NORFOLK, Va. — For the last couple of weeks we have been showing what it takes to be in the U.S. Navy at one of the largest naval bases in the world in Norfolk, Virginia.
Sailors go through rigorous training both on land and in the water to make sure they can survive just about anything including a plane or helicopter crash at sea.
3News reporter Bill Churchwell along with photographer Preston West were also required to go through that same training before a trip of a lifetime, a flight out to the navy's U.S.S. Harry S. Truman.
The Truman, (CVN 75) is named after the 33rd president of the United States. The massive nuclear powered aircraft carrier is a representation of the strength of the U.S. Navy, able to move worldwide at a moment's notice.
Commanding officer Captain Nick Dienna said the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, "is an aircraft carrier that is a fortress and a city at sea."
3News got the rare opportunity to fly out to the carrier to spend 24 hours on board. The trip is something that very few civilians ever get the chance to do.
When caught up with the ship, it was operating with three thousand sailors and another two thousand aviators about a hundred miles off the coast of Florida.
Before we could even leave land, we had to go through the same kind of water training that Navy aviators must endure.
We tried not to accidentally drink pool water as we jumped in at the Aviation Survival Training Center. It was a taste of the tests that are required.
The tests simulate an actual water emergency as if there was a plane or helicopter crash in the ocean and we had to wait for a rescue.
Jessie Lillyman, a water instructor said, "this would be as if you are in the water and you are swimming, and you got to get away from the wreckage, and inflate your vest."
Lillyman has been teaching sailors and aviators to survive in the water for the last 10 years, "100 percent for safety. I've seen almost 20-thousand students come through here."
With full aviation gear on that included a helmet, and even boots, A 25 yard swim proved to be difficult for our news crew.
The training, while exhausting, helping us feel comfortable in the water as it was our time to head out to sea.
And the journey continues on Wednesday on 3 News at 10. Join Bill and 3 News as we get exclusive access on board the U.S.S Harry S. Truman where we will introduce you to sailors with ties to South Texas.