Hunter Killer
Actor Gerard Butler Visits Submarine Base Ahead of Movie Premier
25 October 2018
Actor Gerard Butler visited Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London, Connecticut, ahead of an exclusive premiere of his new submarine movie, “Hunter Killer,” Oct. 20.
Butler kicked off his visit with a luncheon hosted by Vice Admiral Charles Richard, commander of Submarine Forces, Submarine Force Atlantic and Allied Submarine Command. They were joined by the Lions Gate film crew and twenty-plus top Sailors from tenant commands.
Butler then followed the admiral to USS Hartford (SSN 768), where Richard awarded the Battenberg Cup to the crew. The cup is given to the crew that most distinguished itself through outstanding performance in an annual "battle efficiency" competition.
Butler toured USS Hartford and met with crewmembers along the way.
“If there was another career that I had to choose, I would definitely consider this one,” said Butler.
Before the premiere of the movie, the star signed autographs and met with Sailors and their families. More than 1,300 Sailors and family members went to see the movie at the Dealey Center Theater that evening. After the conclusion of the film, Butler and movie director Donovan Marsh held a question-and-answer session for the audience.
When asked what he did to prepare for his role, Butler explained that he drew his inspiration from George Wallace, author of the book “Hunter Killer,” and his experience aboard USS Houston (SSN 713).
“What I learned was the mind set which comes from an unbelievable amount of training and drilling. You understand why this is the best military in the world. They do not stop training,” said Butler. “We would do battle station drills; even if it was incredible, it wasn't good enough and we would continue to do it again and again. They know things inside out and have that level of expertise.”