Vice Adm. Dan Cheever, commander, Naval Air Forces; Capt. Pete Riebe, commanding officer of Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln; and USO representatives cut a ribbon during a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the USO center aboard Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln is currently moored at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. (Valerie Morrison/U.S. Navy)
The USO unveiled a new leisure center on the USS Abraham Lincoln on Monday, giving sailors access to a new lounge, a theater, library and video game room.
The ship’s leadership says in a service news release that the new center will provide a way for sailors to relax and de-stress with entertainment they otherwise would not have access to.
“It is absolutely fitting that we provide our Lincoln Nation Sailors and Marines a suitable space to truly unwind. Enabling a work-life balance while underway is critical to managing the day-to-day stress involved in our line of work,” said commanding officer Capt. Pete Riebe.
The USS Abraham Lincoln, launched in 1988, is a San Diego-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and part of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet.
The USO has previously opened amphibious centers on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS George Washington, USS George H.W. Bush, USS Ronald Reagan and the USS Mount Whitney. USO operates over 200 centers around the world.
Founded in 1941, the United Service Organizations is a non-profit that provides a taste of home to military service members and their families. The USO gives service members access to amenities and care packages, as well as live entertainment called “camp shows” with musicians and comedians.
Capt. Pete Riebe, commanding officer of the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, delivers remarks during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the USO Center aboard Abraham Lincoln. (Valerie Morrison/U.S. Navy)
