Thanks to a workover courtesy of the USO, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the latest aircraft carrier to be outfitted with a significant upgrade of the space the ship’s sailors and Marines use to get away from their duties and relax.
The U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) News reported that the service organization has footed the bill to create an area – appropriately named the USO Center. The creature comforts therein include an electric fireplace, club chairs, phones in sound-proofed booths, reliable wifi, and a renovated library and lounge.
The bulkheads are paneled in teal and accented with what USNI called “punk-styled and contemporary” artwork, and the decks are covered with laminated wood flooring.
Lincoln, which is homeported at Naval Station North Island, California, becomes the fifth carrier to open a shipboard USO Center.
“What the Abraham Lincoln USO Center offers is a peaceful and modern respite for our sailors and Marines to rest and recharge and to reach their families while using wifi at sea to watch movies in a legitimate move theater seating, and play video games in a purposefully designed video game room,” said Capt. Pete Riebe, the ship’s commanding officer, as reported by USNI News. “We ask a lot of our sailors and Marines. It’s absolutely fitting that we provide [them] with a suitable place to unwind.”
The Center was built by USO volunteers, contract workers and members of Lincoln’s crew. The $200,000 cost was covered solely by USO donations.
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