Life inside the USS Bataan

Summary

The 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.