USS Harry S. Truman Deploys

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NORFOLK (Nov. 16, 2015) The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departs Naval Station Norfolk. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deploying in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. With Harry S. Truman as the flagship, strike group assets include the embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 and ships USS Anzio (CG 68), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gravely (DDG 107), and USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Magen Reed/Released)

Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) said their goodbyes to friends and family prior to getting underway on a normally scheduled deployment, Nov. 16.

The current deployment is part of an on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operation.

Truman, serving as the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HSTCSG), completed a composite training unit exercise in September prior to deployment.

“The Strike Group has operated and trained extensively to excel in complex and challenging scenarios designed to ensure deployment readiness,” said Rear Adm. Bret Batchelder, commander Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8. “We are ready. Our Sailors are dedicated, skilled and tremendously enthusiastic serving our nation.”

Many Sailors aboard Truman are experiencing deployment for the very first time.

“I’m so excited to finally be underway,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman J. A. Rodriguez. “I’ve never been outside of the country before, so I’m looking forward to seeing different countries and experiencing other cultures.”

Maritime security operations set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. The operations also deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to illegally transport personnel, weapons or other material.

“We’ve reached the point we have trained for – deployment,” said Captain Ryan Scholl, Truman’s commanding officer. “We are ready and you can trust we will do a spectacular job.”

Truman can travel in excess of 30 knots, and has a crew of approximately 3,000. With the embarked air wing and staffs, the number rises to about 5,000.

HSTCSG consists of Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, USS Anzio (CG 68), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Gravely (DDG 107).