Truman Fires Missiles, Certifies Air Defenses

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UNITED STATES - 15 JULY 2009

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, at sea (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) successfully completed a NATO Sea Sparrow Missile exercise at sea July 15 to certify that the ship's missile system is sufficiently capable of warding off certain types of threats.

Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Harold Vernon said the exercise included two parts: the first being to hit an air target and the other to hit a surface target.

To simulate protecting the ship from an aerial threat, Sailors employed two drones, which approached the ship in a stream-raid flight pattern. On board Truman a missile was fired to intercept the drones, hitting both targets.

Another missile was fired to intercept a surface target the size of a sail boat moving at 10 knots. The purpose was to test a new camera sensor installed on the NATO Sea Sparrow launcher.

The cameras are designed to give improved range and the ability to visually identify any surface crafts in the area, said Vernon.

Sailors on board Truman endured a lot of hard work and preparation to ensure a successful evolution.

"It took approximately 70 hours of preparation from four NATO technicians and combat systems (CS-7) division in support to get this program done," said Vernon. "They have been preparing for this missile shoot for the last month."

"Teamwork is essential," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Clifford Maass. "There are certain steps in loading the missiles that require at least three people at a time. The whole evolution takes six people on deck to complete, and each person is vital."

Safety was also an important issue in the missile exercise.

"We all have our ammo handling physical qualification, and we have to get ammo handling qualified, which gets done with the ordnance handling officer," said Maass. "Once we are all qualified, we actually go to schools in Dam Neck, Va., to qualify ourselves on shore before we are allowed to do this on a ship."

USS Harry S. Truman is currently conducting work-up evolutions in preparation for deployment later this year. With the recent completion of composite training unit exercise, Truman and its attached battle group are nearing certification as the Navy's ready deployable carrier strike group.


(July, 15 2009) A RIM-7P NATO Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

 

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Dec. 5, 2009) An F/A-18 from the Romans of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA 106) prepares to launch from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 15, 2009) A Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) signals the pilot of an HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Squadron (HS) 7 that it is clear to lift off.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 10, 2009) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits the Atlantic Ocean to her homeport of Norfolk, Va. Harry S. Truman was conducting training aircraft carrier qualifications off the coast of Florida.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2009) A T-45 Goshawk training aircraft takes off from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2009) A T-45 Goshawk training aircraft assigned to the Tigers of Training Squadron (VT) 9 comes in for an arrested landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) after flight operations. Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2009) T-45 Goshawk training aircraft assigned to the Tigers of Training Squadron (VT) 9 and the Eagles of Training Squadron (VT) 7 and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 line the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2009) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 4, 2009) Landing signal officers observe an FA-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Gladiators of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.

 

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 25, 2010) A C-2A Greyhound assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 is directed into launching position aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting strike group sail exercises.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 11, 2010) Cmdr. Bob Cady, right, and Lt. Alonzo Wynn launch an F/A-18E Super Hornet aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 29, 2010) An SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS) 7 patrols the waterways around the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting a sustainment exercise.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 28, 2010) An F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA) 32, prepares to land aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting a sustainment exercise.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 28, 2010) F/A-18C Hornets, assigned to the Checkerboards of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, fly in formation over the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting a sustainment exercise.



ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 25, 2009) A SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7 prepares to land on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications.

 

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Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Deploys
UNITED STATES - 21 MAY 2010

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) deployed May 21 for a six-month deployment, to the 5th and 6the fleet areas of operations, in support of maritime security operations.

The HST CSG includes Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 10; the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3; Commander, Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 26; the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and guided-missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71) and German Frigate FGS Hessen (F221).

Missions of the HST CSG focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

"I'm extremely proud of the men and women of the Truman Carrier Strike Group," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. "We are ready to deploy in support of troops on the ground, execute the nation's Maritime Strategy, and protect our nation's interests."

The deployment is part of an on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations and operating in international waters around the globe, working with other coalition maritime forces.

The HST CSG, which consists of approximately 6,000 Sailors who, over the last four months, have successfully completed refresher training and certifications to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.

"The USS Harry S. Truman has worked hard to maintain our operational excellence, and we are prepared to answer the call. There is no doubt in my mind that these Sailors are prepared to get underway, and that they will excel at whatever task we are assigned," said Capt. Joseph Clarkson, Truman's commanding officer.

 

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AIRLANT Presents Truman with Battle "E" Award Prior to Deployment
UNITED STATES - 21 MAY 2010

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea -- Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) presented USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Sailors with the carrier's second consecutive Battle Efficiency Award May 21.

CNAL Rear Adm. Richard O'Hanlon presented the award hours before the Truman carrier strike group got underway for a scheduled deployment.

"This is a historic moment," O'Hanlon said. "It speaks to the caliber of the men and women on board Truman that this is their second consecutive Battle "E" win. I am extremely proud to present this award as they depart today for deployment."

One of the most coveted awards in the fleet, the Battle Efficiency Award, more commonly known as the Battle "E", recognizes sustained superior performance in an operational environment.

The Battle "E" Award is one of the few awards given in the Navy that isn't earned by one individual, but rather is awarded based on a point system that evaluates the performance of 14 different departments and more than 4,000 Sailors.

This marks the fifth year the Truman has won the award. The ship was also a recipient in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008.

"I am proud of our Sailors each and every day," said Capt. Joe Clarkson, Truman's commanding officer. "This prestigious award reflects the commitment, dedication, and sustained pursuit of excellence of every Sailor on board. I cannot think of a better way to recognize their battle-readiness as we begin our deployment."

The competitive cycle for the award is from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. The better each individual department scores with regards to their qualifications, the higher the marks they receive. The higher the departmental score, the better the overall average score for the ship.

The ship's score is computed and compared to other operational carriers on the east coast and the vessel with the best score wins the prestigious honor of calling themselves a Battle "E" recipient.

"It feels great to join a ship that has such a strong reputation," said Seaman Jason S. Kowalski, who joined Truman's Deck department in December 2009. "It gives me the motivation to keep this tradition going."

Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, offered congratulations to the crew.

"The skill and determination of every sailor aboard Harry S. Truman has made a direct contribution to the success of the Carrier Strike Group 10 team and ensured we are ready to deploy," said Driscoll.

 

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NORFOLK (May 21, 2010) Sailors and Marines man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the ship departs for a scheduled deployment. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
Length: 333 m

 

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Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Relieves Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG
UNITED STATES - 28 JUNE 2010

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will relieve the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as Commander, Task Force 50 July 2, beginning a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Under Task Force 50, Truman CSG will conduct close air support missions in support of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the AOR.

Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"The Eisenhower Strike Group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, CSG 8. "We leave knowing that Eisenhower, CVW 7, and all the ships in our Ike '5-star' team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region."

Ships of the Eisenhower CSG performed multiple missions while in the 5th Fleet AOR, which included deterring piracy, protecting critical infrastructure, partnering with critical allies, and conducting MSO throughout the region.

"Our Sailors have shown tremendous dedication and commitment during this deployment and are ready now to head home to their family and friends," said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). "We have every confidence that Truman will continue to work just as effectively to improve the security and stability in this part of the world through the outstanding professionalism of their Sailors."

"The Eisenhower Strike Group's performance in the 5th Fleet and their support for Soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in," said Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, commander, CSG 10. "The Sailors and Marines of the Truman Strike Group are fully ready and anxious to begin this important tasking."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., and includes Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), Carrier Air Wing 3 and its associated squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 "Gunslingers," VFA 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs."

Eisenhower will return to its homeport of Norfolk, Va.


ARABIAN SEA (June 26, 2010) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) stand at attention on the flight deck as the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) transits past. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

ARABIAN SEA (June 26, 2010) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) passes by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) after a vertical replenishment. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed as part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 19, 2010) The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman enters the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility following successful operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Harry S. Truman is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

 

[Donatello]

Hmm, so how do the planes from the carrier go into Afghanistan?
I mean what airspace they use?

They can't go over Iran. So like what is the route? I am assuming somewhere over Balochistan in Pakistan?

 

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Truman Strike Group Begins Operations In Support of OEF
UNITED STATES - 29 JUNE 2010

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) June 29, while conducting turnover with Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), will provide support for coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.

"Our air wing has spent several months training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon in preparation for this deployment," said Capt. Jay Bynum, commander,
CVW 3. "We've worked to line up every possible opportunity to train and make sure that we would be ready to go from day one."

Bynum noted that one of the most important parts of the training was the communication between the pilots in the sky and the troops on the ground.

The air wing squadrons worked extensively with joint tactical air controllers (JTAC) at NAS Fallon to ensure that the training was as relevant and realistic as possible. JTACs are the liaison between the ground troops and the aircraft that provide close air support.

Many of the same JTACs that trained with the air wing are currently serving in Afghanistan, said Bynum.

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Marcos Rodriguez, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, takes great pride in ensuring that the jets he maintains stay mission-ready.

"We're out here for something good," said Rodriguez. "I have a friend in the National Guard in Afghanistan and being out here has personal meaning."

"It's awesome to know that we'll be there for the troops," said Lt. Davin O'Brien, of VFA 37. "Every pilot in the air wing is ready to support them."

Truman CSG will relieve Eisenhower CSG as Task Force 50 on July 2. Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with CVW 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and logging 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., on a routine scheduled deployment and will conduct Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation.

Truman CSG includes CSG 10, Harry S. Truman, USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), CVW 3 and its associated squadrons; VFA 105 "Gunslingers," VFA 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs."


U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 29, 2010) Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 lift a GBU-12 (500-pound guided bomb) onto an F/A-18F Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman launched their first combat sorties of the deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom June 29. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 29, 2010) An F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Ragin' Bulls of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA ) 37 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman launched their first combat sorties of the deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom June 29. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (June 29, 2010) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Zappers of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ ) 130 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75 ). Harry S. Truman launched their first combat sorties of the deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom June 29. Truman is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

 

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 17, 2010) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 is inspected before being launched from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 17, 2010) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 17, 2010) An F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 launches from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 10, 2010) A plane director stands by as a C-2 Greyhound, assigned to the Rawhides of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, is chocked and chained after completing a logistics flight to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 11, 2010) Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Adam Henry, assigned to the Gunslingers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, performs scheduled maintenance on an M161A2 hydraulic-driven electric- fired machine gun in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). VFA-105 is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 3, 2010) F/A-18F Super Hornets assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 fly by the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in formation during a change of command ceremony. Cmdr. Timothy Hill relieved Cmdr. Edward Heflin as commanding officer of VFA-32. VFA-32 is deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

 

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USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Celebrates 12th Birthday
UNITED STATES - 26 JULY 2010

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) celebrated the aircraft carrier's 12th birthday July 23 while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Since the ship's commissioning July 25, 1998, Harry S. Truman has completed four deployments, including support for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003 and 2007 and OEF in 2002.

The ship has earned five Battle Efficiency awards in its 12 year history was recently awarded the 2009 Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award, awarded to a ship or submarine for superior battle-readiness.

"I can't think of a more fitting way to celebrate our ship's birthday than supporting our troops on the ground in Afghanistan," said Capt. Joe Clarkson, Truman's commanding officer. "Our ship is doing what she was built to do, and we are ready to execute whatever mission our nation requires."

The Truman's stellar reputation led many crew members to specifically requested the ship for their next duty station.

"At my previous command, both of my chiefs recommended I come here for my next duty station," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Ryan Halpin, who reported to Truman eight months ago. "I looked into the ship's reputation, and everything about it has been true. I'm proud to be able to celebrate the birthday of such an impressive ship."

Culinary specialists worked hard to prepare a special birthday meal, which included barbecue and buffalo wings, pizza and a giant birthday cake.

"We have a birthday celebration every month for crewmembers," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Loran Bather. "It wouldn't be right for us not to stop and acknowledge the commissioning of this great warship."

Bather said the crew members are the ones who made Truman the warship it is today, and they are instrumental in ensuring Truman remains strong and prepared to respond for many years to come.

"The crew has made the ship what she is," Bather said. "All the equipment on the ship is just steel without the heart and soul of the Sailors and Marines on board."

 

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U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 26, 2010) A plane director signals an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 to the catapult for a launch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (July 26, 2010) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Swordsmen of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.