There’s no denying the power of the U.S. military, but when it comes to seeing what service members do day in and day out, few know all the details.
So when Action News Jax was invited to embed with sailors aboard an aircraft carrier for a chance to meet local heroes, we didn’t hesitate.
Action News Jax reporter Lorena Inclán got the rare opportunity to deploy for 24 hours aboard the USS Harry S. Truman to show us firsthand what it’s like to live like a sailor.
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It’s the most complicated and the most precise choreography you’ll ever see.
Every step, every hand motion and every detail matter.
It has to, because the slightest mistake could mean tragedy.
But the men and women we met have it down to a T. They’re the sailors of the USS Harry S. Truman.
Capt. Nicholas Dienna is the commanding officer of the floating city where about 5,500 sailors live, work and play.
“It’s my job to be right all the time as a captain at sea. Fortunately, I have a ton of help,” Dienna said.
We got to see all that help first hand.
Action News Jax was the only local station invited aboard the ship while its sailors were underway for a training exercise called SUSTEX.
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“The point of SUSTEX is rehone our combat skills and ensure we’re ready to deploy wherever and whenever required,” Dienna said.
The Navy wouldn’t tell us where they were for safety reasons but to get there they gave us a ride aboard a C2 Cod.
We suited up with a life vest, goggles and a not-so-comfortable helmet.
An hour and a half later and after one bolter, or missed wire, we landed aboard the ship somewhere along the east coast.
That’s when the real fun began.
Being aboard the flight deck is a unique experience. It’s where you really get to see the power of America’s Navy.
The F18s stored on the ship can take off at a moment’s notice. One of the primary jobs of this aircraft carrier is to conduct air combat missions.
But what happens up on the flight deck goes hand in hand with what goes on way below deck, where Jacksonville native Ray Brown works.
He’s in charge of cleaning the fuel before it’s pumped into the jets.
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“Nothing on the ships get moved without me. Can’t no planes fly, can’t no tractors move on the flight deck, before I make sure everything is good and situated,” Brown said.
It’s a crucial part of the ship many don’t get to see.
For Brown, the job gives him a sense of purpose.
“It’s scary and it’s overwhelming sometimes but that’s why I love it ‘cause I know I’m important and I’m needed,” Brown said.
It’s not all work aboard the Truman. Sailors also get to unwind and exercise, and there’s even a Starbucks and a post office on board.
We spent 24 hours aboard the ship. They even let us watch night operations.
Work continued through the night and into the morning. In fact, work never stops on the Truman.
Life on board, is not easy, but everyone here knew that coming in.
These Truman sailors, or “TruWarriors” as they’re called, are ready to serve no matter what may come their way.