The Truman Carrier Strike Group had been deployed for nearly nine months, operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East in support of joint operations, regional security, and freedom of navigation missions. The deployment was originally scheduled for six months but was extended due to shifting global security dynamics and heightened tensions in the region.
When I originally started this blog, I was a crewmember stationed onboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). I have written here before about our exploits, when we were the finest ship and crew in the fleet.
Whereas our 2002-2003 deployment is historical, if not legendary, this was a horrible deployment. I am sure the ship is still just fine, but I will reserve my comments about the crew who collided with a merchant vessel, lost their commanding officer, lost three F-18s, and lost a war with Yemen. Welcome home, boys and girls.