<p>Arlington, VA; October 25, 2007 - PBS today announced that it will air CARRIER, a revealing story of daily life on a United States aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz. Filmed from May to November 2005, nearly 2,000 hours of high-definition video were captured aboard the ship during a full six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf, of which three months were spent in combat in support of the ground troops. For the first time, a television series takes a raw and honest look at the Navy's role in this controversial war. CARRIER premieres Sunday, April 27-Thursday, May 1, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS.</p>
<p>"PBS viewers will get a gripping view of the deployment and operations aboard a carrier during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and emotional accounts of life in the floating city," said John F. Wilson, senior vice president and chief TV programming executive. "The universal themes that emerge offer compelling insight into the men and women who commit to military service against the extraordinary backdrop of war."</p>
<p>The USS Nimitz, 24 stories high and three football fields long, carries 5,300 navy personnel and 85 military aircraft. The series follows a core group of characters, from the admiral of the fleet to the fighter pilots to the scrubs, as they navigate personal conflicts around their jobs, families, faith, patriotism, love, the rites of passage and the war on terror.</p>
<p>Did anyone see the exciting preview of Carrier on public television tonight? The preview will be rebroadcast on Wednesday, February 27, and the entire program (10 hours) will air at the end of April. Amazing, don't miss it!</p>
<p>I can't find the listing for the preview in our area. One of our PBS stations is from San Francisco (not very military friendly). I hope they air the series.<br>
Here is the trailer for the series </p>
<p>missed the preview but will be sure to put it on my calendar!!! guess too much time watching the talking heads on the clinton vs obama race!!! :eek:</p>
<p>USNA09mom, I'm pretty much in agreement with you about San Francisco's beauty. I've been trying to get to Fleet Week for years. My dad lives a couple of hours away, over in the foothills. Always seems like too much is going on in October. Really love all the pictures I've seen of the Blue Angels low over the Bay.</p>
<p>One scene in the preview that really caught my eye was of a sailor in swim trunks jumping off the deck of the carrier into the Persian Gulf while the ship was anchored. He was very casual about it, looked like he'd had a lot of practice jumping off the ship, and it took place during what appeared to be a period of recreation/relaxation. My question is, how far off the water is the deck of the carrier, and is this a normal 'letting loose' activity at anchor in hot climates?</p>
<p>My grandfather did that a few times during the Korean War when he was near Japan. He was stationed on the USS Iwo Jima, an amphibious assault ship (which has since been scrapped), so it probably wasn't as high a jump, but I'm pretty sure it's a common event.</p>
<p>usna09mom, My NROTC S spent his 2c cruise last summer on a destroyer in the Mediterranaen. I know they spent at least one afternoon (maybe more) jumping off the ship and climbing back up the side. I know carriers are WAY bigger but jumping off the ship must be pretty normal under some circumstances.</p>
<p>I plan to be on the bay for fleet week this year. Last year we were at the airport to see the Blue Angel pilots. Last year a city supervisor tried to ban the Blue Angels. He quoted safety issues and even said that the Blue Angels' show was bad for the environment. They are phasing out JROTC in public schools and have refused the Marines a permit to film a commercial. Remember they are only across the water from Berkeley.</p>
<p>As far as the height of a carrier deck - I do not know. My father was knocked off the deck in a flight deck accident in Korean waters during the Korean War. He had to spend the night in the water before they were able to get him. The other guy that went into the water was never found. That was a smaller carrier, obviously before Nimitz class.</p>
<p>USNA2012Mom: "On the Bay" as in on a boat, or by the Bay? I've heard Chrissie Field is a pretty good place to watch from. Several Years ago my Dad backed his pickup/camper near the water and the next day had a ringside seat.</p>
<p>I guess this thread got way off topic, but it's all good stuff...</p>