On Sunday, 11 August 2013, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip Breedlove, visited the USS Harry S. Truman, a United States nuclear powered aircraft carrier, while it was transiting the Mediterranean on its way to support Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Central Command’s area of operations.
During his visit to Truman, General Breedlove met with the Strike Group Commander, Rear Admiral Kevin Sweeny and the US Naval Forces Europe Commander Admiral Bruce Clingan. While aboard Truman, the SACEUR observed flight operations which consisted of launching and recovering the carrier’s various aircraft.
When asked about his trip to the USS Truman, General Breedlove said, “An amazing experience Sunday aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. I had the opportunity to watch the truly professional Sailors and Marines conduct maritime security operations as part of their deployment in support of U.S Central Command.”
USS Truman is the flagship of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG). The aircraft carrier has a crew of about 5,000 people with ship’s company and the associated air wing personnel. The Carrier Strike Group is expected to be underway for an eight to nine month deployment from its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
[mappress] Press Release, August 13, 2013; Image: NATO ACO