Crew and Families See Montana, Montana… Documentary on Big Screen over Memorial Day Weekend (posted 5/28/25)
During the Memorial Day weekend, USS MONTANA crew members and families attended a Pearl Harbor base theater big-screen showing of the Montana, Montana, Glory of the Seas documentary that premiered on the Montana Television Network’s CBS stations in Big Sky Country and has run a number of times on Montana PBS.
Hosted by the USS Montana Committee, the audience clearly enjoyed the program’s exploration of Montana’s long relationship with the U.S Navy. That relationship dates from the 1906 launching of the first USS MONTANA, Armored Cruiser Number 13, to life aboard the Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine of today, and the landlocked state’s support of both warships.
The viewing was especially appropriate before the day commemorating all who have given their lives in military service.
The Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam‘s Sharkey Theater is just a few miles from the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and its Waterfront Memorial to the 52 American submarines lost in World War II and their 3500 crew members now on Eternal Patrol. (Photo courtesy of the Museum.)
At the documentary event, Committee leader Brian Lipscomb welcomed everyone in his native Salish language. He and Founding Committee Chairman Bill Whitsitt represented Chairman Ron Davis and the hundreds of other Committee leaders and members across Big Sky Country.
Following the viewing of Montana, Montana… the pair answered many questions about the program and Montana history and culture. Topics ranged from the role of Vigilantes in the 1860s, to Montana’s Native People, and to Montana impacts of the hit television series Yellowstone. They also discussed a number of Committee support initiatives including a possible crew visit to Helena and Central Montana in the Fall.
The Captain of the USS MONTANA, CDR John Gilligan, said of the event, “The crew and our families appreciated the wonderful film and the special showing the committee arranged for us. The film included so much of Montana’s history and culture, and the legacy we’ve inherited from the first USS MONTANA (ACR-13). The USS MONTANA family appreciates the support of all Montanans, so effectively conveyed in the film, and the continuing support of the USS Montana Committee.”
L-R: Brian Lipscomb (USSMTC); CDR John Gilligan (SSN 794 Commanding Officer); STSCM Ernie Scott (Chief of the Boat); Bill Whitsitt (USSMTC); LCDR Brad Harden (Executive Officer).
Note: Montana, Montana, Glory of the Seas is now available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/kpTYmCCeMis.