USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At sea -- Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) welcomed aboard 14 midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy, July 23.
The midshipmen's visit to Truman is a part of their summer training program in between academic years.
"This is our final look at the fleet before we are commissioned," said Midshipman 1st Class George Bowman III. "What we experience will help us decide what we want to do in the Navy."
For some midshipmen, their time aboard Truman will be their first experience on an aircraft carrier.
"There is so much activity going on throughout the ship," said Bowman. "There are so many Sailors and so many departments aboard Truman that I can get an answer to questions I have about the Navy. You get a piece of the entire fleet aboard Truman."
Bowman said the midshipmen get to experience life aboard Truman during Truman's carrier qualifications.
"We're lucky we came at a time when we can see a carrier in action," said Bowman. "Hearing the jets and helicopters roaring on the flight makes me proud to be a part of the Navy."
During their time aboard, the midshipmen will experience a variety of evolutions, said Lt. Anthony Lee, this year's midshipmen summer cruise coordinator.
"They will go on flight operations, shoot the .50-caliber machine guns, stand a supervised watch, and witness replenishment-at-sea," said Lee. "It's good for them to see what actually goes on aboard a carrier in the Navy. We are incorporating them into the Truman team."
Lee said their interaction with the Sailors will help shape their approach to being Navy officers.
"This is an opportunity for them to mold their leadership skills," said Lee. "They have been trained on the academic aspects of being an officer, but this gives them the opportunity to see if what it really takes."
Showing the midshipmen Truman's standard of excellence is important, said Lee.
"I can't wait to see these guys on the deck plates," said Lee. "We're going to show them the true spirit of what it means to 'Give Em' Hell."
