Highland grad completes seven months on nuclear aircraft carrier

by Kayla  Turnbow

Navy Office of Community Outreach  Petty Officer 2nd Class Bethany  Vikowski, a 2013 Highland  High School  graduate and Medina native, returned home in June from a seven-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman.  

Since departing its homeport of Norfolk, Va., in November 2019, the aircraft carrier with more than 6,000 men and women aboard, sailed in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.  

Vikowski is a machinist’s mate, responsible for being a mechanic, steam plant operator and quality assurance supervisor.  

“I work in the reactor department where our whole purpose is to provide life to the entire ship,” Vikowski said. “We make water, electricity, steam, and propulsion to make the ship move. I am also an assistant command fitness leader. I help sailors prepare for our physical fitness testing.”  

Following a scheduled return from deployment in March, the Truman remained in the Western Atlantic. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, the Truman continued to conduct operations, minimizing the potential spread of the virus ship, to maintain maritime stability and security. 

“My favorite part of the job is to know that without us, the ship would never see the world,” Vikowski said. “We work 24/7 to provide all of the essential resources required for successful operation. It is a great feeling to know that you are working to safely operate a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and fight for this country’s freedom.  “On this deployment, my proudest moment was … receiving the Navy and Marine Corps achievement medal. In the Navy, my proudest accomplishment was being ranked the No. 1 second class petty officer in the Reactor Propulsion Division.” 
Serving in the Navy is tradition for Vikowski family. 

“I have an uncle who served in the Navy during the Suez Canal crisis, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Korean War, a cousin served in the Battle of the Bulge and another uncle served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII,” Vikowski said. “My brother is also currently serving in the Navy as an information systems technician in Gulfport, Mississippi, with a Seabee Expeditionary Unit.”

Feature image photo caption: Petty Officer 2nd Class Bethany Vikowski, right, recently finished a seven-month deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman.