NORFOLK, Va.- A 2009 Boca Raton High School graduate and Boca Raton, Florida, 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 2nd Class Christopher Ferrell is an aviation boatswain’s mate aboard the carrier. As an aviation boatswain’s mate, Ferrell is responsible for launching and recovering all aircraft on the flight deck.“My favorite part of my job is definitely the sense of pride that comes with it,” said Ferrell. “Less than one percent of America has ever served or is currently serving. Even less than that can say they launch multi-million dollar aircraft off the flight deck of a multi-billion dollar aircraft carrier. Getting to see the end product of these jets being slung off the bow of the ship is a huge sense of accomplishment for me. It is a beautiful sight. It never gets old. Every day there’s a new challenge to overcome and a new set of skills to be honed. Yes, some days are extremely difficult but at the end of the day we are war fighters and we don’t stop until the job is done.”
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 this deployment has to be when the Secretary of the Navy came aboard to present us with the Meritorious Unit Commendation Award,” said Ferrell. “This accomplishment was specifically significant to me for many reasons. Most importantly, this is my first award of this type. We, as the crew knew the importance of the mission and that unforeseen circumstances come with being in the military. So, we kept pressing forward and exceptionally executing the mission at hand day after day. At one point in this deployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic we were stuck at sea for over 108 days straight. Receiving this award makes all of this hard work and dedication worth it. Now every time I wear my dress uniform and look down at my ribbons, I will forever remember this deployment and will always carry a huge sense of pride in the successful execution of such.”
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.
“I support the mission by putting jets into the air,” said Ferrell. “My division is sometimes referred to as the primary mission division meaning that the sole purpose of an aircraft carrier is to launch and recover aircraft. Without aircraft onboard, we’re just a ship, but with the embarked air wing, we become a mission ready and focused battle force ready to carry out whatever missions it is that America may ask of us.”
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.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Ferrell, 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.
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.
“I support the mission by putting jets into the air,” said Ferrell. “My division is sometimes referred to as the primary mission division meaning that the sole purpose of an aircraft carrier is to launch and recover aircraft. Without aircraft onboard, we’re just a ship, but with the embarked air wing, we become a mission ready and focused battle force ready to carry out whatever missions it is that America may ask of us.”
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.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Ferrell, 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 joined the Navy to travel the world,” added Ferrell. “I love to travel to new places to experience different cultures and lifestyles. I joined for job security. I joined because I felt the need to serve our country as well. When 9/11 happened I was nine-years-old. I remember that day very vividly. Something sparked inside me and I knew I had to do something about it. There’s just something powerful about serving on a 90,000-ton aircraft carrier. Also, all of the benefits that come with serving are a huge plus. I am extremely humbled and proud to serve our great nation."