Three sailors from the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise CVN 65 have joined the ranks of the starship Enterprise NX-01, and they will be appearing in an upcoming episode of the latest Star Trek incarnation in 22nd-century uniform.
The Enterprise namesake was the first aircraft carrier deployed to Afghanistan after the terrorist attacks of September 11. After its return (see related story here), three of its crew were selected "Sailors of the Year" by an internal Navy committee. They are Aviation Electronic Technician First Class Robert Pickering, Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class Timothy Whittington and Personnelman Third Class Sara Elizabeth Pizzo.
During the last several months, these exceptional sailors and their shipmates were treated to advance tapes of Enterprise episodes. To further honor the "Sailors of the Year" and their heroic efforts, the cast and crew of the show invited them to make guest appearances. They will be seen in an episode tentatively titled "Desert Crossings," scheduled to air May 8.
Their scenes were shot last Thursday, March 7. During a break in shooting, the sailors presented executive producers Rick Berman and Brannon Braga with a specially designed plaque (shown above) in gratitude for all the support and encouragement the cast, crew and actors of Enterprise have given the crewpersons of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Cast members Scott Bakula (Captain Jonathan Archer) and Connor Trinneer (Commander "Trip" Tucker) were also on hand for the ceremony, along with a majority of the cast and crew.
U.S.S. Enterprise sailors Robert Pickering, Sara Elizabeth Pizzo and Timothy Whittington flanked by Connor Trinneer and Scott Bakula on the bridge of Enterprise NX-01.
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