USS Harry S Truman CVN 75

 

 


Propulsion: Two nuclear reactors, four shafts. Length: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters). Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters) ; Flight Deck Width: 252 feet (76.8 meters). Displacement: Approximately 97,000 tons (87,996.9 metric tons) full load. Speed: 30+ knots (34.5+ miles per hour). Crew: Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing: 2,480. Armament: Two or three (depending on modification) NATO Sea Sparrow launchers, 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts: (3 on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower and 4 on Vinson and later ships of the class.). Aircraft: 85.

---

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) is the ninth nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth in the Nimitz class. The keel was laid by Newport News Shipbuilding on November 29, 1993, and the ship, named after the 33rd President of the United States, was christened on September 7, 1996. The ship was launched on September 13, 1996, and delivered to the United States Navy on June 30, 1998. Harry S. Truman was commissioned on July 25, 1998.

In August 1998, Harry S. Truman put to sea for the first time as a U.S. Navy carrier to conduct flight deck certifications, an evolution designed to test the ship’s ability to successfully launch and recover aircraft.

After an extensive work-up cycle that tested the ship and challenged the crew, Harry S. Truman embarked on its maiden deployment on November 28, 2000. On February 16, 2001, the Truman team was called into action in support of Operation Southern Watch. In response to surface-to-air missile fire against coalition forces enforcing United Nations Security Council Resolutions, aircraft from Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) took part in a sanctioned response and struck Iraqi integrated air defense system sites. The air wing flew 869 combat sorties, totaling more than 2,700 flight hours.

After nearly 180 days and traveling more than 44,000 nautical miles, Harry S. Truman completed its first deployment on May 23, 2001.

Harry S. Truman entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its first Planned Incremental Availability on September 5, 2001. Six months later, Harry S. Truman began training for its second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, which began on December 5, 2002. Tensions with Iraq were high as the Truman team prepared for the possibility of conflict.

In early February 2003, Harry S. Truman took up station in the Eastern Mediterranean and waited for word to launch strikes against Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. When the order came in the late-night hours of March 19, Operation Iraqi Freedom was in full swing. Harry S. Truman successfully launched 1,280 sorties, dropped more than 700 tons of ordnance, and helped liberate the people of Iraq. Harry S. Truman was relieved of its Operation Iraqi Freedom support duties on April 18, 2003.

In August 2003, Harry S. Truman entered Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its second Planned Incremental Availability. The ship pulled out of the shipyard on February 13, 2004, four days early and under budget.

After leaving the shipyard, the Harry S. Truman team focused on preparing to re-enter the Global War on Terrorism. Under the Navy’s new Fleet Response Plan, Harry S. Truman surged to the Mediterranean as one of seven carriers participating in Summer Pulse '04, while simultaneously completing the required training exercises that would ensure the ship and air wing team were ready to act when called upon.

After another successful yard period and an intense work-up cycle, Truman departed Norfolk on a seven-month combat deployment in November 2007. Throughout the deployment, Truman supported Maritime Security Operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf and safely launched and recovered over 15,300 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Simultaneously, aircraft from CVW-3 flew more than 26,500 hours during 9,500 sorties. Of these, 2,459 were combat sorties directly supporting Coalition forces serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The air wing flew just under 14,000 combat hours and expended 77,500 pounds of ordnance.

Truman completed her third Planned Incremental Availability in February 2009 and has undergone numerous underways since that time, including an ammunition onload in March, Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) in April and May, Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and Combined Training Unit Exercise (COMTUEX) in June, squadron Carrier Qualifications in July and August, and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) in September. Planned Carrier Qualifications were scheduled up to her next deployment in 2010. USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) has won five Battle "E" awards: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

In May 2010, USS Harry S. Truman deployed for her fifth overseas deployment. The carrier was part of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Arabian Sea, where it launched sorties to support coalition forces in Afghanistan. The air wing flew over 2,000 combat sorties, providing crucial air support to ground operations. Truman returned to Norfolk in December 2010 after a seven-month deployment.

Following her return, Harry S. Truman underwent maintenance and upgrades during another Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) period. This included updates to the ship's combat systems and general maintenance to ensure operational readiness. The carrier also participated in various training exercises to maintain the crew's proficiency.

In July 2013, Truman deployed to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. During this deployment, the carrier supported Operation Enduring Freedom and participated in numerous maritime security operations. The deployment was initially scheduled to end in April 2014, but it was extended due to the ongoing instability in the region. Truman finally returned to Norfolk in November 2014, marking one of her longest deployments.

In 2015, USS Harry S. Truman entered another Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. This period involved significant maintenance and upgrades, including improvements to the ship's radar systems, flight deck, and living quarters for the crew. The carrier emerged from PIA in early 2016, ready for another operational cycle.

In November 2015, Harry S. Truman departed for another deployment, this time to support Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The carrier conducted numerous sorties, delivering airstrikes against ISIS targets and providing vital support to coalition forces. Truman returned to Norfolk in July 2016 after a successful deployment.

After her return, the carrier underwent routine maintenance and upgrades to ensure continued readiness. This period included modernization efforts to enhance the ship's capabilities and extend its operational life.

In April 2019, USS Harry S. Truman deployed once again, this time participating in high-tempo operations across multiple theaters, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf. The carrier conducted freedom of navigation operations, participated in joint exercises with allied navies, and supported ongoing military operations in the region. Truman returned to Norfolk in December 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unique challenges to the crew of USS Harry S. Truman. The carrier was deployed in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, where it conducted operations while implementing strict health protocols to protect the crew from the virus. Despite the pandemic, Truman successfully completed her mission and returned to Norfolk in June 2020.

Throughout 2021, USS Harry S. Truman focused on maintenance and training to ensure operational readiness. This included routine repairs, system upgrades, and various training exercises to keep the crew prepared for future deployments.

In December 2021, USS Harry S. Truman deployed to the Sixth Fleet area of operations, primarily in the Mediterranean Sea. The carrier supported NATO allies and participated in several high-profile exercises to enhance interoperability and regional security. Truman's presence was a deterrent against potential threats and a reassurance to allies in the region. The carrier returned to Norfolk in mid-2022.

In 2023, USS Harry S. Truman continued to maintain high readiness levels through scheduled maintenance, training exercises, and preparations for future deployments. The carrier participated in joint exercises with international partners and played a key role in demonstrating the U.S. Navy's commitment to global maritime security.