The Most EPIC Spirit Spot of all Time

Behind the Scenes of the "Big Decks" Army-Navy Spirit Video

As a proud Naval Academy graduate, I always get excited when it's time for the Army-Navy game. It's a tradition that brings out the best in both academies and showcases the spirit of friendly rivalry and patriotism. This year, we've got something extra special to get us fired up - a new spirit spot titled "Big Decks" that's taking the internet by storm.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Rylan Tuohy, the creative genius behind this year's viral spirit spot.  If you want to listen to the full conversation you can do so on your preferred podcast platform or on YouTube.

Rylan, a fellow USNA grad, has been crafting these videos for years, but "Big Decks" might just be his greatest production.

The Origins of "Big Decks"

Rylan shared this project with me over a year and a half ago at a conference in Las Vegas.  And immediately after hearing the idea, I knew I needed to support it however I possibly could.

It started as a simple idea and went through numerous iterations before becoming the polished gem we see today. 

More Than Just a Joke

At first glance, "Big Decks" might seem like just another clever, and slightly edgy, play on words. But there's more to it.  In the podcast, Rylan explains that the term "big deck" is actually common naval jargon, referring to large amphibious assault ships, and also an objective description of aircraft carriers. By centering the video around this concept, Rylan grounded the humor in authentic military culture.

"At the end of the day, like, I'll be point blank, we do have the biggest decks in all of the world. And everybody knows that, like, we have the biggest ships, right? So I was like, why not play with that humor?"

A Unifying Message

What sets "Big Decks" apart from previous spirit spots is its inclusive approach. Instead of focusing solely on the Navy-Army rivalry, Rylan made a conscious decision to incorporate all branches of the military. The video culminates with a powerful "Go America" message, reminding us that while we may compete on the football field, we're all on the same team when it comes to serving our country.

Behind the Scenes on the USS Midway

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Big Decks" is its filming location. Rylan and his team shot the entire video on the USS Midway, now a museum in San Diego. This choice wasn't just for authenticity - it was a strategic decision to maintain creative freedom while honoring naval history.

A Race Against Time

What's truly impressive is how Rylan and his team managed to bring this vision to life in just 48 hours of filming!

Filming on an active museum presented its own set of challenges. The crew had to start at the crack of dawn to capture scenes on the flight deck before visitors arrived. It was a whirlwind production, with Rylan directing a team of 70 cast and crew members to bring his vision to life.

"We shot the opening scenes on the flight deck. We started shooting it. We got there at like 5:30am when it was still dark. Started shooting around 6, 6:30, right when the sun was coming up. That's because the museum didn't open until 10, so we had the entire space to run through."

The Impact of "Big Decks"

As we gear up for this year's Army-Navy game, "Big Decks" is doing exactly what a great spirit spot should do - it's generating buzz, making people laugh, and fostering a sense of pride in our military. But more than that, it's reminding us of the bigger picture.

Rylan's decision to end the video with a "Go America" message speaks volumes about the true spirit of service. It's a reminder that while we may don different uniforms, we're all part of something greater.

Join the Conversation

If you haven't seen "Big Decks" yet, I highly encourage you to check it out. And if you have questions for Rylan about the video, the creative process, or anything else, we'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions, and we'll feature them in an upcoming Q&A session with Rylan himself.

You can watch the video, download the poster image, and/or submit your questions by clicking here.

As we count down to the Army-Navy game, let's carry forward the spirit of "Big Decks" - a spirit of humor, unity, and unwavering pride in our nation and its armed forces. Go Navy, and Go America!

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Author’s note: I want to reiterate that my articles are my own opinion and do not reflect the official stance of the Naval Academy.  I am not endorsed by, or work for the Naval Academy, and I simply want to provide my opinion and share my experience in hopes that it can help you understand what is going on in the life of a midshipman.