NORFOLK, Va.- A 2004 El Modena High School graduate, 2008 Oregon State University graduate and Orange, California, 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.
Lt. Cmdr. Cory Hardy is a main propulsion assistant. As a main propulsion assistant, Hardy is responsible for 120+ sailors and for maintaining the ship’s four main engines, electrical generators and all water production as part of Reactor Department.
"My favorite part of the job is going 30+ knots (about 35mph) in a 95,000-ton warship and feeling the whole ship move from going that fast,” said Hardy. “It is an outward demonstration of my sailors’ professionalism and hard work and their ability to operate and maintain this awesome capital asset the nation trusts us with.”
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. Hardy is most proud of the ship's continued operations during the COVID-19 pandemic normalcy of port visits.
“I witnessed the mental toughness of my sailors standing watch every day,” said Hardy. “The rest of the country will never see that but it takes a special kind of person to stand watch in a machinery space that is over 100 degrees and be able to do any and everything that is demanded of them—every time."
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.
“Being onboard an aircraft carrier, the ship’s mission is to execute combat flight operations and support maritime defense, which includes maximizing propulsion to enable the ship to launch and recover aircraft,” said Hardy. “My team in Reactor Department must ensure the propulsion plant is ready at all times to answer all engine orders, provide power to the ship’s electrical distribution system, and produce steam for the catapults to launch aircraft.”
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 Hardy, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hardy is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Army and great uncle served in the Navy during WWII,” said Hardy. “My late great uncle, Cmdr. Willis E. Hardy, was awarded the Navy Cross for his service in the Pacific Theater.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Hardy, 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 for the camaraderie, education opportunities, chance to travel and ability to participate in events of global significance," added Hardy. “I wanted to be able to say that I was a part of one of our country’s most trusted institutions. Described differently, Theodore Roosevelt described citizenship in a republic as being the 'man in the arena' and 'spending himself in a worthy cause,' which I think aptly describes the Naval service.”
“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.
“Being onboard an aircraft carrier, the ship’s mission is to execute combat flight operations and support maritime defense, which includes maximizing propulsion to enable the ship to launch and recover aircraft,” said Hardy. “My team in Reactor Department must ensure the propulsion plant is ready at all times to answer all engine orders, provide power to the ship’s electrical distribution system, and produce steam for the catapults to launch aircraft.”
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 Hardy, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Hardy is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My grandfather served in the Army and great uncle served in the Navy during WWII,” said Hardy. “My late great uncle, Cmdr. Willis E. Hardy, was awarded the Navy Cross for his service in the Pacific Theater.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Hardy, 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 for the camaraderie, education opportunities, chance to travel and ability to participate in events of global significance," added Hardy. “I wanted to be able to say that I was a part of one of our country’s most trusted institutions. Described differently, Theodore Roosevelt described citizenship in a republic as being the 'man in the arena' and 'spending himself in a worthy cause,' which I think aptly describes the Naval service.”