HS-8 Hits Hollywood!

NAS North Island's Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 recently flew to a ranch in Ventura County, CA to take part in the filming of an episode of the television show "24." In the show's storyline, a helicopter transporting the Russian president and first lady lands at the US president's ranch, and the two are escorted to safety.

One of HS-8's air crew members may also actually get to see himself on television, as he unlocks the 50-caliber machine gun from the door and leads the actors portraying the Russian couple to safety... although Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Casey Kozak, crew chief for the "24" mission, is realistic about his chances for superstardom.

"I don't know how much I'll be on. Probably not very much, but basically you'll just see me get out of the aircraft and help the passengers get out," he said.

Still... "I think it's pretty cool that I'll be on TV," he added.

"I'm a real big fan of the show," said Lt. Rick Hess, an HS-8 pilot. "So I think that it'll be neat to tell my friends and family, 'Hey, that was me who did the flying there.'"

The HS-8 crew nailed the landing in two takes and had time to take pictures with the show's cast members before heading back home.

Sources with the US Navy tell Aero-News the Navy has an office in California dedicated to working with Hollywood producers. The office screens Hollywood scripts, and makes efforts to support those considered to be accurate and a positive, realistic portrayal of the Navy.

Hollywood producers often seek the military's support to add the realism of actual military aircraft and personnel, said Michael Klick, producer and physical manager for "24."

"Having the Navy participate brings reality to the whole project," said Klick. "If the Navy couldn't have helped us, we would've rented some kind of private helicopter. It wouldn't have had any armament on it, and it would've been painted however we happened to find it. We couldn't have done anything compared to what we did today. The Navy is my hero right now!"

The episode, part of the show's upcoming fifth season, is expected to air sometime in late February.

(Aero-News salutes Journalist 2nd Class Brett Cote, Combat Camera Group Pacific)

FMI: www.navy.mil