This year marks the 20th anniversary of USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) commissioning. In preparation for this occasion, Team Truman is undertaking "Operation Restoration," a challenge intended to bring all departments across the ship together to restore the ship's material condition to its July 25, 1998 quality.

"We want to basically rewind the clock when it comes to our material condition," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Collett, Harry S. Truman's security officer, Truman plankowner and Operation Restoration project lead. "We need to walk our spaces and sand, paint, shine up the bright work and replace everything that looks worn. It's all about making the ship look new again."

Twenty years ago, Sailors accepted the responsibility of being Harry S. Truman's first crew. Although Harry S. Truman has a track record of excellence, some areas have received less attention than others. Each department will remedy this by establishing a team responsible for leading the renewal effort in their respective spaces.

"I think when you go in the common areas it looks ok, but if you go off the beaten path it starts to get a little rougher, a little neglected," Collett stated. "Those are the kind of areas that really need to be focused on. It's a big job and requires every department to be involved."

The goal of Operation Restoration is not only to improve operationally, but to also give Sailors a chance to remodel their spaces in a creative manner.

"We're not only looking for people to sand and paint," explained Collett. "We'd like for sailors to get into some beautification projects as well."

All over the ship, transformations are taking place. Chief Fire Controlman Keith Krum said Combat Systems joined the effort by representing their rate with slogans, pictures and call signs in the spaces they own.

"This teaches Sailors to take personal pride in their spaces," expressed Krum. "It also lets them come up with ideas outside the box and still meet Navy standards for regulations and functionality."

Chief Krum believes when Sailors combine maintenance with remodeling, Truman will develop the look of quality it deserves.

"Operation Restoration allows Sailors to break the mold of just priming and painting," said Krum. "It lets them be creative and professional and give Truman a custom overhaul."

Collett feels projects like those in Combat Systems will make Sailors feel more invested in the ship.

"It's those kind of projects that are popping up all over the ship," said Collett, "It's that kind of ownership that we are encouraging on the Truman."

With the crew's hard work, Collett knows that the Truman can maintain a reputation of impeccable performance and form across the fleet.

"I've been in the Navy for 28 years, and I find that, historically, Sailors own the ships," Collett said with satisfaction. "They are the ones that maintain and improve the ship. They put their personal touch on it and make a lasting difference. I'd like to encourage every sailor on the Truman to leave their own personal thumbprint on this ship."

The project is slated for completion in December 2018. Through careful planning and decisive action, Operation Restoration will ensure a successful future for Harry S. Truman.

Harry S. Truman is currently operating in U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations alongside allies.

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