Customer Reviews

Situation Critical: Uss Forrest [VHS]

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I served in the U.S. Navy from 1987 until 1993, one of the first things you learn in boot camp is firefighting, and one of the training tools used is a video of July 29, 1967 onboard the USS Forrestal. On this day an accidental release of a rocket on an armed flight deck combined with early "cook-off" of some of the bombs on planes conspired to make what could have been a bad fire a Hell on Earth instead. I saw the complete actual footage of the event in boot camp, along with everyone I told I was getting stationed aboard Forrestal in the Spring of 1991. They all refered to her as the "Forrestfire", or "Zippo" after the lighter with the same name. At the time it was no big deal and almost comical to a point to hear such comparison's. After I arrived aboard I quickly learned how dangerous it is to work on a carrier and how terrifying and sad this event was. I watched "USS Forrestal--Situation Critical" on the Discovery Channel when it was first released and could not wait until I could get a copy on video. The producers did credit to the disaster, and all those who survived that day, 134 did not and many others are still haunted by it to this day. I have talked to and met people who were there that day including a couple that are part of the video, they say the sme thing, "it is a good tribute". For those out there who went through boot camp as I did and saw the same video footage that is used in "Situation Critical" and made jokes about the ship's name will probably be changed after they see the heroic actions performed that day that are incorporated in this video. I was not even born when this tragidy occured, but through the tape I could feel some of the loss to the crew and family of Forrestal, I highly recommend it. END

This video will change anybodies mind who believes a US Navy Sailor's job at sea is not filled with day-to-day peril even during peacetime. This movie will bring to focus what can happen to a typical Naval ship that is made of steel with high voltage electricy running throughout, floating on highly conductive water carrying several hundred thousand gallons of fuel and tons of high explosives. It is a deadly mix which this movie will bring an appreciation for.

I also served in the U.S. Navy -from 1977/1981- aboard the U.S.S. Independence and the U.S.S. Enterprise. As a firefighter upon leaving the service, I contacted the U.S. Navy recruiter in my area to get a copy of the film "Trial by Fire", shown to all aviation recruits. I was delighted to see this special on Discovery, though I wish they would have kept the original title. A truly awesome and humbling experience to witness prior to embarking on an aircraft carrier, it is a tribute to the men who have fought and died to save their ship and protect their country. This film is not for the weak of heart or mind. The varying views from plat cameras and island cameras will take you where you may not want to go, but you will never forget it.

Situation Critical - The USS Forrestal is a great tribute to the men to died fighting the fire. I was stationed on board the ship on that faithful day of 29 July, 1967. The interveiw with John MCCain, other officers and men were very moving. It's well worth watching.

Greetings,
This movie is a must see for anyone that has the slightest interest in Aircraft carriers or in the Navy in General. I first saw the film in bootcamp as well in 1982. After bootcamp I was assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy for a tour of duty. The first film they showed us was this same film. It is very graphic and very disturbing to watch...but very captivating at the same time!! And I am sure the sailors who were there that day appreciate the fact that their day in "Hell" is now used as a training device to prevent the same thing from happening again. As anyone who has served on an aircraft carrier can tell you...they fly sometimes hundreds of sorties a day...and the fact that this accident hasn't been repeated goes to show you the value of this training film. Please buy this video and you wont be disapointed...this isn't hollywood...this is life in a War Zone!!

This movie is by far the best representation of all that is honorable about the men that serve in our Navy. I watched this movie because the son of Gerald W. Farrier, who perished on the USS Forrestal, is a co-worker of my husband. His Dad was a hero of heroes, whom because of that sacrifice, he never met. This is a movie that will have a permanent place in our family library. The video is very well made. I especially feel that the footage of the men who survived was what made this much more real to those of us who were just being born. A must have for anyone who wants to carry on the legacy of our military.

I served in the Royal Navy between 1982 and 1992. In 1984, I was drafted to HMS Illustrious, a British Invincible Class aircraft carrier. I remember seeing this footage when we had our fire fighting training and lectures. It must be said that of all the tools used to promote safety and awareness during my time on that ship, this was by far the most effective.