A behind the scenes look at the USS Bataan

Summary

ABC provides an exclusive look into the journey of the USS Baton, a Norfolk-based amphibious assault warship, as it heads to New York City for the 36th annual Fleet Week. Carrying 1400 sailors and marines, the ship features a well deck for deploying landing crafts and has played a significant role in overseas operations, such as tracking and reporting in the Red Sea. Captain Burkhart, a New York native, reflects on his crew's excellence and the significance of this port visit, which will also mark his retirement and change of command ceremony.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The 36th annual Fleet Week is being celebrated in New York City with local sailors in attendance.
• 🚢 ABC joined the Norfolk-based USS Baton Rouge on its journey to Manhattan, providing an inside look at the experience.
• 🌅 The trip to Fleet Week begins with a beautiful sunrise and is followed by weapons training for the crew.
• 🛳 The USS Baton Rouge is an amphibious assault warship that carries 1400 sailors and marines and features small, cozy compartments.
• 🚤 The ship has a well deck that houses an LC (landing craft) air cushion, which can transport vehicles and personnel during deployments.
• 🚨 The USS Baton Rouge plays a critical role in the US military presence overseas, especially in areas with escalating tensions like the Middle East.
• 📍 The ship was previously stationed in the northern part of the Red Sea, where it tracked, reported, and served as a secondary line of defense.
• 👩‍🚀 Captain Burkhart speaks highly of his crew, describing them as one of the best he's had, and they are dedicated to their tasks.
• 🍽 During 'chow time,' the crew takes the opportunity to relax and get to know each other better.
• 🕒 One of the challenges of deployment mentioned by the crew is the demanding working hours, which can be physically taxing.
• 🎉 Some crew members have previously experienced Fleet Week in New York and found it to be an exciting and memorable event.
• 🎖️ Captain Burkhart is particularly looking forward to Fleet Week as he will be having his change of command and retirement ceremony, marking his last navy port visit in his home state of New York.

Q & A

What is the 36th annual Fleet Week?

The 36th annual Fleet Week is an event where local sailors gather in New York City, celebrating and showcasing the work of the U.S. Navy.

Which U.S. Navy vessel is featured in the ABC report?

The U.S.S. Baton, a Norfolk-based amphibious assault warship, is featured in the ABC report.

How many sailors and marines does the U.S.S. Baton carry?

The U.S.S. Baton carries approximately 1400 sailors and marines.

What is the purpose of the small compartments on the U.S.S. Baton?

The small compartments on the U.S.S. Baton serve as cozy living quarters for the sailors and marines on board.

What is the significance of the well deck on the U.S.S. Baton?

The well deck on the U.S.S. Baton is crucial for deploying the LC, or landing craft, air cushion, which can transport vehicles and personnel to land during deployments.

What role did the U.S.S. Baton play in the Middle East?

The U.S.S. Baton played a critical role as a secondary line of defense, tracking and reporting in the northern part of the Red Sea amid escalating tensions.

How does the crew on the U.S.S. Baton utilize the LC, air cushion for various missions?

The crew uses the LC, air cushion to transport supplies, food, and personnel to and from shore, as well as to evacuate American citizens and deliver medical supplies when necessary.

What is the hardest part about deployment for the sailors, according to the script?

The hardest part about deployment for the sailors is the long working hours, which can be physically demanding on the body.

Has anyone on the U.S.S. Baton crew been to Fleet Week in New York before?

Yes, some crew members have been to Fleet Week in New York before, describing the experience as 'crazy'.

What makes this Fleet Week special for Captain Burkhart?

This Fleet Week is special for Captain Burkhart because it will be his last navy port visit as he is retiring and having his change of command ceremony.

What is Captain Burkhart's connection to New York?

Captain Burkhart has a strong connection to New York as he is originally from the state, having been born in Little Falls and growing up near Rochester and Buffalo.