NORFOLK, Va.- A 2008 Rock Falls High School graduate and Rock Falls, Illinois, 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 Austin Gillette is a boatswain’s mate aboard the carrier. As a boatswain’s mate, Gillette's job is between a manager for a factory and a commercial painter.
“Other times it looks like an episode from ‘Deadliest Catch’,” added Gillette. “My experience at Larson Hardware in Rock Falls, growing up on farms and spending my weekends in the Rock River has really contributed to a lot of my success here. Having an understanding of various types of machinery and tools as a boatswain's mate is essential. Operating it and knowing its quirks are a necessity for the safety of the sailors around me.”
“My favorite part of the job is teaching the junior guys how to do a job properly and how to be resourceful,” said Gillette. “We don’t have big box stores out here. You have to make do with what you have. I really enjoy seeing them learn how to solve problems, make executive decisions for themselves and grow to be leaders. I graduated magna cum laude from the school of hard knocks, so I make sure I take the time to coach them so that their course ahead is smooth sailing.”
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. Gillette is most proud of driving the ship through the Suez Canal.
“It was really threading a camel through the eye of a needle for over 12 hours,” said Gillette.
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.
“Besides maintaining a vast array of firefighting equipment, climate control equipment and training the next generation of sailors, my favorite job is my duty as a master helmsman onboard,” said Gillette. “Driving a Nimitz class aircraft carrier for any and all high-risk evolutions to include underway replenishments and straights transits is something I never would have imagined doing. I am responsible to the commanding officer and the crew for the safe navigation of a muti-billion dollar piece of taxpayer equipment and understanding the emergency procedures to take if a steering casualty or propulsion plant casualty were to occur while in close proximity to land or other vessels. We train hard to ensure everyone makes it home as good as or better than they left. “
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. Gillette is most proud of driving the ship through the Suez Canal.
“It was really threading a camel through the eye of a needle for over 12 hours,” said Gillette.
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.
“Besides maintaining a vast array of firefighting equipment, climate control equipment and training the next generation of sailors, my favorite job is my duty as a master helmsman onboard,” said Gillette. “Driving a Nimitz class aircraft carrier for any and all high-risk evolutions to include underway replenishments and straights transits is something I never would have imagined doing. I am responsible to the commanding officer and the crew for the safe navigation of a muti-billion dollar piece of taxpayer equipment and understanding the emergency procedures to take if a steering casualty or propulsion plant casualty were to occur while in close proximity to land or other vessels. We train hard to ensure everyone makes it home as good as or better than they left. “
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 Gillette, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gillette is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have a family deeply rooted in military history,” said Gillette. “My mom’s father served in Africa in the Army at a communications post, and my dad’s father served in the Air Force in Germany as military police. I grew up soaking in their stories about their experiences. Three of my uncles served in the Army, two of my great uncles in the Navy, a great uncle in the Marines, a great uncle in the Air Force and both of my great grandfathers served in WWII. I am extremely grateful to have such a patriotic upbringing. My family is American in every sense of the word.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gillette, 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 continue a family tradition of service and patriotism,” added Gillette. “After living a life for myself, I wanted to be part of something bigger. I joined the Navy because I have lived on a river most of my life and really enjoy operating any type of water craft.”
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Gillette, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Gillette is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have a family deeply rooted in military history,” said Gillette. “My mom’s father served in Africa in the Army at a communications post, and my dad’s father served in the Air Force in Germany as military police. I grew up soaking in their stories about their experiences. Three of my uncles served in the Army, two of my great uncles in the Navy, a great uncle in the Marines, a great uncle in the Air Force and both of my great grandfathers served in WWII. I am extremely grateful to have such a patriotic upbringing. My family is American in every sense of the word.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gillette, 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 continue a family tradition of service and patriotism,” added Gillette. “After living a life for myself, I wanted to be part of something bigger. I joined the Navy because I have lived on a river most of my life and really enjoy operating any type of water craft.”