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Truman Returns to Norfolk After 12-Days of Carrier Qualifications

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120728-04
7/28/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonnie Hobby, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, July 27, after a 12-day underway in support of flight deck certification and carrier qualifications.

In addition to certifying Truman's flight deck and qualifying pilots assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and CVW-8, the crew conducted .50-caliber and M240-B machine gun and 40 mm saluting gun mount shoots; completed two replenishments-at-sea; one vertical replenishment; and celebrated the 14th anniversary of the ship's commissioning.

Truman recently completed a 16-month docking planned incremental availability (DPIA), at Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

"Think about all we've accomplished in the 12 days we've been at sea," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Truman's commanding officer, as he addressed the crew. "A good portion of the crew spent 16 months in the shipyards, out of their rates and normal jobs. We then shifted our focus from production to training, grinding out drills and evolutions to re-build our proficiency as a team and ensure we safely brought our ship out of the yards. We experienced an amazing transformation - not only aboard the ship - but also within ourselves."

CVW-3 and CVW-8 pilots earned their carrier qualifications by completing two daytime "touch-and-gos," two daytime recoveries and two at night.

"It was a great opportunity for us," said Lt. Stephen Huffman, a pilot assigned to "The Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32 of CVW-3. "We haven't flown on the Truman in a long time, so this underway gave us a great opportunity to get our day and night traps. Everybody did a great job. It was also nice to see the Truman out of the yards and out to sea."

Several of the pilots from both air wings were impressed with the dedication and welcoming attitudes of the crew.

"We had a great time onboard," said Lt. Scott Sulich, a pilot with "The Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 of CVW-8. "The Truman has welcomed us with open arms."

The pride and professionalism of the crew exceeded Mewbourne's expectations. He feels Truman will be able to answer the call of the fleet in minimal time.

"The crew's hard work and dedication brought every job to completion, and their professionalism ensured we did everything safely," Mewbourne said. "It was exciting to be out in the Atlantic, launching and recovering aircraft. This was just the first step toward getting ready for deployment."