Viera High Grad, U.S. Navy Boatswains Mate Bryson Torbeck Returns Home After Deployment Aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower

By  //  August 11, 2020

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Torbeck

Viera High School 2019 graduate returned home Aug. 9, marking the end of a seven-month deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. (U.S. Navy image)

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Viera High School 2019 graduate Bryson Torbeck returned home Aug. 9, marking the end of a seven-month deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Since departing its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, in January 2020 for the ship’s Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), the aircraft carrier remained underway and deployed to the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

Airman Torbeck is an aviation boatswain’s mate (handler) aboard the carrier. As an aviation boatswains mate (handler), Torbeck is responsible for directing the movement and spotting of aircraft on the flight deck, crash and rescue support and fire fighting.

“I’ve enjoyed being able to expand my knowledge of being a crash crewman,” said Torbeck.

“Knowing I will be there to help in case of an emergency on the flight deck provides a sense of job satisfaction.”

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe, USS Eisenhower continued to conduct operations underway, minimizing the potential spread of the virus aboard in order to maintain maritime stability and security and ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

USS Eisenhower, along with the USS San Jacinto (CG 56), one of the other ships within Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, remained continuously at sea with no port visits, setting a new record for the U.S. Navy, breaking the previous record of 160 days set in 2002 by USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

“I’m so proud of the young men and women I see on the deck plates each and every day,” said Capt. Kyle Higgins, Ike’s commanding officer.

“Their dedication to the mission is what makes our Navy the greatest fighting force the world has ever seen.”

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Sailors assigned to Eisenhower and San Jacinto transited to the equator and participated in a unique crossing the line ceremony, becoming the Navy’s first ‘Iron Shellbacks,’ with more than 100 days at sea May 14. Ike petitioned Naval History and Heritage Command to commemorate this feat in conjunction with crossing the equator as a new title: ‘Iron Shellback.’

“My proudest accomplishment on this deployment, is knowing I am able to serve my country from abroad,” said Torbeck.

USS Eisenhower participated in multiple exercises with allies and partners and dual-carrier operations.

The ships within CSG-10 also completed multiple strait and choke point transits, to include the Strait of Gibraltar, the Suez Canal and the Bab-el Mandeb Strait, while operating under two Combatant Commanders – U.S. European Command (EUCOM), and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

“My role is to support the ship and squadrons by providing fire fighting and rescue operations support,” said Torbeck.

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Torbeck, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Torbeck is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“My grandfather served in the Navy for 23 years and my uncle served in the Marine Corps during the Persian Gulf War,” said Torbeck.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Torbeck, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“I joined the Navy to carry on my family’s tradition, and to become more independent while serving the country,” added Torbeck.

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