In every fleet, on every ship in the Navy, Sailors train, lead and contribute by utilizing the tried and true method of Petty Officer Associations. Each rank presents Sailors with opportunities and challenges that are more easily met when among peers, and these associations assemble motivated Sailors for this purpose. On the Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), petty officers up and down the promotional ladder work to undertake command-level challenges to improve productivity and morale.

Chief Logistics Specialist Alejandra Banks, event coordinator for Harry S. Truman’s Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA), knows just how valuable solidarity within the ranks can be for all Sailors.

“To me, it’s very important to be involved, whatever rank you are,” said Banks. “Working events or addressing problems together can bring comradery throughout the whole ship. The more everyone comes together, the more capable we can be in our mission as Sailors in the Navy.”

Throughout her career as a Sailor, Banks has happily participated in command development and communication.

“I’m a people person so I love being a part of associations dedicated to improvement and leadership,” laughed Banks. “I get to know all sorts of people around my ship. And they help me be more efficient and teach me new ways to lead my Sailors.”

Banks has been a devoted member of the CPOA for over a year and says that each member is committed to leading by example.

“We train each other on new policies and methods,” said Banks. “And once we have a thorough understanding, we circulate that knowledge down the ranks.”

The CPOA is just one of the leadership associations instituting good practices and ethics on Harry S. Truman. Personnel Specialist 1st Class Anthony Richie is proud of the role Harry S. Truman’s First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA), where he serves as treasurer, has on the ship.

“I believe that the FCPOA is the first line of leadership on Truman,” said Richie. “As First Classes, we have so many deck-plate leadership opportunities, probably more so than any other paygrade.”

With more than 300 members, Harry S. Truman’s FCPOA has the capability to engage with junior Sailors frequently and effectively.

“Our overall mission in the association is to uphold the Truman standard,” Richie explained sincerely. “I personally want to show others that you can meet the high demands of the mission and still perpetuate high morale on the ship.”

The FCPOA has launched a number of successful events for both Sailors and their families. Richie reported sales of over $40,000 from Truman’s Blue Nose coin, created after Harry S. Truman crossed the Arctic Circle on its 2018 deployment. A portion of those sales were donated to other associations on the ship. The revenue also enabled the FCPOA to host a children’s holiday party for the command.

“The children’s party was a success, and it’s good to see such a tangible difference being a member of the FCPOA has made,” said Richie. “I want all Sailors, petty officer or not, to join any command association and be a leader and influencer to those around you.”

According to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Ava Collier, Harry S. Truman has reaped the benefits of not just the CPOA and the FCPOA, but the Second Class Petty Officer Association (SCPOA) as well. Collier says she is extremely proud to be part of Harry S. Truman’s SCPOA.

“My motivation for being part of the SCPOA is to get involved and to give back as much as possible,” said Collier. “Honestly, whether I’m in the Navy or not, I would still volunteer and be involved.”

Each association member sees the potential their group has to be a positive force for Sailors.

“As humbly as possible, I want this to be the best organization on the ship,” laughed Collier. “I want to mentor junior Sailors and give back to the community. I know that the SCPOA is always working on goals with that in mind so I know it’s a great match for me.”

Recently, the SCPOA donated $1,000 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities as the result of a successful fundraiser on the ship.

“I think that fundraiser challenge was one of our more fun events,” said Collier. “We not only raised money for a cause, but also raised the morale of those who participated. And it was just an all-around good experience.”

Harry S. Truman is currently underway conducting an independent steaming exercise to increase crew proficiency and maintain operational readiness.

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