Aboard the USS Ronald Reagan
November 26, 2007
David Frank - Executive Producer
It was an incredible day. I had flown into San Diego from our San Francisco offices for the premiere of our two-hour “Supercarrier: USS Ronald Reagan” documentary. We were about to screen the program aboard the ship, literally on the flight deck of the US Navy’s newest nuclear powered aircraft carrier. My directors and camera crews had spent about a month filming on
 |
As I drove into the Naval Air Station, I realized that the carrier was indeed a huge, floating city. I had never been aboard the ship, so I was amazed to see where they filmed and how the 5000 sailors and pilots worked and lived. All I can say is that you can get lost very easily, even though the Navy has maps posted throughout the ship.
I met up with Michael Cascio who had flown out from National Geographic Channel headquarters in Washington DC just for this screening. The press and hundreds of sailors were invited to the premiere screening of the program so there was excitement everywhere aboard the ship. We were given a tour of the ship and it was exhausting just going up and down the narrow ladders. The view from the bridge was remarkable. You could see the runaways below and the first thing I noticed was how short they were. The pilots certainly don’t have much room to take off or land. They say the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is one of the most dangerous places to be in the world… especially at night. It must be extremely difficult to land a plane on the short runway the first time. The men and women on these ships deserve our praise and our thanks for the job they do.
 |
They had bleachers for the sailors and even served popcorn. Watching the program on a huge screen was amazing. The high definitiion quality of the images was beautiful. The colors were vibrant and the noise of the aircraft we filmed sounded like they were taking off right next to us.
It was quite an evening – and probably the first time a film was premiered on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier.
Supercarrier: USS Ronald Reagan premieres Tuesday, November 26 at 8:00p et/pt. Preview the show before it airs by clicking here
Comments (42)
Loved reading this. Watching the show, now.
A friend made a really cool tribute to the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, and also got to be aboard. I'm envious so wanted to see this badly.
The link takes you to his site w/the pictures of this piece...Capt. Terry Kraft even has one. :)
Posted by Liz | November 27, 2007 11:12 PM
I loved watching this show. I hope it is aired again.
Posted by Amy | November 28, 2007 10:10 AM
This was a great show. My nephew is serving on this carrier. So it was great to see a fraction of what he does and what he sees on a daily basis. Plus the educational aspect of this piece. Can't wait to watch it again.
Posted by Tina | November 28, 2007 10:19 AM
Thanks for the show!! It was AWESOME!! My son is a sailor aboard the RR and it was really really cool to see what goes on there on a daily basis. AND I saw him in the film!! Can't wait for the DVD!!!
Posted by Mary Kay | November 28, 2007 10:20 AM
My cousin is one of the pilots shown and we couldn't be more proud of him. This show allowed for us to see what he does on a daily basis and the sacrifice each of these men and women give for our freedom. Great work, George!
Posted by Shellie | November 28, 2007 12:26 PM
How and who created the modeling and simulations? I thought that was impressive as well as the fine crew aboard CVN 76.
Posted by Steve Uva | November 28, 2007 1:14 PM
We love to watch NGC.... and to be watching the USS Ronald Reagan, only to discover that this was filmed when our grandson was on board the USS Ronald Reagan at the time of this filming. He was on tour duty at that time. We were totally thrilled. We would love to buy a DVD of this. Please tell us how. He is back on the USS Ronald Reagan at this very moment and I am sure he saw the premiere. He is with Squadron 113, The Stingers.
Posted by Jerome and Sandra Bruce | November 28, 2007 1:47 PM
Hello Jerome and Sandra -
I am really glad that you enjoyed watching the show. Unfortunately at the moment it is not on DVD, but you can keep a look out for it on http://shopngvideos.com/ or watch the reairing this Saturday at 8p et/pt.
Posted by Greg Chapman | November 28, 2007 1:56 PM
Will this video about the USS Ronald Reagan be available for purchase?
Thank You!
Kimberly
Posted by Kimberly Call | November 28, 2007 2:01 PM
bad ass
Posted by russel miah | November 28, 2007 4:11 PM
I missed the documentary on 11/26/07 but found a short version here.
My son was on that cruise and in the video.
He is now on the Reagan again.
How can I get a copy of it?
Thanks,
PJ
Posted by PJ | November 28, 2007 5:37 PM
To all families,
What a thrill to see the Reagan and all her sailors get the attention so richly deserved. My son is currently serving as a nuclear reactor officer aboard USS RR, keeping her engines going night and day. I was lucky enough to see flight ops first-hand on a recent family day, and there is no experience that will ever compare. My dad, a WWII Navy Chief would be unbelievably impressed.
Posted by Beth Wells | November 28, 2007 9:48 PM
Hi, I loved watching the show. Proud to say that my son is on the ship, and very proud of all the men and woman on the USS R. Reagan. God bless them and keep them safe
Posted by Diane | November 30, 2007 4:31 PM
Bill:
My son knows George Degenero (Sp?) and very much wants to see this show, but missed it. How can we purchase a copy of it for him. I don't see it listed in your DVDs available for purchase?
It was great! Please help!
Posted by William Maxwell | December 2, 2007 8:04 PM
12 + 02 + 2007
Hi U.S.A. Navy,
Wish for Good Clean Tech. Help build a Good Clean Garbage Rocket ship to the Good Clean Sun.
Go 100% real true organic Cotton Grown made in the U.S.A. .
Go Organic First Fruits.
St. Mary true loves you, the 1st Corinthians 1 + 13 + 17 + Mark 9 + 23 + Mark 9 + 3
Signed Revelation 19 + 20 + 21 + 22
Posted by Michael Whitie | December 3, 2007 1:09 AM
Our son is also on the Reagan and was in the video a couple of times. Very Proud of him & all the sailors aboard. Would love to have a copy. Is this possible. God Bless our troops.
Posted by Terry McCullough | December 3, 2007 12:44 PM
I was stationed on board the RR and was thrilled to see the ship get the recognition it deserved. Thanks to NG for telling our story.
Posted by katie | December 3, 2007 12:48 PM
Like many others that have written, my son is stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan and I would like to obtain a copy of the Supercarrier show. Would you please let me know how I might obtain a copy?
Posted by Debbie Johnson | December 3, 2007 3:04 PM
If anyone knows how to get a copy of this - please let me know - even if one of you taped it or something - I'll pay for it. My cousin, Steve, is on the Reagan and our family misses him so much. We really want to see this video. Please help! We missed it when it was aired and I don't see when it's going to be aired again any time soon.
Thanks!
Kara
Posted by Kara | December 10, 2007 2:12 PM
Hi all - this is Dan Bree, the writer and producer of the Supercarrier show. Thanks for your kind comments. To respond to Steve Uva, the graphic designer who created the simulations is named Jon Bell. He's a very talented 3D designer, and we think he did a great job illustrating how the ship works.
Posted by Dan | December 10, 2007 5:46 PM
Thank you for making a great video of the USS Ronald Reagan. I served on it for my Naval career. I am a plank owner of that ship and i felt that you did a great job. My father will love this once it comes out on DVD. I wait to buy it for him.
Posted by Juanita Martinez | December 10, 2007 8:57 PM
very interesting, but I don't agree with you
Idetrorce
Posted by Idetrorce | December 15, 2007 8:04 AM
very well made
it .All information on this site is represented
Best Links
Posted by musfeatte | December 15, 2007 12:42 PM
i love that one. one of my loved ones is serving in the reactor! good luck!!
thank you for the movie...
Posted by alli | December 17, 2007 7:16 PM
Our son is also on the USS Ronald Reagan, and we had the pleasure of a tour of the carrier in June. It was the most wonderful experience of my life, and we are so proud of him and others on board. He was on the movie too, it was a great moment, thank you soo much for such a great video, we would also like to purchase it for his grandparent to view. Let me know how, and again thank you soo much
Posted by Cathy | December 19, 2007 10:35 PM
etruscan earrings
yurman earrings
Posted by insiltefe | January 3, 2008 1:58 AM
Our son is being deployed to the Ronald Reagan and we would love to get the video. When is it going to be available?
Posted by Bruce | January 15, 2008 3:11 PM
My son will be joining the Reagan in March. I am very proud of him. Could you let me know when the DVD comes out? I hope to greet my son when he returns from deployment in San Diego. What an experience it must be!!!!!
Posted by Cindy | January 19, 2008 12:28 PM
My husband is a pilot on the USS Ronald Reagan, and he is in this video...I too would LOVE a copy of the video for our family. Does anyone know if it will be out on DVD?
Thank you
Posted by Holly | January 26, 2008 5:02 PM
My son is on the Reagan too. We watched the show and recorded it to watch again. It was a great show. It even showed our son's work area.
Posted by Terri S | January 30, 2008 6:38 PM
I am a HONG KONG citizen
I very hope buy a DVD
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76)
How do it? Thank you
Posted by Andy | January 30, 2008 9:22 PM
When will the DVD be released?
Posted by David | February 6, 2008 2:17 PM
My son Nick is on the Rockin Ronny!. He is in the video several times which is a nice treat when I miss seeing his face. I have this saved on the DVR, when and how can we get a copy of the dvd?
Nice job. Thank you for supporting our guys by doing such a great job!
Michelle
Posted by Michelle | February 23, 2008 2:43 PM
My Son Nick is on the Rockin Ronny. He is featured a couple of times throughout the program. Thank you for such a terrific job on the show. I have this program saved on the dvr to view whenever I want to see him in action. When and where will we be able to get a copy?
Thanks again.
Michelle Thomas
Posted by Michelle | February 23, 2008 2:51 PM
A wonderfully crafted depiction of the life and work on board our Navy's finest aircraft carrier, you should be commended. I was a Plank owner on board her. I was the senior enlisted leader for the photo/video/print division.
You and your crew did a great job.
Thank you.
Michael
Posted by Michael Cole | March 6, 2008 12:51 AM
I would like to get this on DVD. Anyone know when it will be released?
Michael
Posted by Michael | April 25, 2008 7:16 PM
Hello my friends :)
;)
Posted by Ceapsewoosy | May 13, 2008 10:18 PM
My youngest brother is aboard the USS Ronald Reagan and it was awesome to see what they do. We visited him in San Diego in May before they deployed May 19 and he was able to take us on a tour. Seeing the real thing makes the picture so much bigger and more in prospective of how things run. The film made it easier for my 4 yr old son to understand what his favorite uncle is doing and when he got to go on the ship was so excited and truly understands what his uncle and other servicemembers are doing for our country. We, too, would like a copy of the DVD so my 2 yr old daughter and watch with brother over and over so maybe she will start to understand where Uncle Ricky is. Thank you.
Posted by Bobbi Goodwin | June 2, 2008 9:30 PM
Yeah.. I've been searching for the DVD since the show first aired. Still can't find. Tried Nat'l Geo.. never get an answer from them.. and the live people I've spoken with have no clue. If anyone finds out, please let me know
Posted by Mary Kay | June 10, 2008 3:23 PM
Yeah.. I've been searching for the DVD since the show first aired. Still can't find. Tried Nat'l Geo.. never get an answer from them.. and the live people I've spoken with have no clue. If anyone finds out, please let me know
Posted by Mary Kay | June 10, 2008 3:24 PM
I am shabbir
I am graphic designer, web designr, 2d & 3d animator
diploma 2.5 year aptech worldwide
Posted by shabbirahmed | June 21, 2008 6:41 AM
Hello sir
How are you
I am shabbir ahmed
I am Graphic designer senior , web designer senior,
2d & 3d animator senior
Diploma 2.5 year APTECH WORLDWIDE branch in pakistan
Posted by shabbirahmed | June 23, 2008 5:34 AM