Abraham Lincoln Cruise - February 5-7, 2000
February 8, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The following SEAL graduates were selected for the trip on the U.S. Navy carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN:
Eric English, Jackson TXThe Scouts were led by SEAL Training Coordinator Jim Elroy, Sea Scout National Commodore Jimmie Homburg, and SEAL Instructor Mary Jane Clark Neri.
Sean Griffin, Miami FL
Rachel Hester, Seattle WA
Adam James, Pitman NJ
Natasha Leandro, Castro Valley CA
Adam Mackey, San Diego CA
Matt Magorka, Crofton MD
Mike Mlynek, Stillwater OK
Nick Wolters, Chino Hills CA
Upon flying into San Diego, the Scouts spent the first evening at the Youth Aquatic Center of the BSA in San Diego. In the early hours of Sunday the 6th, the Scouts travelled to North Island Air Station for a safety briefing. Helmets and life jackets were issued, and the carrier landing and bracing for impact was explained.
The carrier takeoff and landing was exciting. "It was twenty times better than a roller-coaster ride," according to Eric English. The action did not stop until after midnight. Adam Mackey summed up the sentiment of all -- "there was so much to do and see." The Scouts were positioned between the cats for launch -- about twelve feet from departing aircraft. Other stations included the FSO for aircraft recovery. The Scouts had an opportunity to examine Air Operations computerization technology. On the Bridge, the group met with the Admiral and Commanding Officer. In the Flight Ops area, the Scouts learned that it is not as easy to write flight numbers backwards on the glass walls so often seen in movies. The Scouts also sat through a pilots' flight briefing.
The participants had a small chance to sit down at a formal meal with the Executive Officer of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN as the host. Many of the Scouts were impressed with the respect shown to them at this and other points in the day.
There was even more for the Scouts to see and sleep was kept to a minimum. After going through other areas of the ship, such as the operating room, medical areas, and canvas shop, it was clear that the carrier is much like a self-contained city. The need for leadership and teamwork in an operation of this size was evident. "Everyone on the team is critical from the lowest seaman to the Captain," Jim Elroy explained. "If anyone neglects to do his or her job, the operation will fail and someone will get hurt." It is hoped that the Sea Scouts aboard the carrier will take this message back to their own Sea Scout Ships as well.
An extra highlight to the day was the awarding of the Quartermaster Award to Mike Mlynek of Sea Scout Ship Conquest. The Award, the highest honor in Sea Scouting, was presented by Commanding Officer Capt JJ Quinn on the bridge of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Sea Scouting is a co-educational program offered to young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Sea Scouting is organized to promote better citizenship and to improve members' boating skills and knowledge through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, and service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. For information on the Sea Scout unit nearest you, contact your local Boy Scouts of America council, or write to "Sea Scouts," c/o Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079 or e-mail, cjholmes@netbsa.org. http://www.seascout.org.
Sea Scout Advanced Leadership (SEAL) training is a course designed to develop leadership skills in young adults. This leadership skills course, which utilizes an at-sea experience as a laboratory, is intended to teach and apply leadership skills. Several SEAL training courses are held each year. Information is available on the Sea Scouts, BSA web site at http://www.seascout.org or from Jim Elroy, SEAL Training Coordinator, by e-mail (seawolf410@aol.com) or by phone at (305) 323-8278.
For further information/press contact - write to Christopher Sokolov; Sea Scouts, B.S.A.; 7870 Avenida Navidad #187, San Diego, CA 92122; csokolov@seascout.org. (858) 658-0956.
