Navy and Marine Corps Team Showcased in Two Flicks

[thedrifter]

Navy and Marine Corps Team Showcased in Two Flicks
Story Number: NNS031110-11
Release Date: 11/10/2003 11:38:00 AM


By Journalist 1st Class Brigette A. Moritz, Chief of Information Office

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The more things change, the more they stay the same. The Navy and Marine Corps have always worked well together. It was true in the early 1800s, and it?s true today.

That theme is evident in the new short film "Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chapter II," which premiered for more than 370 people Nov. 6 in Arlington, Va.

In addition to the short film, the audience was treated to a special Department of the Navy screening of the full-length film "Master and Commander, The Far Side of the World," starring Russell Crowe. The film, set in the early 1800s during the Napoleonic Wars, demonstrates the teamwork between the British Navy and Marine Corps -- the source for many of our organizational structures and traditions. That teamwork carries over into today's U.S Navy/Marine Corps Team and is reflected in ?OIF Ch. II.?

The five-and-a-half minute OIF film shows Sailors and Marines during combat operations in Iraq, as well as mingling with the Iraqi people, who thank them for liberating them from Saddam Hussein.

Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Gordon R. England, who also attended the screening, said he believes the film captures the courage and commitment of the Navy and Marine Corps Team.

?Anybody who sees it will get goosebumps,? he said. ?This is great for our people, and it?s great for America.?

According to Major John J. Arsenault, special projects officer for Headquarters Marine Corps Division Public Affairs, the driving theme of the film is the power of teamwork that the Navy and Marine Corps Team shows everyday.

?We wanted to show that to the American people and the Sailors and Marines who make up our services,? Arsenault said. ?It reinforces the message to both the Navy and Marine Corps.?

The film was shot by a compilation of Navy and Marine Corps combat cameramen and professional cinematographers. Filming began in March at the start of OIF, and more than 220 hours of footage was shot to create the short film.

Once the movie was over, it was evident that the short film had touched its viewers.

Chief Personnelman Roger A. Gregg, of the Chief of Naval Operations Antiterrorism/Force Protection office, said that it was inspiring.

?It lets us know that we are there for,? he said. ?The Iraqis are real people ? good people. It let us know how they felt when Saddam was gone. You do tend to forget what it?s like over there.?

England said he thought it was perfect to have the premier of the film at this special screening of ?Master and Commander.?

?It?s an interesting contrast,? he said.

?OIF Ch. II? is the second installment in series of short films designed to demonstrate the agility of the Navy Marine Corps Team.

?Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chapter II? will be shown at base theaters and other broadcast venues.

For more news from around the fleet, visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.



http://www.news.navy.mil/search/disp...story_id=10508

Watch the Trailer ?Master and Commander.?
http://www.masterandcommanderthefarsideoftheworld.com/

'Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chapter II' will be shown at base theaters and other broadcast venues.

Watch the news clip:

http://www.news.navy.mil/management/...o.aspx?id=1445





Sempers,

Roger