Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was announced as the winner of the Fiscal Year 2016 Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Afloat Environmental Award.

The awards program recognizes Navy and Marine Corps ships, installations and people for outstanding performance in promoting environmental stewardship. The SECNAV award is the most prestigious environmental award for all Navy and Marine commands afloat. Prior to winning the SECNAV award, Truman received the Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Award in the Large Deck Combatant category on March 16.

"We achieved significant milestones while safely executing a demanding schedule over the course of this past year, to include our eight-month deployment," said Cmdr. Scott Morrill, Truman's safety officer. "The foundation of our program is built on a training plan that starts when a Sailor checks on board. The environmental training is an all-hands effort that relies on the vigilance of our leadership and our Sailors on all levels."

"It truly is a testament of our ability to work together as the best in the fleet," said Morrill. "To be recognized for the CNO award and now the SECNAV award is a huge honor and I couldn't be more proud."

Environmental awareness training is required to be completed by all Truman Sailors. Similar facts and tips are also published in the plan of the day, the 'Give 'Em Hell Herald' (ship's newspaper), and the Ship's Information Training and Entertainment (SITE) television program.

"Our training and commitment to environmental protection is evident in our record of zero reportable spills, releases of hazardous material (HAZMAT) or incident to marine mammals," said Morrill.

One Sailor aboard Truman ensured HAZMAT issue and re-utilization efforts aligned with planned maintenance and procedural checklists.

"We strive to be the best in the fleet not only to protect the environment but our crew as well," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Harrison Letchworth, assistant leading petty officer in HAZMAT issue and offload.

Truman Sailors collaborated with Sailors assigned to Carrier Air Wing 7 during corrosion prevention on air crafts in the hangar bay. This process involves using isocyanate, a paint used on air crafts that can be very dangerous if not used safely.

"It takes the entire crew to follow the proper procedures when handling HAZMAT and disposing of it safely as well as maintain fire prevention regulations. Our Truman standard is 'leave it better than we found it' and we definitely displayed our dedication to the environment this past year."

In addition to HAZMAT management, Truman also exercises extreme caution when operating in areas likely to contain marine mammals. The crew employs every effort to minimize any potential negative effects on marine mammals.

"Efforts include knowing marine mammals' patterns in geographic areas where the ship operates, scanning for mammals with passive [SONAR] systems and training our lookouts and airborne assets prior to commencing operations," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class John Birmingham, leading petty officer in anti-submarine warfare planning under the Operations Department. "It is imperative we follow the protective measures assessment protocol prior to executing training. This is when we scan the surrounding area for mammals and ensure no harm will come to them."

"Truman Sailors performed operations to the highest standards, and they did this as true professionals and citizens. They were always responsible custodians of the environment that we all live in." said Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, Truman's commanding officer. "I'm honored our ship is being recognized for the extraordinary effort put forth by our Sailors."


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