Fox TV Brings The Game & More to Truman - Brief Article

All Hands, Feb, 2001 by Joel Huval

Are you ready for some football?

The crew of USS Harry S. Truman sure was. "Fox Sports NFL Sunday", the Secretary of Defense, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and Senator John Glenn all invaded Truman to take part in the largest production ever held on a deployed aircraft carrier.

"Fox Sports" production team members flew in a week early to prepare for the live broadcasts of two NFL pregame shows Dec 16th and 17th. The talent, Howie Long, James Brown, Cris Collinsworth and Terry Bradshaw arrived early to sign autographs and prepare for the taping.

It was cold, wet and windy on the flight deck that morning as the "Fox Sports NFL Sunday" taping got underway, but even the worst winds couldn't silence the crowd that gathered around the set. Autographed footballs were hurled into the crowd, and Sailors laughed and cheered as Marines chased Bradshaw off the "Toughman" turf and around the flight deck before bringing down the former Steelers Hall-of-Fame quarter-

Above Left -- James Brown, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long cut up during a flight briefing in a squadron ready room on board USS Harry S. Truman. Left -- "FOX NFL Sports" host Terry Bradshaw launches a football into the crowd of Sailors and Marines who gathered on the flight deck back. The cheerleaders put on a halftime show and then it was back to the live fun of their second production taping.

Fox Sports announcer James Brown wrapped up the days taping session with a message to the troops. "In the two days we've been aboard this ship, we have come to a much greater appreciation for the job the men and women of the Department of the Navy and indeed, the Armed Forces in general execute daily to ensure our freedom and interests are well protected. Collectively, they symbolize and epitomize what our 33rd President, Harry & Truman, was all about. A man who was wise in policy, valiant in action and distinctive in leadership. Thanks to all aboard Harry & Truman, truly the strength of America," he said. God Bless you all."

The day didn't end there. When the Fox set closed down, another set opened. Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) William Cohen's Holiday USO show, his last before leaving his post as SECDEF, kicked off in the ship's hangar bay.

"This marks our fourth, and last, holiday tour." Cohen said. "I want you to know how much serving in this capacity has meant to me and my wife, It's been the best possible experience of our lives. I say that with the greatest sincerity, having had the opportunity to serve you and see what sacrifices your families make on behalf of our country. It is truly inspiring."

The crowd's mood lifted as the USO entertainers made their way to the stage, emceed by MTV V-Jay Ananda Lewis. Music, laughter and fun were were king on the biggest day Truman has witnessed since July 25, 1998 -- the ship's commissioning.

"I am glad to have been part of such a historical event," said ITSN Will Morales, of Truman's Combat Systems Department. "This day has given me memories that will last a lifetime."

Huval is a journalist assigned to he Truman Public Affairs Office.