DAWN OPERATIONS, ABE LINCOLN

The USS Lincoln, like many of her sister ships, are floating cities. Each is a self-sustained floating airport that’s sovereign U.S. territory.

When deployed, American Supercarriers operate with their own ZIP code, post office, hospital, dental clinic, barbershops, athletic facilities and chapels. More than 18,000 meals are prepared daily for a crew of over 5000. The Carrier Air Wing, or CVW operates with approximately 80 aircraft from rescue helicopters to fighter aircraft and the ship and aircraft operate 24/7.

"In my painting I wanted to capture this awesome warship that never sleeps, juxtaposed to even greater elements of the sky and sea at dawn. If you look closely you’ll see an aircraft about to be launched, it’s afterburners glowing in anticipation of being flung down the deck by the catapult. Aircraft from past deployments like the now retired F-14 Tomcat sit parked near the fan tail of the vessel. And on final approach, an F/A-18 Hornet is about to trap (land) aboard. You also see one of the many additional vessels of the Carrier Battle Group. An escort destroyer plies the waters ahead of the mighty Lincoln giving protection and support on another long day of operations. As the artist I dedicate this painting to all sailors, past and present, who stand watch worldwide for liberty and freedom." - Rick Herter

“Dawn Operations” is available as a Limited Edition print on archival paper.