Machinist’s Mate Fireman Benjamin Buening, who was born in 1990 in Greensburg, Ind., joined the Navy to fulfill his ambition to become more independent. Since he joined, he has discovered that he loves

the thrill of traveling and experiencing different cultures.“I feel like the Navy has allowed me to expand my horizons and develop

an appreciation for new experiences, said Buening. “I have hoped since grade school to be a well-rounded, well-travelled person. Seeing the world is very important at this point in my life.”

Coming from a background as a carpenter’s apprentice, Buening also appreciates the professional progress the Navy has enabled him to make.

Buening hopes to address a variety of interests and goals during his Navy career. Primarily, he hopes to become a Navy diver. Someday, when his time in the Navy draws to an end, Buening intends to go to college before seeking a career as a professional deep sea diver.

“I know the road will be difficult, but anything in life worth having never comes easy.”

MMFN BeNjaMiN BueNiNgReactoR Dept.

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petty officeR inDoc pRepaRes abe’s new LeaDeRs

Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) attended a petty officer indoctrination class, or Petty Officer Indoc, at the Navy

Operational Support Center on Naval Station Everett, May 31-June 2. For three days, senior Lincoln Sailors taught the future petty officers

the fundamentals of leadership in preparation for their frocking ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, June 3.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Daniel P. Wickersham, a course facilitator, said he believes it is important to shape better leaders for the future.

“Petty Officer Indoc is our first opportunity to reach out to new petty officers,” said Wickersham. “It gives them the basics of leadership. Hopefully, they’ll use those basics as stepping stones to bigger and better things.”

Machinist’s Mate Fireman Benjamin Brown and Electrician’s Mate Fireman Zachery Greene, two Sailors who attended the course, both agreed that Petty Officer Indoc helped teach them how to lead.

“This class gives you the leadership skills and also teaches you things that a leader should be aware of,” said Brown. “It gives you an idea of what a 3rd class is really going to be doing.”

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Todd Rogers, another course facilitator, said the class helps give the junior Sailors a voice.

“A lot of junior guys think they can’t make a difference,” said Rogers. “This class helps them see that as they move up in rank, they start to have more influence. They see they have a voice, and that they can make a change.”

Facilitators use a variety of teaching methods built upon a pre-set curriculum. Wickersham and Rogers both said they believe that role playing and personal experience play a huge part in making the instruction successful. Wickersham said that interaction amongst the students is particularly important for their development.

“You want to throw it back to them and let them draw off of each others’ personal experiences,” said Wickersham. “At the same time, we use our own experience to teach students how to make the right decision.”

Operations Specialist Seaman William Pruitt said the scenarios and role-playing games were not only the most helpful and informative, but were also the most fun.

At the end of the course, Lincoln Command Master Chief Susan Whitman presented each Sailor with a Petty Officer Indoc completion certificate, making them eligible to be frocked to petty officers 3rd class. Wickersham, Rogers and all the other facilitators extended their congratulations to the class.

And now, Lincoln’s 126 newest petty officers join the proud ranks of naval leaders throughout the fleet.

Story and photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Hunt

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U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Kirk Putnam

U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wade T. Oberlin

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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kirk Putnam

prepariNg

In life, having a plan will never go out of fashion. Getting underway is no different.

Ask any Sailor who has been on a full deployment, or even short work-ups, and they will tell you about something they wished they had on

board during an underway period. Some will tell you about a time or two when unexpected circumstances forced their loved ones to cope with stress in their absence.

If you think ahead, you can ensure that when you find yourself at sea next time, you’ll have the items you can least do without. No matter how prepared you are, however, the time to take care of your family is now, not when something comes up back home and you’re halfway around the world.

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Michael Petitt, from the Combat Systems department aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), said he has learned these lessons firsthand during previous deployments.

“I would tell any new Sailor to be sure to look out for yourself and your family,” Petitt said. “You never know when plans will change and you or your family might need something.”

Whether for your family or your own personal bills, you can manage your life back home from afar through the use of pay allotments, powers of attorney and other automated payments.

Petitt said that, in his experience, these tools have made his deployment periods easier to endure.

“I try to set my bills up to pay automatically so I don’t run into problems with limited internet connectivity while underway,” he said.

Talk to your fellow Sailors; they will be more than happy to share personal experiences about the time that something broke or was damaged during deployment, but that’s just the half of it. Financial and family issues can be draining and can demand a lot of your attention while you’re preparing to get underway, but we all have to focus on work once we pull out of port.

Whether making plans for life on the ship or preparing your life on shore for your absence, you can’t forget about the family and friends waiting for your safe return. A little planning can make all the difference.

Once the ship is underway, Information Technician 1st Class Adriano Mota said it helps him to maintain constant contact with his family back home. In addition to daily email, he also thinks it is important to write hand-written letters.

“They will mean so much more than just an email, and the internet isn’t always available underway,” Mota said. “And if your family or friends send any care packages, be sure they know not to send anything that’ll spoil and to send it at least a month ahead of time if it’s meant for a specific occasion.”

Whatever goods you bring aboard for underway periods, Chief Fire Controlman Christopher Pollard said that it’s also important to stock up on the essentials while you still can.

“Don’t overstuff your rack with useless stuff, but make sure you have a full seabag,” Pollard said. “Having a complete set of full uniforms is very important. You never know what you may need.”

Simple planning can go a long way. Think ahead and ask your shipmates a lot of questions. Anything can happen, so be ready. You will find yourself in the middle of the ocean, but you don’t need to find yourself out of luck.

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U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Robert Robbins

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Congratulations on Your Advancement!Congratulations on Your Advancement!