The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), named in honor of the 33rd President of the United States, stands as the eighth supercarrier in the Nimitz-class series. Homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, this nuclear-powered giant serves as a critical asset of U.S. naval supremacy across the globe.
Origins and Construction
Laid down on 29 November 1993 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, the ship was initially designated as USS United States before being renamed by Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton in 1995. Following its christening in September 1996 and successful sea trials in 1998, Harry S. Truman officially joined the fleet on 25 July 1998.
Tragically, during construction, a toxic gas leak in 1997 claimed the lives of three workers—a sacrifice memorialized aboard the ship.
Design and Capabilities
Stretching 1,092 feet in length and weighing in at nearly 97,000 tons when fully loaded, Truman is a mobile airbase that can host up to 90 aircraft. The ship’s massive flight deck spans 4.5 acres, served by four aircraft elevators, each capable of lifting nearly 3,880 square feet of hardware.
Powered by two Westinghouse A4W nuclear reactors, the vessel can operate for over three million miles without refueling. With speeds exceeding 30 knots, this floating fortress combines speed, range, and firepower like few others.
Combat and Humanitarian Operations
Since entering service, Harry S. Truman has been pivotal in multiple military campaigns, including:
- Operation Southern Watch
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Operation Inherent Resolve (against ISIS from the Eastern Mediterranean)
The ship also played a humanitarian role during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, providing desalinated water and logistical support to the devastated U.S. Gulf Coast.
Defensive Systems and Armaments
To defend against aerial threats, Truman is equipped with:
- Three 20 mm Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems)
- Two Sea Sparrow SAM launchers
- Advanced electronic warfare and surveillance systems
Noteworthy Incidents
In recent years, Truman has been tested in high-tension scenarios:
- 2025: The vessel faced multiple ballistic and drone attacks from Houthi rebels during operations in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
- Friendly fire incident: An F/A-18F Super Hornet was mistakenly downed by an escort ship.
- Collision: On 12 February 2025, the carrier collided with a commercial vessel near Port Said. While there were no injuries or major damage, the ship’s commanding officer was relieved afterward.
- Aircraft losses: Two Super Hornets were lost—one due to arresting gear failure and another during evasive maneuvers while under missile attack.
Honors and Legacy
Over the years, Truman has earned numerous accolades:
- Multiple Battle “E” Awards
- Battenberg Cup (2003)
- Dorie P. Miller Award for Food Service
- Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award
Its distinctive battle flag—scarlet with crossed cannons and the phrase “Give ’em Hell”—pays homage to Truman’s World War I service and 1948 campaign slogan.
USS Harry S. Truman continues to embody American naval strength, diplomacy, and resilience—serving as a frontline force in both conflict and peace, and demonstrating that even in the modern era, aircraft carriers remain the heart of maritime power projection.
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