any concert, especially at dusk, when the sun sets behind the stage. The Gorge also has

its own campground adjoining the venue, making it easy to have a great concert experience in the middle of

an unforgettable weekend.

Drive the 2 EastWhere? Just outside of Everett, head east

A beautiful and varied scenic drive up toward the popular winter sports venue Stevens Pass. The drive offers not only mountain views and Washington forests, but also some distinct local oddities

including a fence made of old skis, a home-made knife shop, a photo opportunity with Bigfoot himself and

a reptile zoo featuring giant tortoises and an anaconda.

Seattle’s Underground TourWhere? Pioneer Square (Downtown Seattle)

A guided tour through the subterranean streets of early Seattle, here you’ll learn

about the sordid history of the city, including the stories of some of its most famous and infamous sons and daughters. For a more adult experience, check out their nocturnal option,

the Underworld tour, which includes more mature content and even a nightcap.

Olympic National ParkWhere? Pretty much everywhere

west of Puget Sound

The Olympic National Park and National Forest is a huge area on the other side of the Sound with everything any outdoorsy person could want. If camping or hiking is your thing, head to the rainforest and enjoy the vast amounts of woods and campgrounds. If you’re more into the ocean, head to the north or west and check out some beaches and tidal pools. If you’re just looking to kick back and relax, there are hot springs

out there for some natural hot tubbing. When you’re done,

you’ll smell like sulfur! Good times!

Get a Hot Cup of Jill, er, JoeWhere? Bikini Coffee Huts located almost everywhere

This is truly a Washington thing. Where else can you get a great cup of coffee served to you at your car window by bikini-clad baristas in a building that’s basically a backyard shed in a parking lot? Just chalk it up to “a local thing” when you tell the story later, and grab a cup for the road.

Get Old SchoolWhere? Leavenworth

A town out of time, Leavenworth

looks like a turn-of-the-century German

village, but offers modern comforts and amenities. With nearly year-round festivals and exhibits, this corner of the state

is the perfect cheap and easy weekend getaway. Check it out in October for Oktoberfest (of

course), which boasts three weeks’ worth of food and fun.

Probably the two most famous mountains in the Cascades, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens offer two completely different landscapes to take in. Whether you want a nice day hike or you’re serious about climbing some mountains, Mt. Rainier has something for everyone. You can get up close to some glaciers, see a lot of wildlife and, once you get up high enough, experience the best view of the Cascades anywhere in the state. Mt. St. Helens is almost a complete 180 degrees from Rainier. Even after more than 30 years, the total devastation caused by the 1980 eruption is still apparent. If you want to understand the pure power and destruction a volcano can cause, you have to go to St. Helens. Go to the visitor center and check out the movie about the eruption, then go take

a hike to the lava dome and check out the growth where nature has just recently

starting showing signs of life again. And, get yourself a little trinket

made of ash.