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CNN Saturday Morning News

Naval Officers Communicate With Families Via Videoconference

Aired November 10, 2001 - 11:40   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: While the men and women in uniform are away, life does go on back home. And in a war with smart bombs and satellite intelligence, there is a high-tech way for troops to keep up.

Reporter Richard Thompson, from Seattle affiliate KIRO, contributed to this story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RICHARD THOMPSON, KIRO REPORTER (voice-over): They are four fathers serving on the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, half a world away, getting a chance to see their new babies, born after they shipped out.

DAVID BRITTIN, U.S. NAVY: I wasn't able to see my son born because I was out here. I got just to see my son on television. That was so special to me; that made my whole day.

BRUCE EARL, U.S. NAVY: The best thing that's happened to me since I've been in the Navy.

THOMPSON: And as they fight the war on terrorism, the live video conference is a short break to just be a husband and a new father.

BRITTIN: Oh, he's beautiful. He's my son.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So, how's your mom doing?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She's OK. Your mom sends her hellos, and she loves you.

THOMPSON: Bruce Earl even fit in a quick game of peak-a-boo with his older son Wyatt.

The sailors appear one at a time. Each gets 20 minutes with his family. But then the hard part: saying goodbye.

BRITTIN: Goodbye.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I love you too.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Say "I miss my daddy."

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: I miss my daddy.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take care of the baby.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I will. She'll be waiting for you when you get home.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SAVIDGE: Nice to see. Thanks to reporter Richard Thompson from KIRO in Seattle for that story.

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