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Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on August 8, 2011 at 8:22am

Soldier surprises mother for her birthday

Published: Saturday, August 06, 2011, 9:46 PM     Updated: Sunday, August 07, 2011, 8:47 AM

By Bob Wheaton | Jackson Citizen Patriot
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Citizen Patriot | Ashley MillerSherry Jones of Jackson embraces her son, Airman Trevor Jones, after he surprised her at her birthday party at The Hunt Club in Jackson on Saturday.  

Sherry Jones of Leoni Township was surprised when she didn’t get a birthday call from her son, U.S. Navy Airman Trevor Jones.

She was even more surprised when Jones — who is stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Va. — was the last to arrive Saturday at what already was a surprise birthday party.

“For years — ever since I started in the military — I’ve always wanted to do something like this,” said Trevor Jones, 25.

On Saturday afternoon Shirley Jones went to The Hunt Club, 1514 Daniel Road, for what she thought would be a quiet dinner with her daughter, Samantha Jones of Jackson, and Samantha’s fiancé, Mike Wadsworth.

Then she was greeted by 10 family members and friends and a birthday cake.

The biggest surprise was yet to come.

As Shirley Jones, who turned 57 on Friday, opened a box containing a second cake, Trevor sneaked up behind her.

He stood just behind her right shoulder, but it took her several seconds to realize anyone was there.

As she read the message “Welcome Home Trevor” on the cake, she realized what was going on and turned around.

“Happy birthday, Mom,” Trevor told her.

“You didn’t call me,” Sherry exclaimed, drawing laughter from those at the table.

Mother and son hugged, with Sherry dabbing tears from her eyes.

It was all Trevor’s idea, but Jennifer Foote of Jackson, the fiancée of Trevor’s best friend, Bryan LaFond, helped schedule the party without giving away the secret.

About the only glitch was a coffee spill that forced Trevor to change clothes before heading to The Hunt Club.

“He was all dressed up, looking nice,” LaFond said. “He had his Navy blues on.”

Trevor, a Jackson County native, arrived home just four hours before the party.

He has spent four years in the Navy and was deployed to the Middle East from 2007 to 2008 and again in 2010 to support the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

He’ll be home for a couple weeks before returning to Norfolk for his final 10 months of duty. He hopes to attend college after completing his service.

“It couldn’t have been better,” Trevor said of Saturday’s party.

His mom agreed. She hadn’t opened her presents yet, but said of her son’s visit, “This is enough.”

Comment by Mike Ostler on August 7, 2011 at 7:29pm

Brand new dad to the Truman, actually my daughter won't be there for another month.  Looking forward to geting to know you guys in the future.  Thank you in advance.

Comment by Otto Mueller on August 7, 2011 at 11:47am

For those who follow closely you are aware we had a change in command at the Truman.  CAPT Joe Clarkson is retiring after 30 years of service to the United States Navy.  He has been succeeded by able CAPT Tushar Tembe.  Videos and photos from the ceremony conducted at the Half Moon Cruise and Celebration Center (Waterside at Nauticus in Norfolk) can be viewed on the Truman's Facebook page.

On a personal note, I want to wish the very best for Joe and his wife Sandee.  They are a great and caring Navy family who have given a great deal to the community, the Truman Family Readiness Group and the sailors who's lives they have touched.

Comment by Otto Mueller on February 18, 2011 at 12:38pm

Moored...shift colors!  USS Harry S Truman returned to it's home port this morning at 0900 completing a successful underway.  Glad our sailors are home again.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 18, 2011 at 10:14am

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) conducts a transfer of ordnance and munitions with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). After successfully completing a regularly scheduled 7-month deployment in December, Truman has spent the last three weeks conducting operations at sea in support of Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications, Naval Aviation Training Command, and suitability testing for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye. (US Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tyler Caswell/Released)

 

Link to Video

Comment by Otto Mueller on February 5, 2011 at 6:15pm

I know from talking with my son that the Battle E award competition was something the entire crew had on their minds practically everyday.  When your actions are driven by a constant reminder to achieve success, the results are positive.  BZ to Team Truman.  My son tells me he and his fellow sailors are very proud of their ship, and it shows.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 5, 2011 at 4:53pm

USS Harry S. Truman Dons Battle "E" for Sixth Time in Twelve Years

From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was named the 2010 Battle Efficiency, or Battle "E", award winner by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, Feb. 2.

This is Truman's third consecutive Battle "E" award and the sixth award in the ship's twelve-year history. The ship also won the award in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

"Success breeds success," said Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson, USS Harry S. Truman commanding officer. "When a carrier is able to perform the way Truman has and manages a 'three-peat repeat'; it is obvious there is something being passed down through the crew over the years that is reflected in their performance as a team."

Clarkson, who took command of Truman shortly after it received the 2008 Battle "E" Award, said he is impressed and proud to be Truman's commanding officer.

"In my opinion, there is no better crew in the fleet," said Clarkson. "Their personal motivation and ability to maintain the high standard of excellence they set for themselves is inspiring."

Truman crew members are both proud and excited to be a part of an award winning and operational successful team.

"I was extremely excited when I found out I had orders to Truman," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Frances Vasquez. "I heard about Truman's reputation while in 'A' school. I arrived on board during deployment and will wear my Battle 'E' ribbon proudly."

After a very successful 2010, during which Truman was deployed for 213 days and conducted nearly 3,000 combat sorties in support of ground forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, Truman is authorized to wear the "E" on its superstructure until next year's winner is announced.

Following a brief underway period in which the ship will participate in the E-2D "Advanced Hawkeye" carrier suitability testing, Truman will spend the majority of 2011 in an extended maintenance period.

"Unfortunately, because of our shipyard period we will not be in the running for the award next year," said Clarkson. "Truman will be forced to let another carrier shine – but it is okay. I have confidence that Truman's crew members will maintain their exemplary work ethic and return to the sea with the same vigor and self-determination that has made them a stand out carrier for the past three years."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 2, 2011 at 9:18pm

USS Harry S. Truman Makes First E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Launch

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David R. Finley Jr, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy's newest airborne early warning and control aircraft, made its first launch Feb. 1, from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 representatives and aircrew from Patuxent River, Md., are aboard Truman to conduct suitability testing on the new aircraft.

"Truman is here to provide the squadron with the platform they need to perform the testing," said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Moss, USS Harry S. Truman aircraft handler. "We will be supporting their test equipment on board, as well as aiding them in launch and recovery efforts."

"The idea of the E2-D started in the late 90's as kind of just a concept," said Cmdr. Mike Santomauro, flight test director. "The aircraft they are landing today began its initial testing back in 2007. The fact that we are even coming out to this ship is the culmination of more than a year-and-a-half of effort to get to here."

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will not provide a significant change in the mission of early warning and control; however, it will enable the aircraft to perform its mission with greater improvements.

"It is a two-generation leap in surveillance capabilities, and it's going to be a game changer in information dominance for the U.S. Navy," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead said during a speech in 2010.

The new aircraft will be able to scan a larger area, detect smaller objects and process information quickly than its predecessor. The aircrews will be able to accomplish these tasks through improved all-glass cockpits and tactical operator stations.

"There are a lot of things that have changed," said Santomauro. "The old E-2C had a lot of steam gauges, but the cockpit of the new E2-D is composed entirely of glass with flat screen control panels."

The aircraft will go through a rigorous six-day testing period during which the squadron will determine whether the E2-D is effective in a operational shipboard environment.

"We will make our determinations based on any discrepancies with the airframe or whether we see any gaps in the anticipated capability," said Santomauro. "We have about 200 test points we are trying to accomplish."

Truman provided the pilots of VX-20 the chance to make the E-2D's much-anticipated first recovery and launch from an aircraft carrier.

"So far, the testing is going very well," said Santomauro. "Through developmental tests we are moving toward making determinations of whether the aircraft is suitable for use."

"There is not going to be anything new for the guys working on the flight deck," said Moss. "It is more about the data the pilots are collecting while they are up there."

This new aircraft serves as the U.S. Navy's continual effort to maintain excellence and gain the competitive advantage over all challengers.

"We are fulfilling the CNO's vision for how he wants to fight wars in the future," said Santomauro. "I think we are going to link a lot of pieces together to make a more effective fighting force."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on January 29, 2011 at 9:49pm

Some helicopter flight ops on the HST:

 

Comment by Otto Mueller on January 27, 2011 at 3:27pm

FYI.  The Truman did get underway this morning.  The departure was made all the more interesting by a large warehouse fire.  The 3 alarm fire may have destroyed the mostly empty 63,000 sg ft building.  For those who were at the recent homecoming, you would know where this bldg is located, not far from the ship. 

BTW, this underway is a short one, they'll be back soon.

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