USS WALTER MONDALE — Aviation Ordnanceman Chief Zachary Hendricks has enjoyed a successful career in the United States Navy. He has seen multiple combat deployments, been Recruiter of the Year at Navy Recruiting District Raleigh, received multiple Navy Achievement Medals, and a Navy Commendation medal. When asked to name the defining moment of his Naval career, he’ll tell you, “Without a doubt it was my three seconds of screen time in ‘Pearl Harbor.’”
During production of the Michael Bay vehicle he was stationed aboard the USS Constellation, where some of the filming took place. “I was working on the flight deck when the director was like ‘I need another guy for this shot.’”
That’s when his big break occurred. “I raised my hand and hand and he motioned for me. I gave that take all I had. I was so happy it ended up in the finished film.”
Hendricks hoped to parlay that cameo appearance into a full-fledged film career. Unfortunately he was unable to secure auditions in “Stealth,” “Antwone Fisher,” or the TV series “JAG.” But his lack of success in Hollywood hasn’t kept him down. “First and foremost I’m a Sailor. But being a major Hollywood player is something I’ll aspire to," Hendricks says. "When I retire, I’m sure they’ll need military advisors for a big Hollywood movie.”
