Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin will be the first commanding officer of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.  Bauernschmidt is a graduate of the Naval Academy with a degree in Ocean Engineering and a Masters’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. She is also a graduate of the nuclear power school.

Capt Baurnschmidt was designated a Naval Aviator in 1996 and was a helicopter pilot.

Her tours included assignments to the “Wolfpack,” HSL-45, the “Warlords” of HSL-51, and the “Spartans” of HSM-70.  All of these helicopter squadrons fly the Sikorski SH-60. She has more than 3,000 flight hours.

She has also served as the Executive Officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln and the commanding officer of the USS San Diego an amphibious transport.

Her awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service medals.

The USS Abraham Lincoln set sail on Monday from San Diego for a cruise in the Western Pacific.

Speaking of her crew in a Navy press release Captain Bauernschmidt said, “These sailors are incredible professionals who have trained exceptionally hard to ensure they are ready for any operational obligations required of us on deployment.”

‘They are fully prepared for today’s deployment, and I have no doubt they will proudly represent our country as we defend our national interests,”

In September 2021 the Lincoln lost five aircrewmen when an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter experienced a loss of control while attempting to land and flipped off the deck and into the sea. The bodies and the aircraft were later recovered in more than 5,000 feet of water some 60 miles off the coast of San Diego.