NORFOLK, Va.- A 2013 Highland High School graduate and Medina, Ohio, 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 Bethany Vikowski is a machinist’s mate aboard the carrier. As a machinist’s mate, Vikowski is responsible for being a mechanic, steam plant operator and quality assurance supervisor.
“My favorite part of the job is to know that without us, the ship would never see the world,” said Vikowski. “We work 24/7 to provide all of the essential resources required for successful operation. It is a great feeling to know that you are working to safely operate a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and fight for this country’s freedom.”
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 this deployment my proudest moment was completing the Murph Challenge in one hour and also receiving the Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal,” said Vikowski. “In the Navy, my proudest accomplishment was being ranked the number one second class petty officer in the Reactor Propulsion Division.”
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 work in the reactor department where our whole purpose is to provide life to the entire ship,” said Vikowski. “We make water, electricity, steam, and propulsion to make the ship move. I am also an assistant command fitness leader. I help sailors prepare for our physical fitness testing, which is held twice a year to ensure we are upholding the standard for the Navy.”
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 Vikowski, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Vikowski is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have an uncle who served in the Navy during the Suez Canal crisis, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Korean War, a cousin served in the Battle of the Bulge, and another uncle served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII,” said Vikowski. “My brother is also currently serving in the Navy as an information systems technician in Gulfport, Mississippi with a Seabee Expeditionary Unit.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Vikowski, 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 military to see the world and to give myself better opportunities for my education,” added Vikowski.
“My favorite part of the job is to know that without us, the ship would never see the world,” said Vikowski. “We work 24/7 to provide all of the essential resources required for successful operation. It is a great feeling to know that you are working to safely operate a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and fight for this country’s freedom.”
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 this deployment my proudest moment was completing the Murph Challenge in one hour and also receiving the Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal,” said Vikowski. “In the Navy, my proudest accomplishment was being ranked the number one second class petty officer in the Reactor Propulsion Division.”
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 work in the reactor department where our whole purpose is to provide life to the entire ship,” said Vikowski. “We make water, electricity, steam, and propulsion to make the ship move. I am also an assistant command fitness leader. I help sailors prepare for our physical fitness testing, which is held twice a year to ensure we are upholding the standard for the Navy.”
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 Vikowski, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Vikowski is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have an uncle who served in the Navy during the Suez Canal crisis, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Korean War, a cousin served in the Battle of the Bulge, and another uncle served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII,” said Vikowski. “My brother is also currently serving in the Navy as an information systems technician in Gulfport, Mississippi with a Seabee Expeditionary Unit.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Vikowski, 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 military to see the world and to give myself better opportunities for my education,” added Vikowski.