Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - Naval Cruise Book

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Abraham Lincoln President Lincoln seeks a better Navy... The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents in detail the operations of that branch of the service, the activity and energy which have characterized its administration, and the results of measures to increase its efficiency and power. Such have been the additions, -by construction and purchase, that it may almost be said a navy has been created and brought into service since our difficul- ties commenced. Besides blockading our extensive coast, squadrons larger than ever before assembled under our flagi have been put afloat and performed deeds which have increase our naval renown. I would invite special attention to the recommendation of the Secretary for a more perfect organization of the navy by introducing additional grades in the service. --Abraham Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, December 3, 1861 The naval force of the United States consists at this time of five hundred and eicghty-eight vessels, completed and in the course of completion, an of these seventy-five are iron-clad or armored steamers. The events of the war give an increased interest and imriprtance to the navy which will probably extend beyond the war itse . The armored vessels in our navy completed and in service, or which are under contract and approaching com letion, are believed to exceed in number those of any other power. gut while these may be relied upon for harbor defence and coast service, others of greater strength and capacity will be necessary for cruising purposes, and to maintain our rightful position on the ocean. --Abraham Lincoln, Annual Message to Congress, December 8, 1863 Nor must Uncle Sam's Web-feet be forgotten. At all the watery margins they have been present. Not only on the deep sea, the broad bay, and the rapid river, but also Lap the narrow mu dy bayou, and mlihereverkthe ground was a little amp, they have been, and made t eir trac s. --Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to James C. Conkling, August 26, 1863 A statue of USS Abraham Lincoln 's namesake looks solemnly out from the shadows of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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USS Abraham Lincoln The Legend Continues Aircraft carriers and their embarked air wings are the most capable ships at sea and form the nucleus of our carrier battle groups. An air wing is composed of fighter, attack, airborne early warning, electronic warfare, anti-submarine and logistics aircraft. These modern, long-range forces are capable of striking airborne, surface or sub-surface targets at sea, as well as targets ashore deep in an enemy's homeland. The aircraft carrier is essential to achieving and maintaining sea control. Not every mission requires a carrier -- or a carrier battle group -- but there are certain events or crises when only a carrier can do the job. --The U.S. Navy Policy Book Power projection from the sea means bombs, missiles, shells, bullets, and bayonets. When Marines go ashore, naval aviation aboard aircraft carriers and -- if required -- land-based expeditionary aircraft will provide them sustained, high-volume tactical air support ashore to extend the landward reach of our littoral operations. Rugged naval aircraft are well suited for expeditionary airfield operations. These capabilities -- the ability to generate high-intensity power projection from the decks of our carriers and expeditionary airfields -- are critical. They must continue to be suffi- ciently available and ready to contribute to joint warfare and decisive victory. Cur carrier and cruise missile firepower can also operate indepen- dently to provide quick, retaliatory strike capability short of putting forces ashore. Remaining ready indefinitely to strike, this potential force from the sea is a critical tool for diplomacy and influence. The mere arrival of naval strike forces into an area of heightened U.S. interest sends a clear signal. --Excerpt from the Navy White Paper: From The Sea And now the old ships and their men are gone, the new ships and the new men, many of them bearing the old auspicious names,,have taken up their watch on the stern and impartial sea, which offers no opportunities but to those who know how to grasp them with a ready hand and an undaunted heart. --Ioseph Conrad A star-Spangled, decorative emblem with President Abraham Lincoln 's silhouette hangs on the bow ofhis namesake ship, USS Abraham Lincoln, daring the carrier 's christening ceremony, held February 13, 1988.