USS Harry S. Truman was commissioned July 25, 1998, and completed its final pre-deployment certification exercise in October 2000. After nearly 180 days, Sailors and Marines of the USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) completed the maiden voyage of the nation's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The crews of HST and Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW-3) return to family and loved ones a little older and much wiser for the experiences and lessons learned over the past six months.

After more than five weeks of hard work, long hours and most importantly, productive training, USS Harry S Truman Carrier Battle Group was one step closer to deployment readiness. The BG successfully completed its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), followed by participating in the joint service Fleet Battle Experiment - Hotel before returning to homeport September 1, 2000. For Truman, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, this was its first time operating as the centerpiece of a full battle group. The exercise was briefly delayed when the battle group was forced to move south of Puerto Rico to evade Hurricane Debby. After a little more than one month in port, the battle group put to sea again in October for their Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). JTFEX is the advanced phase of pre-deployment training, during which the battle group will act as part of a larger joint task force composed of units of the Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, as well as NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) forces. Upon successful completion of JTFEX, the Truman Battle Group was certified as ready to deploy.

USS Harry S Truman Battle Group departed November 28, 2000, and its deployment included extensive operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and primarily the Arabian Gulf. While operating in the Arabian Gulf, CVN 75 Battle Group enforced United Nations sanctions on Iraq by diverting 22 vessels with cargoes worth more than $5 million and reduced the number of potential smugglers significantly. CVW-3 aircraft provided more than 70 percent of the strike aircraft enforcing the "No Fly Zone" over southern Iraq and participated in four strikes against Iraqi forces threatening coalition aircraft in the region. The air wing flew 869 sorties, totaling more than 2,700 flight hours, during 84 fly days in support of Operation Southern Watch. Throughout the deployment, the battle group also participated in numerous international exercises, including Arabian Gauntlet, an 11-nation exercise that involved more than 20 ships. Additionally, U.S. Sailors worked with military forces from Oman, Jordan, Tunisia, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, improving interoperability and strengthening relationships with those countries.

Completing a successful round of sea trials February 26, 2002, following its first shipyard six-month maintenance period, USS Harry S Truman ended the most successful shipyard availability ever held at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. The three-year-old carrier left the shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. ahead of schedule and under budget. The maintenance period, known as a Planned Incremental Availability, was the first of many the three year-old carrier will see during her planned 50 years of service. The PIA was performed at a cost of $110 million and saw the installation of a ninth air conditioning plant. Another major accomplishment was the alteration to each of HST's catapults.

By the end of August 2002, the Truman had begun TSTA at which point it welcomed a visit by former President George H.W. Bush.

Ships and aircraft of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Battle Group commenced use of the Vieques Island inner range in conjunction with their Composite Unit Training Exercise in early September 2002. COMPTUEX was completed by Sept. 25th. After COMPTUEX, HST anchored off the coast of Key West, Fla., for it's off-again/on-again scheduled port visit.

September 10, 2002 One of VS-22's S-3B aircraft operating from USS Harry S. Truman was reported missing. Search and rescue efforts involving the Truman Battle Group and other ships and aircraft operating in the southern Puerto Rican Operating Area covered more than 3,600 square miles of water. A debris field was discovered about 25 miles south-southeast of Puerto Rico. There were no survivors. The three deceased crewmembers have been identified as: Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey J. Gray, 40, of Mound, Minn.; Lt. Cmdr. Michael D. Chalfant, 36 of Jacksonville, Fla.; and Lt.(jg) Thomas Brandan McCombie, 25 of State College, Penn.

Following its return to Norfolk, the aircraft carrier stood down for a short period before beginning Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), which is scheduled to begin in early November 2002.

The Virginian-Pilot reported on November 29 that the Truman will depart on December 5, 2002. The Navy confirmed that most of the Sailors and Marines will deploy from the Hampton Roads area and relieve the USS George Washington Carrier Battle Group, whose return date has not yet been announced.

December 23, 2002 CVN 75 arrived in Marseille, France, for four-day port visit. On 30th it pulled to Souda Bay, Crete, for a New Year's holiday port visit. The Truman also visited Koper, Slovenia from February 3rd to 8th. and Portsmouth, England, on May 7th.

May 23, 2003 USS Harry S. Truman returned to homeport from a six-month deployment.

July 10, The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier departed Norfolk for ammo offload and CQ off the East coast.

August 20, Harry S. Truman pulled to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for its PIA.

February 13, 2004 CVN 75 commpleted its Planned Incremental Availability in NNSY week ahead of schedule and 4 million dollars under budget.

In early April the Truman was at sea participating in Tailored Ship's Training Availability I, II and III, and the Final Evaluation Period before heading into the next phase of the ship's training cycle.

June 20, Commander of CVW-3 Capt. Mark Vance made his last flight as F-14 RIO. The carrier is currently participating in Summer Pulse 2004 exercise in Atlantic Ocean and Mediterannean.

July 10, USS Harry S. Truman transited the Straits of Gibraltar participating in Majestic Eagle at the coast of Morocco. The exercise demonstrates the combined force capabilities and quick response times of the participating naval, air, undersea and surface warfare groups. Countries involved in NATO led exercise include the United Kingdom, Morocco, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Turkey.

June 27, Capt. Franklin R. Hooks II, from VMFA-115 died when his F18/C Hornet crashed approximately 60 miles south of the Azores in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. He was conducting a routine training exercise when the incident occurred. The aircraft carrier returned to Norfolk somewhere around July 26.

October 13, USS Harry S. Truman departed for its third deployment in suport of the global war on terrorism.

Late October, Truman is participating in the Joint Maritime Course, a miltinational NATO exercises, being held off the coast of Scotland.

October 31, CVN 75 CSG transited the Strait of Gibraltar end entered the Mediterannean Sea.

November 5, The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier pulled to Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, for a four-day port visit.

November 20, USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group relieved the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) CSG on station in the North Arabian Gulf. The two carriers conducted ordnance and crew transfers prior to Kennedy’s departure, and Truman’s commencement of combat operations in the theatre.

January 4, 2005 USS Harry S. Truman pulled to Jebel Ali, U.A.E. for a scheduled four-day port call.

March 19, The Truman transfered its duty to USS Carl Vinson after almost four months on station in Arabian Gulf. Truman and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 launched 2,577 sorties, totaling nearly 13,000 flight hours, in support of OIF and MSO. On 26th the CSG transited the Suez Canal.

April 5, The aircraft carrier pulled to Portsmouth, England, for scheduled six-day port visit. It departed Stokes Bay on 10th.

April 18, USS Harry S. Truman returned to Norfolk after a six-month deployment supporting operation Iraqi Freedom and Global War on Terrorism.

June 22, CVN 75 is currently conducting routine carrier qualifications in Atlantic Ocean.

July 18, The Truman is currently conducting carrier qualifications and operations off the East Coast and is also participating in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) with USS Theodore Roosevelt CSG. USS Harry S. Truman and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 completed sustainment training July 19 under the Navy's Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP) during Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX 05-2).

July 29, The aircraft carrier is currently conducting carrier qualifications and sustainment operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

September 1, USS Harry S. Truman and dock landing ship Whidbey Island (LSD 41) are making preparations to get underway today for areas off the U.S. Gulf Coast in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief operations associated with Hurricane Katrina. CVN 75 will serve as the command center and afloat staging base, and will carry additional helicopters from Naval Air Station Jacksonville to support search and rescue (SAR) efforts. The Truman and Whidbey Island will join five other Norfolk-based ships that are already at sea and will remain on station for as long as necessary to provide important humanitarian assistance to the U.S. Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Katrina. Additionally, USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), based at Naval Station Earl, N.J., is en-route and arrived in the Gulf Coast operating area August 31.

September 17, CVN 75 departed Gulf of Mexico and is currently conducting routine operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

September 23, USS Harry S. Truman returned to Naval Station Norfolk from areas off the U.S. Gulf Coast in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) relief operations associated with Hurricane Katrina.

October 12, The Truman departed homeport for carrier qualifications and sustainment training with embarked Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3).

November 6, CVN 75 returned to Norfolk following five days at sea offloading 1,800 tons of ammunition and ordnance to USS Enterprise, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and fast combat support ship USNS Arctic. The Truman is scheduled to enter the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, for 10-month scheduled Planned Incremental Availability, in January 2006, following more than 18 months conducting high-tempo carrier operations.

January 9, 2006 USS Harry S.Truman entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) in Portsmouth, Va., for the third time in its young life. The carrier is expected to remain in dry-dock until August, and will leave the shipyard in the fall.

July 28, Capt. Herman A. Shelanski relieved Capt. James P. Gigliotti as commanding officer of USS Harry S. Truman during a change of command ceremony held at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) at Naval Air Station Oceana.

December 20, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier departed Portsmouth, Va., to conduct sea trials after completing a Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY).

January 26, 2007 CVN 75 departed Norfolk to conduct flight deck certifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

February 12, USS Harry S. Truman conducted ammunition onload with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) off the East Coast Feb. 7-10. Over 4 million pounds of ordnance, totaling $286 million, was transfered over the 96-hour evolution.

March 20, The Harry S. Truman is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA).

April 10, Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG 10) Chief of Staff, Capt. Michael Ullrich made a major milestone with his 800th career arrested recovery aboard an aircraft carrier.

May 16, USS Harry S. Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

June 5, The Truman departed Norfolk for a one-day Friends and Family Day Cruise June 2. The aircraft carrier is currently conducting CQ off the coast of Virginia.

July 2, CVN 75 is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean, participating in the composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX), in preparation for the upcoming deployment.

July 20, USS Harry S. Truman arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for a scheduled port visit prior to participating in Operation Bold Step (OBS). OBS will provide realistic training environments for U.S. and coalition forces that closely replicate the operational challenges routinely encountered during military operations around the world. More than 15,000 service members from three countries are scheduled to participate in the joint task force exercise.

August 15, The E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-120 "Greyhawks" crashed at approximately 11:00 p.m. following its launch from USS Harry S. Truman. The ship was approximately 150 miles southeast of the Virginia Capes conducting carrier qualifications. Three aviators were aboard the aircraft.

August 21, The search for Lt. Cameron N. Hall, Lt. Ryan K. Betton and Lt.j.g. Jerry R. Smith has been terminated and their status has now been listed as deceased.

September 18, The Truman is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

November 5, USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group departed to the Central Command Area of Operations as part of the ongoing rotation to support Maritime Security Operations in the region.

November 20, CVN 75 pulled to Naples, Italy, for a six-day port visit.

December 11, The Norfolk-based aircraft carrier started with supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom on station in the Persian Gulf.

December 23, USS Harry S. Truman and fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) rescued seven mariners adrift in a raft in the central Persian Gulf. The mariners had been transporting cargo from Dubai when their dhow sailed into rough seas and broke its keel. When the vessel started taking on too much water to remain afloat, the mariners abandoned ship into a life raft where they remained for two days before the rescue.

December 28, USS Harry S. Truman departed Jebel Ali, U.A.E., after a four-day port call.

January 7, 2008 Two "Super Hornets", F/A-18E and F/A-18F, crashed during operations in the Persian Gulf. The three aviators are safely back aboard the aircraft carrier, and are reported in good condition following an ejection. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

January 16, CVN 75 recovered its 75,000th aircraft without a single mishap on Jan. 14. Another milestone was made when Capt. Rick Pawlowski, Commander CVW-3, logged his 6,000th hour of flight in an E2-C Hawkeye. The Truman is currently in the Persian Gulf supporting combat operations in Iraq.

January 25, USS Harry S. Truman arrived in Jebel Ali for a routine port visit.

April 5, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier pulled to Jebel Ali for another break, while on station in the 5th Fleet AoR.

April 19, Rear Adm. Mark Fox relieved Adm. Bill Gortney as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, during a change of command ceremony aboard the Truman in the Persian Gulf.

May 7, CVN 75 arrived in Rhodes, Greece, for a goodwill port visit.

June 4, USS Harry S. Truman returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a seven-month deployment. Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) aircraft flew more than 26,500 hours during 9,500 sorties. Of these, 2,459 were combat sorties directly supporting coalition forces operating on the ground in Iraq. The Air Wing flew almost 14,000 combat hours and expended 77,500 pounds of ordnance during 228 troops-in-contact events.

June 20, Rear Adm. Michael R. Groothousen retired after more than 30 years of service in a ceremony aboard the Harry S. Truman, where he was commanding officer from March 2002 - July 2004.

August 6, The Truman departed Norfolk for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

February 14, 2009 CVN 75 returned to homeport after completing two days of sea trials following a nearly seven-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va.

February 18, Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson relieved Capt. Herman A. Shelanski as CO of the Harry S. Truman during a change-of-command ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station.

March 11, The aircraft carrier is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

March 24, USS Harry S. Truman completed the onload of more than 1,800 tons of ammunition March 21, from USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), preparing the ship for upcoming work-up cycles.

April 20, CVN 75 is currently off the East Coast conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Phase (FEP).

May 8, Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll relieved Rear Adm. Mark I. Fox as Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, during a change of command ceremony aboard the Truman in the Atlantic Ocean.

June 1, USS Harry S. Truman departed Norfolk Naval Station for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

June 15, The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

July 16, The Truman is currently conducting work-up evolutions off the East Coast.

July 18, USS Harry S. Truman departed homeport for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

July 24, Admiral John C. Harvey Jr. relieved Admiral Jonathan Greenert as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Truman at Norfolk Naval Station.

August 5, The EA-18G Growlers, from the "Vikings" VAQ 129 and "Scorpions" VAQ 132, landed on board the Truman for the first time. CVN 75 is currently conducting carrier qualifications off the coast of Virginia.

September 11, USS Harry S. Truman departed Norfolk for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 09-4 in preparation for a deployment slated for early 2010.

November 5, The Truman is currently conducting CQ in the Atlantic Ocean.

December 4, USS Harry S. Truman departed Naval Station Norfolk for carrier qualifications off the East Coast.

January 20, 2010 The aircraft carrier departed for CQ and a sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX).

February 5, Capt. James Bynum relieved Capt. Andrew Lewis as Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Truman.

February 11, CVN 75 is currently in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications.

March 23, USS Harry S. Truman departed homeport for a Strike Group sail exercise.

April 21, The aircraft carrier departed Norfolk to conduct independent steaming evolutions.

May 21, USS Harry S. Truman CSG departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

June 8, The Truman arrived in Marseille, France, for a four-day port visit. CVN 75 conducted interoperability exercises with the Charles de Gaulle (R 91) June 4-7.

June 13, USS Harry S. Truman anchored in the Bay of Hyeres to participate in the 100th anniversary celebration of French Naval Aviation. The CSG transited the Suez Canal June 18.

June 29, Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

July 3, Cmdr. Timothy M. Hill relieved Cmdr. Edward L. Heflin as CO of the "Swordsmen" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

July 9, USS Harry S. Truman and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) concluded the three-day air defense interoperability exercise with French destroyer FS Jean Bart (D615).

August 10, The Truman departed Jebel Ali, U.A.E., after a four-day port visit to Dubai.

August 12, Cmdr. Robert Coughlin relieved Cmdr. Jeffrey L. Hammer as CO of the "Zappers" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

August 21, Two SH-60F, assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 7, rescued eight Iranian mariners about 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, after their vessel was set on fire, 50 miles away from the aircraft carrier, in the North Arabian Sea. After evaluated by medical staff and provided with clothing and food, aboard the Truman, they were transfered in a rigid-hull inflatable boat to the Iranian navy ship Chiroo on Friday.

September 10, CVN 75 recently pulled into Jebel Ali for another few days of rest and relaxation in United Arab Emirates.

September 25, Since arriving in the 5th Fleet AoR, aircraft assigned to CVW 3 completed more than 3,300 aircraft sorties and logged more than 10,200 flight hours, with more than 7,200 hours in support of coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.

November 1, USS Harry S. Truman departed Khalifa Bin Salman Port at Hidd after a four-day port visit to Kingdom of Bahrain.

November 7, The flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman tallied it's 100,000th arrested landing.

November 9, Another milestone was reached when the Truman launched its 100,000th aircraft, assigned to the "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105.

December 1, CVN 75 transited Suez Canal after completing operations in the U.S. Central Command AoR. CVW-3 aircrews flew 2,915 missions into Afghanistan and Iraq and dropped 35,000 pounds of ordnance in support of OEF.

December 2, Cmdr. Rob Mathewson relieved Cmdr. Max Shuman as CO of the "Gunslingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, during an aerial change-of-command ceremony.

December 6, The Truman departed Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, after a three-day port call.

December 20, USS Harry S. Truman CSG returned to Norfolk after a seven-month deployment.

January 27, 2011 USS Harry S. Truman departed homeport for a Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRS-CQ).

February 1, The Navy’s newest airborne early-warning and control aircraft E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assigned to Air Test Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20, made its first carrier takeoff aboard the Truman as part of a six-day suitability testing.

February 8, CVN 75 is currently conducting carrier qualifications for Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM).

February 18, USS Harry S. Truman returned to Norfolk after completing an ammunition offload, Feb. 14-17, transferring more than 1,500 tons of ammunition to USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2).

February 25, Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch relieved Rear Adm. Richard J. O'Hanlon as Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Truman.

March 25, USS Harry S. Truman entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a 15-month dry-docking planned incremental availability (DPIA).

June 18, NNSY marked a milestone with the removal of the Truman's 89,000 pound main mast.

August 5, Capt. Tushar R. Tembe relieved Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson as CO of the CVN 75 during a change-of-command ceremony at the Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk.

August 20, NNSY marked a milestone with the installation of 112,000-pound main mast, two days ahead of schedule.

November 8, Capt. Tushar Tembe died suddenly at Norfolk Naval Shipyard after he collapsed while departing the ship at approximately 10 a.m. The ship's medical response team provided immediate medical assistance until Tembe could be transported to Bons Secours Maryview Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death has not been determined.

November 11, Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne assumed temporary command of the USS Harry S. Truman.

February 3, 2012 The eighth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier moved from Dry-Dock 8 to Norfolk Naval Shipyard's Pier 6.