That's pretty cool!
Here's a photo of the ship from her last deployment:
And here's one from the film:
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Friday, October 11, 2013
Truxtun in the News!
Here is an interview with HM2 and my CO, for their parts in the film Captain Phillips, which opens today.
That's pretty cool!
That's pretty cool!
Friday, October 4, 2013
At the Movies!
We got to preview the movie Captain Phillips on Friday... the scene I was in was cut, but I didn't mind too much. The film was really exciting! We all cheered when the Truxtun first came on the scene. They changed the hull number to reflect the Bainbridge's number... DDG-96. I know a few people who had scenes... our captain now, was XO then, and he played the XO. My Leading Petty Officer (LPO) was part of the team that arrested one of the bad guys in the end, and in the last scene, the medical chief who treats Tom Hanks is really a second class like me... and we know each other pretty well, as she comes to church on board.
The screening was on the Joint Little Creek/Fort Story base in Virginia Beach, and I managed to get a front row seat in the crowded theater. In addition to the regular previews, there were ads about the consequences of sexual assault, and the playing of the national anthem. Only in a military theater!
The screening was on the Joint Little Creek/Fort Story base in Virginia Beach, and I managed to get a front row seat in the crowded theater. In addition to the regular previews, there were ads about the consequences of sexual assault, and the playing of the national anthem. Only in a military theater!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Situations Rectified
I had work this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. And although I thought Chief told me on Friday that I'd just have to find someone to switch with me for Thanksgiving, she ended up approving the Special Lib chit. CS1 gave it back to me approved on Saturday. That was a very pleasant surprise! :)
Today, as the ship's plans changed at 1500, I was let off. I was only there because we were going to get underway early tomorrow (it was technically my day off). As I changed, I noticed that my military ID card was nowhere to be found. I searched high and low... literally: all through my rack, and even the deck of the head... in the pockets of four garments... in Sonar 1, the scullery, the galley... even the cleaning gear locker (everywhere I had been during the day). I obviously had it this morning at 0630 (I was allowed to come in late), and I remembered putting it in the left breast pocket of my coveralls (like in boot camp). I checked with the quarterdeck and the duty master-at-arms. No returned cards.
So I found out in order to get a new one I'd have to get a special request chit signed and go to PSD (the ID card place) that was probably closed. No, wait, there's another one at the NEX. I was told I'd need a form from admin... and that the request had to be signed by MA1... (he said he didn't, but he did anyway)... then someone told me all I needed was the request signed by the CO, and I could get back on base in the morning. Then admin said no... I needed the chit signed by my entire chain of command. Got MA1, my LPO, Chief... then back to admin, and that's all I need. Then someone told me if I get it undersigned by the DIVO, then I'd just use the form. Got DIVO's signature (found him in his stateroom), then ran into the Sonar Divo (ASWO) and she got the CO to sign the bottom line for me. Then I went back to Sonar 1 and found my ID at the desk in the card reader where I'd left it while trying to log into Navy Knowledge Online for the second version of that silly training I completed back in AUGUST on the Code of Conduct (if separated or captured). Good grief! So frustrated and so relieved! Even though it was two hours later, I did get to go home.
The weekend was much calmer. Saturday I served all three meals, and Sunday I washed the trays, plates, cups and utensils in the scullery. I found time both days to scrub the grime in the sinks in the scullery to make it look better in there. Saturday I watched a couple movies on the mess decks during down time... MIB:3, and Dark Knight Rises. Rather entertaining for a duty weekend. Sunday went much slower... but that's probably because it was the second day.
Today, as the ship's plans changed at 1500, I was let off. I was only there because we were going to get underway early tomorrow (it was technically my day off). As I changed, I noticed that my military ID card was nowhere to be found. I searched high and low... literally: all through my rack, and even the deck of the head... in the pockets of four garments... in Sonar 1, the scullery, the galley... even the cleaning gear locker (everywhere I had been during the day). I obviously had it this morning at 0630 (I was allowed to come in late), and I remembered putting it in the left breast pocket of my coveralls (like in boot camp). I checked with the quarterdeck and the duty master-at-arms. No returned cards.
So I found out in order to get a new one I'd have to get a special request chit signed and go to PSD (the ID card place) that was probably closed. No, wait, there's another one at the NEX. I was told I'd need a form from admin... and that the request had to be signed by MA1... (he said he didn't, but he did anyway)... then someone told me all I needed was the request signed by the CO, and I could get back on base in the morning. Then admin said no... I needed the chit signed by my entire chain of command. Got MA1, my LPO, Chief... then back to admin, and that's all I need. Then someone told me if I get it undersigned by the DIVO, then I'd just use the form. Got DIVO's signature (found him in his stateroom), then ran into the Sonar Divo (ASWO) and she got the CO to sign the bottom line for me. Then I went back to Sonar 1 and found my ID at the desk in the card reader where I'd left it while trying to log into Navy Knowledge Online for the second version of that silly training I completed back in AUGUST on the Code of Conduct (if separated or captured). Good grief! So frustrated and so relieved! Even though it was two hours later, I did get to go home.
The weekend was much calmer. Saturday I served all three meals, and Sunday I washed the trays, plates, cups and utensils in the scullery. I found time both days to scrub the grime in the sinks in the scullery to make it look better in there. Saturday I watched a couple movies on the mess decks during down time... MIB:3, and Dark Knight Rises. Rather entertaining for a duty weekend. Sunday went much slower... but that's probably because it was the second day.
Friday, July 13, 2012
On a Ship and... Filming!
What I forgot to mention in my extreme vague-ness of the last post was the extraordinary third day I had aboard ship (June 27). Don't know if you recall, but a few years ago (has it been that long already? how time flies!), a Captain Phillips was rescued from Somali pirates by the USS Bainbridge and a Navy SEAL team. For a few weeks before I reported, the Truxtun was being used by Hollywood to film the upcoming movie about the incident, starring Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips.
My extraordinary day started out very usual, finishing up as much checking-in paperwork as I could. By lunch my sponsor and I had done all we could do for the day, so when the Command Master Chief came around the mess deck, asking if anyone was available for a scene being shot in the starboard helo hanger, I volunteered. I had about an hour to change into coveralls (with a white undershirt instead of the modern day blue) and find the helo hanger for the first time.
It was exciting at first, watching the film crew go here and there and see the big camera and just be in a new place on the ship and work with a few other shipmates I had never met. But after the sixth take, it grew to be a bit of an old hat (although I wasn't wearing my ball cap, since it said Truxtun, not Bainbridge). :)
The six or seven of us regular Sailors were the background action of a generic scene (that I heard is near the climax of the film) where the SEAL team (all very hunky, Hollywood guys) walk across the helo deck with their equipment and hold a little conference. Us Sailors are putting away gear in the background... nets, helmets and long chains used to tie down helicopters. Don't know how believable that is, since there is no helicopter, but I suppose the general public won't know the difference.
Since this was the next to last day of filming (before we went out to sea), the studio gave a fantastic catered dinner for the entire crew on the pier. Seared Ahi tuna, steaks, grilled chicken, salads, fruits, etc., and the producer and director were there to give us a thank-you speech. So much food! I didn't have time to finish it before they wanted our little group back on board to finish the shoot. But between the eating and speeches, Tom Hanks arrived on the pier to take divisional pictures with us... and I got to stand right next to him during mine! Because of that, I was able to get an autograph on my Sleepless in Seattle DVD before his manager brushed us all away.
What a way to start out on a ship!
My extraordinary day started out very usual, finishing up as much checking-in paperwork as I could. By lunch my sponsor and I had done all we could do for the day, so when the Command Master Chief came around the mess deck, asking if anyone was available for a scene being shot in the starboard helo hanger, I volunteered. I had about an hour to change into coveralls (with a white undershirt instead of the modern day blue) and find the helo hanger for the first time.
It was exciting at first, watching the film crew go here and there and see the big camera and just be in a new place on the ship and work with a few other shipmates I had never met. But after the sixth take, it grew to be a bit of an old hat (although I wasn't wearing my ball cap, since it said Truxtun, not Bainbridge). :)
The six or seven of us regular Sailors were the background action of a generic scene (that I heard is near the climax of the film) where the SEAL team (all very hunky, Hollywood guys) walk across the helo deck with their equipment and hold a little conference. Us Sailors are putting away gear in the background... nets, helmets and long chains used to tie down helicopters. Don't know how believable that is, since there is no helicopter, but I suppose the general public won't know the difference.
Since this was the next to last day of filming (before we went out to sea), the studio gave a fantastic catered dinner for the entire crew on the pier. Seared Ahi tuna, steaks, grilled chicken, salads, fruits, etc., and the producer and director were there to give us a thank-you speech. So much food! I didn't have time to finish it before they wanted our little group back on board to finish the shoot. But between the eating and speeches, Tom Hanks arrived on the pier to take divisional pictures with us... and I got to stand right next to him during mine! Because of that, I was able to get an autograph on my Sleepless in Seattle DVD before his manager brushed us all away.
What a way to start out on a ship!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Day At Rest
It was like a weekend in the middle of the week.
The duty driver from the Antietam was here before muster this morning, but inexplicably, they cancelled the working party. I am a little sad... :) My new working party is also off base, but the one guy who had been on it before said that they haven't come to pick them up in the last three weeks. Gosh.
Today was the base-wide blood drive, so I did that instead. A pint was drawn just before 0900 with ease. I went back to my room afterwords to rest, and ended up finishing the book I started on watch (Monday)... "Life in Mr. Lincoln's Navy". It's all about the enlisted experience during the Civil War... enlisting, daily life (and improvements to it), food, entertainment, weapons, medicine, machinery... I didn't know the Union had 62 ironclads by the end of the war... and what life was like on them. It was very interesting to read, and went by rather quickly.
After three weeks working on the ship, this is exactly what I needed. I also got an hour's nap in after lunch... and watched a couple movies. Here's the shirt I got for donating:
The duty driver from the Antietam was here before muster this morning, but inexplicably, they cancelled the working party. I am a little sad... :) My new working party is also off base, but the one guy who had been on it before said that they haven't come to pick them up in the last three weeks. Gosh.
Today was the base-wide blood drive, so I did that instead. A pint was drawn just before 0900 with ease. I went back to my room afterwords to rest, and ended up finishing the book I started on watch (Monday)... "Life in Mr. Lincoln's Navy". It's all about the enlisted experience during the Civil War... enlisting, daily life (and improvements to it), food, entertainment, weapons, medicine, machinery... I didn't know the Union had 62 ironclads by the end of the war... and what life was like on them. It was very interesting to read, and went by rather quickly.
After three weeks working on the ship, this is exactly what I needed. I also got an hour's nap in after lunch... and watched a couple movies. Here's the shirt I got for donating:
It's a little hard to read at first glance: "I BLEED RED, WHITE & BLUE. Support our troops by giving blood. ASBP (Armed Services Blood Program)
It was an honor to give for the troops. I took the arm wrap and gauze off after 5 hours, but it still needed a band-aid.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Movies
Just recently I've watched a few movies relating to the Navy and the core values specifically.
"The Blind Side" (2010) is a true story about a poor kid who is taken in by a family and a school. He's really good at football, but was never taught how to pass tests or write papers. With a private tutor he works on his final paper for a literature class and writes on "The Charge of the Light Brigade". He writes about the difference between Courage and Honor; how anyone can be brave, but how you only get honor by doing the right thing for the right reason. How you should not blindly obey orders, but do what is right. I'm going to get this movie and watch it again.
"Antwone Fisher" (2002) is about a petty officer who gets into fights and is assigned the task of seeing a Navy psychologist. It's a true story about how the officer helps Antwone deal with his abusive upbringing and neglect by forgiving and moving on and how he changes the officer's life as well. It shows a bit of real navy life, although a little scewed (they arrive in a port the next scene after setting out to sea), but in general is a great picture about the navy and hope restored.
"The Caine Mutiny" (1956) is a fictitious account of a mutiny on a tiny ship in World War II. It's a great setup dealing with navy leadership and the decisions the officers and men make to get around a crazy old-timer captain.
Other great movies on the Navy that I've seen and loved:
My favorite: "Mister Roberts" (1955). This is a great one about men stuck on an "old tub" of a supply ship in the later part of World War II in the Pacific and how they cope with a maniac and showman of a captain and how Mister Roberts fights for the men and what he sacrifices, and what they do for him.
"Tora, Tora, Tora" (1970) is by far the best film about Pearl Harbor. It shows both sides rather well, having real Japanese actors making up half the film (speaking in Japanese with subtitles - in the tradition of The Longest Day).
The "Horatio Hornblower Miniseries" (1998-2003) on A&E was a great telling of the classic books. Very fun and full of aspects of life in the Royal Navy.
"Master and Commander" (2003) is another great film of another classic series about the Royal Navy.
"Men of Honor" (2000) about Navy Diver Carl Brashear follows the story of this courageous young man as he is the first African American to enlist in the program.
"The Fighting Sullivans" (1944) about the five brothers who grew up and died together in WWII off of Guadalcanal.
"The Hunt for Red October" (1990) a good, fun film based on Tom Clancy's novel.
"Crimson Tide" (1995) is another tense film about mutiny on a submarine.
"Midway" (1976) is more of a soap opera, but it is a grand, epic film about the colossal battle.
Others:
Here's a host of submarine movies... some relevant, some not.
There's been bunches of WWII movies... too numerous to count...
Here's a list of all navy films.
Here's a top ten.
"The Blind Side" (2010) is a true story about a poor kid who is taken in by a family and a school. He's really good at football, but was never taught how to pass tests or write papers. With a private tutor he works on his final paper for a literature class and writes on "The Charge of the Light Brigade". He writes about the difference between Courage and Honor; how anyone can be brave, but how you only get honor by doing the right thing for the right reason. How you should not blindly obey orders, but do what is right. I'm going to get this movie and watch it again.
"Antwone Fisher" (2002) is about a petty officer who gets into fights and is assigned the task of seeing a Navy psychologist. It's a true story about how the officer helps Antwone deal with his abusive upbringing and neglect by forgiving and moving on and how he changes the officer's life as well. It shows a bit of real navy life, although a little scewed (they arrive in a port the next scene after setting out to sea), but in general is a great picture about the navy and hope restored.
"The Caine Mutiny" (1956) is a fictitious account of a mutiny on a tiny ship in World War II. It's a great setup dealing with navy leadership and the decisions the officers and men make to get around a crazy old-timer captain.
Other great movies on the Navy that I've seen and loved:
My favorite: "Mister Roberts" (1955). This is a great one about men stuck on an "old tub" of a supply ship in the later part of World War II in the Pacific and how they cope with a maniac and showman of a captain and how Mister Roberts fights for the men and what he sacrifices, and what they do for him.
"Tora, Tora, Tora" (1970) is by far the best film about Pearl Harbor. It shows both sides rather well, having real Japanese actors making up half the film (speaking in Japanese with subtitles - in the tradition of The Longest Day).
The "Horatio Hornblower Miniseries" (1998-2003) on A&E was a great telling of the classic books. Very fun and full of aspects of life in the Royal Navy.
"Master and Commander" (2003) is another great film of another classic series about the Royal Navy.
"Men of Honor" (2000) about Navy Diver Carl Brashear follows the story of this courageous young man as he is the first African American to enlist in the program.
"The Fighting Sullivans" (1944) about the five brothers who grew up and died together in WWII off of Guadalcanal.
"The Hunt for Red October" (1990) a good, fun film based on Tom Clancy's novel.
"Crimson Tide" (1995) is another tense film about mutiny on a submarine.
"Midway" (1976) is more of a soap opera, but it is a grand, epic film about the colossal battle.
Others:
Here's a host of submarine movies... some relevant, some not.
There's been bunches of WWII movies... too numerous to count...
Here's a list of all navy films.
Here's a top ten.
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