NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- High marks for the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The 28-year-old aircraft carrier just completed 4 days worth of what are being described as successful sea trials that tested the ship's systems and operations at sea, including high-speed operations.
Work these past four year at Newport News Shipbuilding included de-fueling and refueling the Lincoln's two nuclear reactors and repairs and upgrading the propulsion plant. Also, modernizing the warship to support the integration of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The captain says, Abe passed the test.
"From my perspective, A. A-plus, in fact," said Captain Ronald Ravelo. "So the team did real well. The ship's force, the sailors on board the ship, our government partners that embarked, our industry partners, Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding did a phenomenal job supporting us underway."
The Lincoln is now expected to complete its planned 50-year lifespan, which would take her at least into the year 2039.
The ship's sailors say it was well worth all the time and effort it took to reach this point, and taxpayers are getting their money's worth.
"Oh, absolutely. Definitely they got their money's worth," said LS3 Samuel Cahill. "I think the crew really enjoys the ship as well, and being able to see her in action for the first time was just beyond rewarding. It was definitely worth the millions, the billions of dollars put into it."
The Lincoln will now be permanently stationed, not at the shipyard any longer, and not on the West Coast, but at its new home-port, Naval Station Norfolk. It will serve as part of Carrier Strike Group 12,