Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) successfully completed a two-day Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) while pier-side, Jan. 18.

"Force protection is the only mission that Truman accomplishes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, no matter where we are in the world," said Capt. Nicholas J. Dienna, Truman's commanding officer. "Successfully completing this evaluation not only shows we can defend the ship, but it takes us one step closer to being ready to deploy."

In total, Truman conducted 34 drills - 17 each day - covering a variety of scenarios, to include a hostage situation, active shooter, small boat surveillance, floating object, penetration of the entry control point, small plane attack, swimmer attack and bomb threat.

The purpose of the FPEX was to prepare Truman for dealing with dangerous situations that could occur while pier-side in foreign countries during deployment. Carrier Strike Group Four tested and assessed Truman security department's response to recognizing and neutralizing threats through a multitude of drills and scenarios.

"Essentially, they tested [security department's] ability to defend the ship," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Omar Delgado. "They also tested whether the ship's crew knew what to do in case of an emergency."

Prior to the two-day exercise, the security department trained in preparation for the scenarios by using the ship's 1 Main Circuit (1MC) to call away drills during this all-hands effort.

"I think it's great seeing all of the time and training that we conducted finally come into play with these drills," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Grabowski, a Sailor assigned to Truman's security department. "Sailors in security as well as all over the ship got to perfect their responses to these simulated emergencies."

All of Truman's Sailors had an opportunity to volunteer as role players, acting as active shooters and hostage-takers. In turn, security personnel strengthened their defensive skill sets for future operations.

"These drills are a great opportunity for Sailors to see through the eyes of Truman security department," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Brittney Phillips, a Sailor volunteering from a duty section. "I enjoy volunteering and helping my shipmates in order to respond better to these events."

Truman is currently moored at Naval Station Norfolk preparing for the ship's Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit http://www.facebook.com/usstruman.

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