NORFOLK, Va.- A 2009 Horseheads High School graduate and Elmira, New York, 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 1st Class Anthony Cram is an air traffic controller aboard the carrier. As an air traffic controller, Cram is responsible for operating the air traffic control radar systems to expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of air traffic. Cram also applies separation rules and moves all aircraft efficiently throughout the airspace.
Cram’s favorite part about his job is working as a team.
“There are 4 control positions in Carrier Air Traffic Control Center, each relying on each other,” said Cram. “Every time we launch aircraft off this warship, lives are at stake. Every evolution has the possibility to be a high stress environment and working as a team, staying cool, calm and collected during adverse situations makes this job exciting. There is a rewarding feeling knowing we bring these pilots back safe after long missions.”
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).
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Cram is most proud of being select as Leading Petty Officer of CATCC and meeting his wife Ismar.
“She’s my motivation to keep pushing day in and day out while out to sea and away from home,” said Cram.
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.
“We control aircraft with shipboard radar systems from the time they are launched off the flight deck to proceed on their mission, until the time they return for recovery to the carrier," said Cram. "During inclement weather or night time operations is our 'bread and butter,' during the day pilots operate using visual flight rules, but at night time and when weather is deteriorating, which common is being out to sea, the pilots do not have visual reference to each other or the ship. They rely on us to safely and expeditiously control them all the way down to the flight deck. This deployment we ensured the safe launch and recovery of 15,506 sorties totaling 30,005 flight hours in support of operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL in the 2nd, 5th and 6th fleet areas of responsibility.”
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 Cram, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Cram is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Army, he drove tanks and my brother served in the Navy as a master-at-arms or military police,” said Cram.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Cram, 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.
“My younger brother Nick, at the time was a master-at-arms in the Navy stationed in Virginia Beach, he motivated me to join the Navy,” added Cram.