NORFOLK, Va.- A 2014 Appleton High School graduate and Appleton, Wisconsin, native returned home June 16, marking the end of a seven-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman. Since departing its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in November 2019, the aircraft carrier sailed in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Johnathan W. Bray is an electronics technician (nuclear) aboard the carrier. As an electronics technician, Bray is responsible for operating the reactors to ensure electricity, propulsion and hot and clean water are available to all members of the crew at any time of day or night, and provide steam to launch planes.
“My favorite part of the job is hands down the people,” said Bray. “I’ve met people I never would have met otherwise, who see things differently and who have lived very different lives. Through the difficulties we all share of long times spent out to sea, no regular sleep and a constant pressure of a high risk no mistakes environment, we’ve created a bond that few other people get to experience.”
Following a scheduled return from deployment in March, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Truman remained underway in the Western Atlantic as a certified and ready carrier force ready for tasking. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, the Truman continued to conduct operations underway, minimizing the potential spread of the virus aboard the ships, in order to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
Truman sailed more than 56,000 nautical miles, deploying dynamically to support dual-carrier operations, air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and interoperability with joint services and with allies and partners. The ship also completed multiple strait and choke point transits, to include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el Mandeb Strait, while operating under three Combatant Commanders – U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“My proudest accomplishment on deployment was being there for my friends when they needed me,” said Bray. “Deployment is stressful, and often we rely on each other to keep motivated and shake those negative thoughts off. Holding each other up is the most important thing we can do.”
“In the Navy, my proudest accomplishment is finishing the nuclear pipeline,” added Bray. “Two years of the most mentally challenging training the military can offer can wear you down, but at the end of the sleepless nights and learning at a pace that is often described as ‘drinking from a firehose’, you have a newfound respect for the people who made it through with you.”
Truman demonstrated the Navy's continuing regional commitment to EUCOM and CENTCOM areas of responsibility by hosting 80 embarked guests, including political and military leaders from eight ally and partner nations. These embarks directly supported U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet theater security objectives and greatly enhanced U.S. relationships and partnerships with multiple NATO ally and partner nations and Gulf Cooperation Council members.
“I’m so very proud of all our sailors!” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Truman, “Their resilience, perseverance, and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary. It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman’s commanding officer this deployment!”
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Truman. More than 6,000 men and women serve aboard the ship during deployment keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly. Each crewmember performs a number of tasks outside of their traditional job or rating.
“My role is part of a team, and that team is the best group of nuclear operators on the best carrier in the Navy,” said Bray. “I’ve been on two deployments with the Truman, and as difficult as it can be some days, I’m proud to be part of the hardest working division on the ship. Maybe I’m biased, but I believe the Truman is the best carrier in the fleet.”
Throughout the deployment, Truman performed numerous training exercises to develop tactical competencies. From carrier strike force operations as the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, to exercises with partner navies and forces, the ship developed key skillsets to maintain readiness and interoperability. While conducting stability operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the strike group was called upon during an international crisis to assert American commitment to the region and act as a primary de-escalatory catalyst.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Bray, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bray is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“The last person to serve in my family was my grandfather, who served as a Marine in Vietnam,” said Bray.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bray, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I wanted to serve something bigger than myself,” added Bray. “I was enjoying college, but I didn’t feel it was what I was called to do. I wanted something that I could believe in, something to make the world better. Not only that but my grandfather, Walt Zerrenner, served in the Marines during Vietnam and he has had a huge impact on my life, and that is the reason I am the person I am today.”
“My favorite part of the job is hands down the people,” said Bray. “I’ve met people I never would have met otherwise, who see things differently and who have lived very different lives. Through the difficulties we all share of long times spent out to sea, no regular sleep and a constant pressure of a high risk no mistakes environment, we’ve created a bond that few other people get to experience.”
Following a scheduled return from deployment in March, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations, Truman remained underway in the Western Atlantic as a certified and ready carrier force ready for tasking. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, the Truman continued to conduct operations underway, minimizing the potential spread of the virus aboard the ships, in order to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
Truman sailed more than 56,000 nautical miles, deploying dynamically to support dual-carrier operations, air defense exercises, anti-submarine warfare exercises, and interoperability with joint services and with allies and partners. The ship also completed multiple strait and choke point transits, to include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el Mandeb Strait, while operating under three Combatant Commanders – U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM), U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“My proudest accomplishment on deployment was being there for my friends when they needed me,” said Bray. “Deployment is stressful, and often we rely on each other to keep motivated and shake those negative thoughts off. Holding each other up is the most important thing we can do.”
“In the Navy, my proudest accomplishment is finishing the nuclear pipeline,” added Bray. “Two years of the most mentally challenging training the military can offer can wear you down, but at the end of the sleepless nights and learning at a pace that is often described as ‘drinking from a firehose’, you have a newfound respect for the people who made it through with you.”
Truman demonstrated the Navy's continuing regional commitment to EUCOM and CENTCOM areas of responsibility by hosting 80 embarked guests, including political and military leaders from eight ally and partner nations. These embarks directly supported U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet theater security objectives and greatly enhanced U.S. relationships and partnerships with multiple NATO ally and partner nations and Gulf Cooperation Council members.
“I’m so very proud of all our sailors!” said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Truman, “Their resilience, perseverance, and utter dedication to mission has been nothing short of exemplary. It has been my greatest honor to serve as Truman’s commanding officer this deployment!”
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
Sailors’ jobs are highly varied aboard Truman. More than 6,000 men and women serve aboard the ship during deployment keeping all parts of the ship running smoothly. Each crewmember performs a number of tasks outside of their traditional job or rating.
“My role is part of a team, and that team is the best group of nuclear operators on the best carrier in the Navy,” said Bray. “I’ve been on two deployments with the Truman, and as difficult as it can be some days, I’m proud to be part of the hardest working division on the ship. Maybe I’m biased, but I believe the Truman is the best carrier in the fleet.”
Throughout the deployment, Truman performed numerous training exercises to develop tactical competencies. From carrier strike force operations as the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, to exercises with partner navies and forces, the ship developed key skillsets to maintain readiness and interoperability. While conducting stability operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, the strike group was called upon during an international crisis to assert American commitment to the region and act as a primary de-escalatory catalyst.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Bray, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bray is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“The last person to serve in my family was my grandfather, who served as a Marine in Vietnam,” said Bray.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bray, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“I wanted to serve something bigger than myself,” added Bray. “I was enjoying college, but I didn’t feel it was what I was called to do. I wanted something that I could believe in, something to make the world better. Not only that but my grandfather, Walt Zerrenner, served in the Marines during Vietnam and he has had a huge impact on my life, and that is the reason I am the person I am today.”