MILITARY CHANNEL OFFERS A NEW SLATE OF WORLD PREMIERE PROGRAMMING THIS SUMMER
NEW ORLEANS, La., May 19, 2008 � Beginning Memorial Day, Military Channel presents a broad slate of world premiere programming celebrating the history, courage and innovation of the armed forces. With more than six original specials and a competition miniseries, the network's summer lineup is anchored by the world premiere 10-part series SHOWDOWN: AIR COMBAT, which profiles some of the most significant dogfights of aerial warfare by pitting restored aircraft against each other in the air. Hosted by Major Paul "Max" Moga, the U.S. Air Force's F-22A Raptor demonstration pilot, this series examines the evolution of dogfighting and aviation warfare from World War I until today.
Complementing SHOWDOWN: AIR COMBAT is a full slate of new specials airing throughout the summer. Military Channel covers timely subjects ranging from courage on the front lines of Fallujah to the high-profile operation to destroy a failed spy satellite, from amazing survival stories made possible by medical breakthroughs to the equipment modern soldiers rely upon to protect and defend themselves today. Adding to the programming mix, the network also presents the competitive showcase for the U.S. Army's toughest boxers and some unique battlefield inventions created by civilians tinkering in their own backyards.
Beginning Memorial Day, Military Channel presents the following programming:
FIGHT FOR FALLUJAH
World Premiere: Monday, May 26, from 10-11 PM (ET)
Memorial Day Commemorative Program
FIGHT FOR FALLUJAH chronicles the intense 2004 insurgent attacks and military operations in Fallujah, which defined a new era of military engagement in Iraq. This special begins by profiling the height of the conflict, when insurgents assailed four private contractors, and then examines the subsequent U.S. and British operations that sought to regain control of the city. FIGHT FOR FALLUJAH features exclusive, in-depth interviews with the soldiers who took part in the missions and showcases their stories of courage and valor.
SHOWDOWN: AIR COMBAT
World Premiere: Sunday, June 15, from 10-11 PM (ET)
10-part series airs Sundays at 10 PM (ET)
Military Channel re-creates some of history's most compelling dogfights by pitting restored aircraft from major eras of aerial warfare against each other in the air. U.S. Air Force Major Paul "Max" Moga of the Air Combat Command's 1st Fighter Wing hosts the series and offers amazing insight into each aircraft's strengths and weaknesses, its place in the evolutionary time line of aircraft design innovation and the groundbreaking dogfighting tactics employed in each confrontation. From the legendary Red Baron's Fokker Dr-1 triplane to the cutting-edge swept-wing Russian MiG-15 jet fighter and from the innovative World War I French SPAD biplane to the modern crown jewel of fighter planes, the U.S. Air Force's F-22A Raptor, SHOWDOWN: AIR COMBAT provides viewers the rare opportunity to see these actual planes take to the skies.
T.O.P. ARMY BOXER
World Premiere: Friday, June 20, from 8-11 PM (ET)
The 2008 All-Army Boxing Championship takes center stage in Military Channel's T.O.P. ARMY BOXER, a three-part special chronicling the tournament's championship bouts, where world-class Army boxers go toe to toe and glove to glove. Held at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, the championship features the Army's best boxers from all over the world competing for the Army Championship title and a chance to represent the Army in the Armed Forces Boxing Championships, as well as potentially on the United States Olympic Boxing Team. Military Channel's Toughest Operational Personnel (T.O.P.) specials showcase competitions across the armed forces, ranging in disciplines from sniper techniques to hand-to-hand combat.
WOUNDED WARRIORS
World Premiere: Monday, June 30, from 10-11 PM (ET)
WOUNDED WARRIORS documents the amazing feats of medical personnel who strive to save the lives of soldiers injured in the line of duty. This one-hour special follows dramatic stories of living medical miracles, ranging from a soldier with a rocket-propelled grenade imbedded in his abdomen to a soldier who had a knife removed from his skull. This special is a testament not only to the skill of the talented medical teams assisting these servicemen, but also to the strong will of the wounded soldiers, who put their lives in the hands of their comrades.
SATELLITE SHOOTDOWN
World Premiere: Sunday, July 20, from 8-9 PM (ET)
In late 2006, a top-secret U.S. spy satellite was launched into space, but shortly after it reached orbit the technicians lost contact and the satellite started to descend back toward Earth. SATELLITE SHOOTDOWN explores the multi-agency operation, code-named Operation Burnt Frost, to destroy the satellite before it could crash to Earth with a half-ton fuel tank full of toxic gas. Coordination was required among the Department of Defense, the Missile Defense Agency, NASA and several defense contractors, which all rapidly mobilized for this unique operation to intercept and destroy the satellite using an SM3 missile launched from the U.S.S. Lake Erie. SATELLITE SHOOTDOWN examines the technology and science required for Operation Burnt Frost and features recently declassified footage of the missile intercepting the satellite.
TAC-TECH
World Premiere: Sunday, August 3, from 8-8:30 PM (ET)
TAC-TECH takes an inside look at the design, testing and manufacture of equipment that allows the men and women of the armed forces to maintain the U.S. military's superiority. However, instead of highlighting big-ticket items like the F-22A Raptor or the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, this innovative series explores the vital equipment carried into battle on the backs, and in the pockets, of U.S. military personnel. This special explores the M203 grenade launcher, the Marine Corps OKC3S bayonet and the Intruder, a steerable ram-air parachute.
BACKYARD TO BATTLEFIELD
World Premiere: Monday, August 11, from 10-11 PM (ET)
Far away from the defense contractors' multibillion-dollar research facilities, this special goes off the beaten path to feature inventors who work out of their garages, basements and dorms to create amazing gadgets, vehicles and equipment�all of which help the U.S. Armed Forces. This special explores the real-world military applications of the "Ripsaw," a high-speed autonomous tank, and the "Bearbot," a humanoid robot designed to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield without risking more lives. BACKYARD TO BATTLEFIELD profiles the ingenuity of the unique civilians who develop these innovations and the science required to bring the creations to life.
SCIENCE OF WAR (wt)
World Premiere: TBD, 3rd Quarter 2008
SCIENCE OF WAR (wt) explores the U.S. Army's rocket and missile research and development facility at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. With more than 11 million square feet of building space, Redstone Arsenal is home to numerous command posts, including the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, the Space and Missile Defense Command, NASA's Marshal Space Flight Center and major components of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Missile Defense Agency. From the Patriot Air Defense System to ballistic missiles vital to continuing space exploration, SCIENCE OF WAR (wt) examines some of Redstone Arsenal's most advance weapons systems and cutting-edge rocketry.
About Military Channel
Military Channel brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy and significant turning points in history. The network takes viewers "behind the lines" to hear the personal stories of servicemen and women and offers in-depth explorations of military training, aviation technology and cutting-edge weaponry. As the only cable network devoted to military subjects, it also provides unique access to this world, allowing viewers to experience and understand the full spectrum of human drama, courage and patriotism intrinsic to the armed forces, as well as the long-held traditions of the military. For more information, please visit www.military.discovery.com.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
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