Life inside the USS Bataan

Good Morning America

22 May 202404:36

Summary

TLDRThe script documents the USS Baton's journey to New York City for Fleet Week, with reporters Sam and Lara aboard to experience life on the ship. Sam, from the ship's high point 'Vultures Row,' and Lara, who spent the night on board, share their insights. They discuss the tight quarters, the ship's capabilities, including the Well Deck for deploying landing craft, and the critical role the Baton played overseas. The crew, consisting of over 2500 Marines and sailors, is highlighted, with Captain Burkhart expressing pride in his team. The script also touches on the challenges of deployment and the significance of Fleet Week, especially for the Captain who is retiring after his change of command in New York, his home state. A special mention is made of a baseball pitch at Yankee Stadium, with a signed cap and ball presented to the Captain, adding a personal touch to the story.

Takeaways

🚢 The USS Baton is a significant naval vessel involved in Fleet Week New York, symbolizing the pride and dedication of the sailors and Marines.
🎉 Fleet Week is a special event where the community comes together to honor and celebrate the service of military personnel.
🌅 The journey from Norfolk, Virginia to New York City marks a significant return home for the sailors and Marines after a long deployment.
🏠 The USS Baton carries over 2500 Marines and Navy sailors, highlighting the scale of the operations and the community on board.
🛏️ Life aboard the ship is described as cozy despite the tight quarters and climbing of ladders, indicating the close-knit nature of the crew.
👨‍👧‍👦 Lara's personal connection to the military is revealed through her father's service as a Marine, adding a personal touch to the report.
🚀 The Well Deck is a unique feature of the Baton, allowing for the deployment of an LCAC (Landing Craft, Air Cushion) for transportation during missions.
🌍 The Baton's role in overseas operations, such as tracking and reporting in the Red Sea, underscores its importance in maintaining security and presence.
👩‍🚀 Captain Burkhart's upcoming change of command and retirement during Fleet Week adds a poignant personal milestone to the event.
🤝 The crew's camaraderie and hard work are highlighted, with Captain Burkhart expressing pride in his team's performance.
🏈 A special mention of the Captain's interaction with a baseball player and the excitement surrounding a ceremonial pitch at Yankee Stadium.

Q & A

What is the USS Baton's current mission as it heads toward New York?
-The USS Baton is returning home with more than 2500 Marines and Navy sailors after a nearly 9-month deployment, and it is on its way to participate in Fleet Week New York.
What is the significance of the term 'vultures row' mentioned in the script?
-Vultures row refers to one of the highest points on the ship where Sam, one of the speakers, is located, possibly offering a commanding view of the surroundings.
What is the role of the USS Baton's Well Deck?
-The Well Deck is where the ELAC (Landing Craft, Air Cushion) is stored. It serves as a 'ship within a ship,' capable of transporting vehicles and personnel to land during deployments.
How does the USS Baton contribute to the U.S. presence overseas?
-The USS Baton plays a critical role as a U.S. presence overseas, especially amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, by tracking, reporting, and serving as a secondary line of defense.
What was the USS Baton's recent deployment location?
-The USS Baton was deployed in the northern part of the Red Sea, where it was tracking and reporting as part of its defense duties.
How does Captain Burkhart describe his crew?
-Captain Burkhart describes his crew as fabulous and one of the best he has had, noting that they are highly dedicated and effective in their tasks.
What is the significance of Fleet Week for the crew of the USS Baton?
-Fleet Week is a special event for the crew as it marks their return home after a long deployment. It also holds personal significance for Captain Burkhart as it will be his last Navy port visit before his retirement.
What is the hardest part of deployment for the crew according to the script?
-The hardest part of deployment mentioned in the script is the long work hours, which can be physically demanding on the body.
How does the USS Baton ensure high morale among the sailors and Marines?
-High morale is maintained by keeping the sailors and Marines well-fed, as indicated by the importance of the Supply Department, and by keeping everyone busy with their respective duties and training exercises.
What special event is Captain Burkhart participating in at Yankee Stadium?
-Captain Burkhart is participating in a ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium, and he is particularly excited as DJ LeMahieu, one of his favorite players, is involved.
What is the significance of the signed cap and ball given to Captain Burkhart?
-The signed cap and ball are special gifts for Captain Burkhart, presumably from DJ LeMahieu, to commemorate his participation in the first pitch at Yankee Stadium and possibly as a keepsake from his last Navy port visit.

Outlines

00:00

🚢 USS Baton's Homecoming and Fleet Week Preparations

The script opens with a vivid description of the USS Baton, an amphibious assault warship, as it sails into New York City for Fleet Week. The excitement is palpable as the crew, consisting of over 2500 Marines and Navy sailors, returns home after a nearly 9-month deployment. The USS Baton is highlighted for its critical role overseas, particularly in the Middle East, where it served as a secondary line of defense. The script introduces Sam, who spent the night on the ship, and Lara, who is experiencing the journey firsthand. The narrative also touches on the tight living quarters and the camaraderie among the crew, with a special mention of 'vultures row,' a high point on the ship. The segment ends with a personal note from Captain Burkhart, who is retiring and will have his change of command during this visit, a poignant moment as he is a New York native.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡USS Baton

The USS Baton is an amphibious assault warship mentioned in the script, which is a type of naval vessel designed for amphibious operations and capable of carrying a large number of personnel, vehicles, and equipment. In the video's context, it represents the vessel that is returning home with over 2500 Marines and Navy sailors after a nearly 9-month deployment. The ship is a central element in the video's theme of honoring and acknowledging the service and sacrifices of military personnel.

💡Fleet Week

Fleet Week is a public event held in some cities around the world, where active military ships are open to the public for tours and demonstrations. In the script, Fleet Week in New York is the destination for the USS Baton and its crew, and it serves as a celebration and acknowledgment of the service of the sailors and Marines. It is also a significant event for Captain Burkhart, as it will be his last Navy port visit before retirement.

💡Vultures Row

Vultures Row is a term used to describe one of the highest points on the ship, where Sam, one of the speakers in the script, is positioned. It is likely a reference to an observation or lookout point, which in the context of the video, offers a unique vantage point to witness the ship's journey and the surrounding environment. This term adds a personal touch to the narrative, showing the different experiences and perspectives available on a naval vessel.

💡Deployment

Deployment in a military context refers to the act of sending troops or equipment to a particular location for a specific purpose, often related to military operations or exercises. In the script, the USS Baton has just completed a twice-extended deployment of nearly 9 months, which is a significant period of time away from home. The term is central to the video's theme, as it highlights the long and challenging service of the military personnel aboard the ship.

💡Well Deck

The Well Deck is a specific area on an amphibious assault ship like the USS Baton, designed to house and launch landing craft, such as the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) mentioned in the script. This deck is crucial for the ship's amphibious capabilities, allowing it to transport vehicles and personnel to land during deployments. The Well Deck is a key feature of the USS Baton and is integral to its role in overseas operations.

💡LCAC

LCAC stands for Landing Craft Air Cushion, which is a type of hovercraft used by the military for amphibious operations. In the script, it is mentioned as a 'ship within a ship' that can transport vehicles and personnel to land during deployments. The LCAC is an example of the advanced technology and capabilities present on the USS Baton, showcasing the ship's versatility and strategic importance.

💡Morale

Morale refers to the confidence, enthusiasm, and general state of mind of individuals or groups in a particular situation. In the context of the script, maintaining morale is crucial for the crew's well-being and performance. Captain Burkhart mentions that keeping the sailors and Marines fed is key to maintaining morale, which in turn contributes to a smooth operation and high levels of job satisfaction among the crew.

💡Battle Rhythm

Battle Rhythm is a term used to describe the established routine or pace of activities that military personnel follow during operations or deployments. In the script, it is mentioned that the sailors have jobs to do and are working to get into their battle rhythm, which implies a structured and disciplined approach to their duties. This concept is important for understanding the organized and efficient functioning of the crew aboard the USS Baton.

💡Change of Command

A Change of Command is a military ceremony that marks the transfer of authority from one commanding officer to another. In the script, Captain Burkhart is preparing for his change of command, which also coincides with his retirement. This event is significant as it represents the end of an era for Captain Burkhart and is a formal recognition of his service and leadership.

💡Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium is a famous baseball stadium located in New York City and is home to the New York Yankees. In the script, there is a mention of throwing out a pitch at Yankee Stadium, which is a ceremonial act often performed by celebrities or notable figures. The reference to Yankee Stadium adds a cultural and sports-related aspect to the video, showing the integration of military traditions with American pastimes.

💡DJ LeMahieu

DJ LeMahieu is a professional baseball player and a favorite player of Captain Burkhart, as mentioned in the script. The mention of DJ LeMahieu adds a personal touch to the narrative, showing the captain's interest in sports and the connection between military personnel and popular culture. It also provides a light-hearted moment in the video, highlighting the human side of the military personnel.

Highlights

Sam and Lara are on the USS Baton Rouge for New York's Fleet Week.

The USS Baton Rouge is an amphibious assault warship carrying 1400 Sailors and Marines.

Sam spent the night on the ship to experience life aboard.

Lara's father was a Marine, and she has a personal connection to naval ships.

The USS Baton Rouge has just completed a nearly 9-month deployment.

More than 2500 Marines and Navy sailors are across the three ships in the unit.

The ship's compartments are small but considered cozy.

The Well Deck is a key feature of the Baton Rouge, allowing for transport of vehicles and personnel.

The USS Baton Rouge played a critical role in the Middle East, providing defense and support.

Captain Burkhart is retiring and will have his change of command in New York.

Captain Burkhart is from New York and will have family visiting during his last Navy port visit.

The crew is praised as one of the best, with high morale and dedication.

Chow time is an opportunity for the crew to socialize and get to know each other.

Long work hours are the hardest part of deployment for the crew.

Some crew members have participated in Fleet Week in New York before, describing it as an exciting experience.

Captain Burkhart will throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium, a special event for him.

A signed cap and ball are gifted to Captain Burkhart in preparation for his pitch.