My name is Terry Lee Cochran, AZ2, VA-145, stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). The film was an "excellent" portrayal of the tragic events of 14 January, 1969. It captured everything!
I relieved the moments before, during, and after the fire by watching the movie. It has brought back allot of memories that I have not had since leaving the ship after our combat tours to Vietnam and Task Force 71 off shore in Korea in 1969.
When I viewed the film I reflected about some of the many times in my life that I have panic feelings, as it took me back to a place in time while in the Navy during the fire aboard the USS Enterprise. As I felt trapped, confined, in a dark area without air and breathing smoke, crawling to safety, in a panic state fearful of my safety, hearing "General Quarters, General Quarters, Man Your Battle Stations, This Is Not A Drill".
Feeling the bombs going off on the flight deck, shaking the ship, and leaving me terrified, as I did not know if we were under attack. The smelling smoke, jet fuel, and hearing people in pain going to sick bay.
Then traveling home to Whidbey Is, Wa. after the fire on leave. On an airplane with 26 silver bullets with flags, as I was the only living passenger in the cargo bay riding in a jump seat.
The film really brought home the fact that we almost sunk, but the bravery of "All Hands" prevailed and I owe my life today to the courageous men of the USS Enterprise.
Today, like many Vietnam War Veterans, I suffer from PTSD because of this tragic day, but I will always remember my fellow sailors and their valor on that day of 14 January, 1969.
The fire portrayed in this movie was real, and the stories told are a real testament to each survivor. We will remember always!
I relieved the moments before, during, and after the fire by watching the movie. It has brought back allot of memories that I have not had since leaving the ship after our combat tours to Vietnam and Task Force 71 off shore in Korea in 1969.
When I viewed the film I reflected about some of the many times in my life that I have panic feelings, as it took me back to a place in time while in the Navy during the fire aboard the USS Enterprise. As I felt trapped, confined, in a dark area without air and breathing smoke, crawling to safety, in a panic state fearful of my safety, hearing "General Quarters, General Quarters, Man Your Battle Stations, This Is Not A Drill".
Feeling the bombs going off on the flight deck, shaking the ship, and leaving me terrified, as I did not know if we were under attack. The smelling smoke, jet fuel, and hearing people in pain going to sick bay.
Then traveling home to Whidbey Is, Wa. after the fire on leave. On an airplane with 26 silver bullets with flags, as I was the only living passenger in the cargo bay riding in a jump seat.
The film really brought home the fact that we almost sunk, but the bravery of "All Hands" prevailed and I owe my life today to the courageous men of the USS Enterprise.
Today, like many Vietnam War Veterans, I suffer from PTSD because of this tragic day, but I will always remember my fellow sailors and their valor on that day of 14 January, 1969.
The fire portrayed in this movie was real, and the stories told are a real testament to each survivor. We will remember always!
