By Petty Officer 3rd Class Justin Whitley, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va.- A 2014 Huntington North High School graduate and Huntington, Indiana, 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 Zachery Pavey is an aviation boatswain’s mate (equipment) aboard the carrier. As an aviation boatswain’s mate, Pavey is responsible for maintenance on the catapults that launch aircraft
“I like how everyone can come together to do the mission of the ship no matter how little sleep we get,” said Pavey. “Somehow we find a way to get the job done. I like the brotherhood of our community and the teamwork it takes to get the mission 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).
“On deployment my greatest accomplishment really doesn’t have to do with me,” said Pavey. “As a work center, we made it through a 7-month deployment with no one getting seriously injured or dying from our job being dangerous to accomplish. I’m just proud to make sure that every pilot we slung into the sky made it safe into flight and back on our flight deck.”
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.
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 Pavey, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Pavey is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in Vietnam with the Marine Corps, my cousin, Christopher Chesterman, is currently with the Marine Corps Reserves, and a few cousins served in the Army,” said Pavey.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Pavey, 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, pay for school and just to do something with my life that was important,” added Pavey. “It gave me a way to get out of my local community and experience what life had to offer with both the good and bad.”