Documentary filming team from
Nova on board Indy

A six-person production crew from Nova is aboard Indy filming battle group operations for a two-hour documentary. Due to the extensive editing required for a production like Nova, this segment is expected to air this fall on the Public Broadcasting Service.

According to Amy Truesdell, the Nova researcher, the focus is how a battle group is comprised and the merger of two battle groups to make a task force such as Independence and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Arabian Gulf.

"There have been several productions on aircraft carriers and specifically the Air Wing, but we are looking at the bigger picture-the battle force," Truesdell said.

The Nova team has already been to Stennis where they researched prior to coming aboard Indy. They will film on Stennis next week.

"It’s an interesting contrast to see Stennis-the newest carrier, and Indy-the oldest," Truesdell, who has a work background in international security, said. "There is a real sense of pride and team effort here which is immediately recognized which many attribute to you (Indy) being forward deployed."

"Just the history of the ship and the fact that Indy flies the ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ flag commands a sense of respect," Truesdell said.

Two cameras will be used simultaneously by the production crew to capture as much on film as possible. Truesdell says 16mm film is being used vice video to maintain picture quality.

"The cameramen and director are experienced in documentaries that deal with the Navy," Truesdell said. "Every single person has been looking forward to coming out and doing this."

Anthony Makin, the producer has been researching the project for more than two years.

The production crew expects to be on board until April 16th when they will return to Bahrain. The two film crews will rejoin the Indy on the 23rd to finish up any last minute filming.

Caption: Paul Williams, cameraman from Nova, takes a shot of a burner in Four Main Machinery Room.