Gov. Schwarzenegger Hosts US Navy Vice Admiral William Houston

Governor Schwarzenegger often retells stories of his days as an 18-year-old Austrian tank driver, steering the bruising American-made 1951 M-47 Patton. It was an adventurous time that shaped his belief in the power of fitness and respect for the commitment required to serve.

Those core tenets have followed him wherever he’s gone. After immigrating to America and securing several bodybuilding titles, Schwarzenegger traveled between bases, ships, and aircraft carriers to work out with soldiers and sailors nationwide. 

Some of his most meaningful experiences in the Governor’s office involved military personnel as well. Sharing breakfast with soldiers in Iraq, working with the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Navy and Marine Corps to coordinate wildfire response, and launching the “Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet” are at the top of the list.

Meeting the intelligent individuals and intensely strong teams that defend our country provided the foundation for Thursday’s Military Roundtable, hosted on June 22nd by the Schwarzenegger Institute. 

The Governor welcomed Vice Admiral William Houston, Captains, Commanders, and Lieutenant Commanders from the United States Navy for an open-ended discussion on how best to tell their stories of America and democracy. This discussion continued a series of dialogues connecting senior military officers with Governor Schwarzenegger’s extensive network in the entertainment industry.

Vice Admiral Houston detailed the extensive history of the United States Navy’s submarines, which dates back before WWII. He relayed how the Navy has evolved over time, expanding its focus on technology and embracing sailors from all over the nation to take on worldwide responsibilities.

Throughout the expansion of the US Navy, one crucial element has remained consistent to Admiral Houston: the greatest advantage it has is the people who serve. Telling the stories of sailors and how closely their families are tied to their resolve and fortitude is an important part of appreciating these heroes. The toughness of enlisted sailors, petty officers, commissioned officers, and admirals extends not only to the roles they serve but to the families supporting them through their journeys.

Actors, writers, directors, producers, showrunners, and studio founders joined the roundtable to ask questions and learn about how the Navy operates on and offshore. As the minds and muscles behind some of the most popular movies and television shows focused on the Navy, this was a unique opportunity to absorb the perspective from the sailors firsthand.

The Governor and the Schwarzenegger Institute thoroughly enjoyed learning about the untold stories within the Navy and are excited to see those experiences make their way to the screen in the future.