Deployment delayed for USS Truman

NORFOLK, Va. - Sailors serving on the Norfolk-based carrier USS Harry S. Truman will have to wait longer for their next scheduled deployment.

Navy officials tell WAVY.com maintenance of the Carrier USS Enterprise, also based at Naval Station Norfolk, is causing the delay.

The Navy also extended the deployment of the USS Nimitz, based in San Diego.

“Adjusting these carrier deployment schedules was the best solution of available options,” said Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “We recognize this decision has operational and personnel impacts, such as training cycle changes and family uncertainty. Our Sailors and families also are ready to step up when necessary to meet the continued demands of a nation at war.”

Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said, “I know changes in deployment length affect everyone. Part of our Sailors' readiness and well-being is knowing their families are being cared for regardless of deployment length. We will continue to invest in family support and readiness programs to try to reduce the stress of lengthy deployments -- we owe it to them, and I am committed to it.”

The Enterprise is under repair at the Northrop Grumman shipyard in Newport News.