NORFOLK, Va.- A 2016 Octorara Area High School graduate and Christiana, Pennsylvania, 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.
Airman Matthew J. Bucklin works on the flight deck aboard the carrier assisting in the launch and recovery of jets and helicopters.
“My favorite thing about my job is getting to be outside every day despite how hot it gets on the flight deck,” said Bucklin. “There is always a lot of jet fumes that takes a while to get used to. There is a lot of people on the ship that don’t really ever go outside so I consider it a privilege to be able to see the sun and the water and breathe somewhat fresh air every day.”
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 since I’ve joined the Navy would be a number of awards and a ribbon I’ve earned during deployment,” said Bucklin. “I became both an enlisted air warfare specialist and an enlisted surface warfare specialist at the beginning of deployment and because of that, I was chosen to be Air Department’s Warrior of the Week. Near the end of deployment, we were all awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal by the Secretary of the Navy for our service during this tough time. When we pulled out, no one expected to be out here this long and to get caught up in the middle of a pandemic while also playing a key role in our nation’s defense during that time. That in itself, is also a huge accomplishment. We never knew we were capable of what we did until we were forced to be.”
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 make sure all of the aircraft on deck are handled properly and moved with care to various places in order for them to be launched, moved to the hangar or for maintenance to be performed,” said Bucklin.
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 Bucklin, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Bucklin is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather along with all of his brothers were in the Navy,” said Bucklin. “I also have a few distant relatives in the Air Force. One in particular, my Uncle Alec, was one of the few survivors on the beaches of Normandy during that battle. Unfortunately, he passed away about three years ago.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bucklin, 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 for the adventure, to step outside of my comfort zone and gain new experiences,” added Bucklin.