Story By: JO3 Joseph Rehana
email: pareha40@cv62.navy.mil
Date: January 26, 1998
As USS Independence (CV 62) refueled along side USNS Yukon, while en route to the Arabian Gulf, Sailors here were also enjoying one of Americas' most treasured traditions, the Super Bowl.
For the first time in Independence history, Sailors here had the opportunity to catch Super Bowl XXXII live on the "big screen" in Hangar Bay II due to Independence's new Cinema at Sea and the Television - Direct To Sailors (TV-DTS) satellite signal.
Preparations began early in the morning here to match the game time Sunday afternoon in San Diego. Both Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Public Affair's Staff were busy setting up the screen, sound system and cable while the Deck and Engineering departments were busy preparing to take on 1.6 million gallons of Diesel Fuel Marine (DFM).
More than 300 Sailors gathered in the hangar bay to enjoy the game together with consolidated cheers for the Denver Broncos up against the rally for the Green Bay Packers.
"During the Gulf War we didn't get to see the game," said AO2 Wade Reed from Hutchinson, Kan. watching the game on the "big" screen and rooting for Green Bay. "This is great!"
Play after play brought Sailors to their feet as they watched closely to their favorite team's progress. The 17-by-21-foot projection screen brought the game to life, but that wasn't the only place to find the game. Throughout the ship, Sailors were tuned in to the game while performing their duties and daily activities. Cheers could be heard throughout the ship as turnovers and fumbles kept the Sailors guessing who would win to the very end.
"The signal at first was coming in and out, but just getting the game is great," said PR2 Skip Marquardt from Cedarburg, Wis. who was catching the game on the "small" screen in his shop. "Of course, I'm rooting for Green Bay."
The reception lasted throughout the game, giving the Sailors here a piece of home and a boost in morale from another Navy quality of life addition. For those who didn't catch the final score, Denver won 31-24.
Photos by: JO3 Joseph Rehana