• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Recruiting Commercial Filmed Aboard USS Howard

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060415-11
4/15/2006

By Journalist 1st Class Frank E. Neely, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

ABOARD USS HOWARD (NNS) -- USS Howard (DDG 83) played its part in the Navy’s “Accelerate Your Life” campaign by welcoming a film production crew aboard to shoot a Navy recruiting commercial, April 13.

Navy Recruiting Command used Howard to illustrate to prospective Sailors that they too can serve aboard one of the Navy’s technologically advanced Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.

“We’re always eager to help out and volunteer [with meeting] overall recruiting goals,” said Cmdr. Carol Hottenrott, commanding officer of Howard. “I think it’s a primary job we all have.

The theme of the commercial stemmed from a message released by the Chief of Naval Operations outlining the Navy’s cultural diversity plan. The aim of the “Before I Did This” commercial is to show potential recruits that the Navy experience can provide them with a path to a successful future outside of the Navy, according to Michael Bowers, account director for GlobalHue, an advertising agency that offers multicultural marketing expertise to its clients.

“They not only have an interest in getting a job, but also starting their own business and controlling their own destiny,” said Bowers.

A unique feature of the commercial was the actors were active-duty Sailors or prior enlisted. Ryan Russell, one of the actors and a former electrician’s mate second class who left the Navy in 2001, was discovered and selected by GlobalHue when they read an article about him in “Black Enterprise” magazine. Today, he is the president of a company that specializes in multi-media entertainment installation for motor vehicles.

“I tried to maximize as many resources I had when I was in the military,” said Russell. “I definitely feel that the experience and the time I spent on board the ships has greatly contributed to where my success is today.”

Some Howard Sailors were also used as extras in the production.

“I think it was a good opportunity,” said Quartermaster Seaman Elizabeth Valenzuela, assigned to Howard. “Any chance to help getting in Sailors, I’m for it.”

Alturas Redfish Films, a production company based out of Venice, Calif., used Malcolm D. Lee to direct the commercial. Lee is famous for his work as director of movies such as “Best Man” and “Undercover Brother.” He’s also the cousin of filmmaker Spike Lee.

“I’m happy to contribute,” said Lee. “I’ve been very fortunate and blessed to benefit from being an American citizen. It’s cool for me to give back.”

The commercial is expected to be aired sometime this summer.