I just missed the start of the PBS special "Carrier", but I did see the very limited portion they had about the nukes. I am not surprised that it was very limited, partly because of the security classifications. Also because, unless things have changed drastically since 1997, Reactor Dept. wasn't the most pro-Navy dept. on the ship. Our CLIP (Civilian Life Incentive Program) comes to mind, as does the unofficial "Rough Ride" Reactor Dept. newspaper!
Everyone they interviewed seemed to be a diggit. Sorry, I had to say that being a "6 and outer"!
I remember the Reactor Officer (sub and old-cruiser equivalent of Cheng)they interviewed during the program from my days aboard the TR (CVN-71). I think he was LCDR at the time and served as the REA. The ET's and EM's all seemed to really like him and I never had a problem with him when he was my EOOW. I am glad he finally made it to Reactor Officer, he was one of the better ones. Being an ex-RM guy, too bad I can't say the same thing about the RMA's we had...
The PBS program did remind me of how much free time the Airdales/Chowdales actually had. I remember them being in 6-section duty and then finally being allowed to go to 12-section duty. There was nothing more encouraging than going into Port and Starboard coming out of the yards, while the ship's force airdales were in 12-section duty!
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I remember some E-6's qualifying PPWO when I was in, but they may have been E-7 selects. I think they had to be an officer to sit EOOW though.