NORFOLK, Va.- A 2010 Lutheran North High School graduate and St. Louis, 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 Lance Edwards is an aircrew survival equipmentman aboard the carrier. As an aircrew survival equipmentman, Edwards is responsible for performing maintenance on Aviation Life Support Systems and personal survival equipment in support of Aircraft Carrier Aviation aboard Harry S. Truman. Edwards also serves in a damage control repair locker as a team leader and is on the In-port Emergency Team as a fire fighter.“I take pride in knowing that, in case of emergency, my equipment provides a life line, a last resort that saves lives,” said Edwards. “A lot of people shy away from the harder challenges, I face them head on. ‘Last to let you down’ is my rate’s slogan and I live by that saying.”
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. Edwards is most proud of establishing Truman’s fitness committee.
“The first of its kind aboard an aircraft carrier,” said Edwards. “We assisted the AFLOAT Fitness Specialist, Fred Clemmons, in coordinating 12 ship wide fitness competitions and fun runs for 5,000 embarked sailors. I’ve also been fortunate to meet two admirals, three British Navy commanders and be recognized with a letter of commendation by Rear Adm. Andrew Loiselle.”
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.
“As a member of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, IM2 division, I am responsible for maintaining parachutes, life rafts, personal flight gear and other aviation survival gear in proper working condition,” said Edwards.
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 Edwards, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Edwards is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have a cousin who is a chief at Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15," said Edwards. “He has been in the Navy for 21 years and is also from St. Louis.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Edwards, 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, to pay for trade school and to have a guaranteed career,” added Edwards.
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. Edwards is most proud of establishing Truman’s fitness committee.
“The first of its kind aboard an aircraft carrier,” said Edwards. “We assisted the AFLOAT Fitness Specialist, Fred Clemmons, in coordinating 12 ship wide fitness competitions and fun runs for 5,000 embarked sailors. I’ve also been fortunate to meet two admirals, three British Navy commanders and be recognized with a letter of commendation by Rear Adm. Andrew Loiselle.”
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.
“As a member of Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, IM2 division, I am responsible for maintaining parachutes, life rafts, personal flight gear and other aviation survival gear in proper working condition,” said Edwards.
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 Edwards, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Edwards is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I have a cousin who is a chief at Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15," said Edwards. “He has been in the Navy for 21 years and is also from St. Louis.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Edwards, 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, to pay for trade school and to have a guaranteed career,” added Edwards.