Carrier PBS

I watched all 10 episodes of the recent PBS Special "Carrier." I enjoyed it on so many different levels. As a former "airdale," an appellation attached to anyone in an aviation rating, I identified personally with many of the activities - from manning the rail, to provisioning, to moving and tying down aircraft on the flight deck, "liberty" in foreign ports, etc. I could not, however, relate at all to the presence of women on board, in the ratings and flying the aircraft. Not that they haven't earned that right, just that it didn't happen in my day.

I also enjoyed the human interest angle and the continuous stories of the individuals. This was obviously NOT a Navy PR film, as they would not have shown the negative aspects, such as the sailor who consciously and intentionally played out being a racist so he could get sent home. The story of the young sailor who was expecting his first child with a girl he hardly knew, was particularly poignant. He wanted to do the right thing, and in the end, she wanted someone else to help her raise their child. I would be interested in seeing how that worked out for him eventually.

I enjoyed the points of view expressed by officers and enlisted regarding the U.S. presence in Iraq. Personally, I was opposed to the INVASION in the first place and abhor the OCCUPATION even more. But I respect the maturity with which both proponents and opponents serving in the Navy expressed their views.

Worthwhile viewing.