Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) welcomed aboard Rear Adm. J.R. Haley, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic and Force Master Chief Bill Smalts, March 12.

This visit focused on the health and wellness of the ship and the air wing through various meetings while the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group conducts operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"I came out here to see how the crew was doing and to thank them for all of their hard work," said Haley. "They've made a huge impact and are definitely carrying the fight."

Haley and Smalts also had the opportunity to tour various workshops throughout the ship and interact with the crew.

"Meeting the force master chief of Naval Air Force Atlantic really puts into perspective all of the hard work we have been doing out here," said Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Christian Smalley. "It's inspiring to see someone advance so far in their career, and to have the opportunity to ask them for advice is very rewarding."

While aboard, Smalts toured the fabrication laboratory to learn about Truman's 3-D printer.

"These Sailors are out here doing amazing work -- learning new skills and working together," said Smalts.

Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ashley Figert, who was involved in the creation of the "Tru-Clip", a cost-efficient replacement clasp used for shipboard radios, said she was grateful to have the opportunity to demonstrate the 3-D printer.

"I was very nervous at first to give a brief to a force master chief," said Figert. "Once I saw how impressed and interested he was, I felt very excited to show him the progress we have made with this technology. It feels good to get noticed for the hard work we do here on Truman and motivates me to remain dedicated to what I do."

During their visit Haley and Smalts met with Truman's senior leadership, heads of departments and chief petty officers to discuss current operations before departing the ship, March 13.

Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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