Behind the Scenes of NCIS: Sydney - How My Humvee Rolled Onto Set!

Here I am, boarding yet another flight, this time en route to Sofia, Bulgaria via London, to meet with a Humvee supplier. Believe me, Humvee parts turn up in some of the most unexpected places. As I settle in for the 14-hour journey, I scan the in-flight entertainment menu. It’s never a pre-planned decision; my choice always depends on the mood of the day. Today, it’s all about crime-solving and action-packed adventure.

Scrolling through the options, one show catches my eye: NCIS: Sydney. It’s a spin-off of the legendary NCIS franchise, which, as most know, is practically a TV institution. Though I wouldn’t call myself an NCIS fanboy, I couldn’t help but press play—after all, one of my Humvees makes an appearance in NCIS: Sydney’s second season, filmed on a Darwin military base. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to see what the show was all about, and to appreciate the part my beloved slantback Humvee played in making it all happen.

When Aussiewood Calls From 3,500 Kilometers Away

I’m based in Brisbane, on Australia’s east coast, while Darwin sits a cool 3,500 kilometers away in the Northern Territory. Needless to say, it’s no short trip. It turns out the art director for NCIS: Sydney was searching high and low for the perfect military truck to use in a Darwin-based scene. Unfortunately, his search in the Darwin area came up empty. That’s when he expanded his reach and stumbled upon Yank Tank, and me. To say I was thrilled is an understatement. Landing a job on NCIS: Sydney, part of the third longest-running franchise in television history, was a milestone moment for Yank Tank.

But there was a catch. How do you get a Humvee, specifically my beautiful slantback, all the way to Darwin while staying on budget? This wasn’t just a logistical challenge; it was a race against the clock. For several days, I called every transport lead I could find, from small flatbed operators to large interstate haulers. Either their prices were sky-high, or they weren’t interested in making the haul. Frustration set in as the deadline loomed.

Eventually, the solution came to me during a family visit—of all places. Through a connection, I found a hauler who seemed perfect for the job. It was almost laughable, considering how many dead ends I’d hit before finding someone practically in my backyard. Whether you call it determinism or dumb luck, it all seemed to fall into place. Or so I thought.

NCIS: Sydney behind the scenes.

When the Plan Falls Apart

Everything seemed to be on track. I submitted my quote for the job and anxiously waited. Meanwhile, I was juggling another exciting inquiry—this time for an Apple TV project (no spoilers, but let’s just say it involves Godzilla). Then, finally, I got the call: the art director for NCIS: Sydney, Daniel, reached out to tell me I’d landed the job. My slantback Humvee was headed to Darwin! I was ecstatic, this was one of my first major gigs, and I was determined to make it a success.

Weeks passed, more jobs rolled in, and I carefully shuffled hire dates to accommodate everything. But just one week before my Humvee was set to hit the road, I got another call, the kind that makes your stomach drop. My ideal hauler, the one I’d finally secured, had been in a major highway accident. His flatbed truck was totaled, and he couldn’t fulfill the job.

But giving up wasn’t an option. ‘Find a way to make things happen’ is my motto, and I wasn’t about to lose this opportunity. I leapt into action, making dozens of calls that afternoon, cycling through every transport lead I’d gathered. With the clock ticking, I circled back to an early lead I’d initially passed on because their pricing was too steep. This time, I decided to negotiate. Careful not to push too hard; I didn’t want the job done half-heartedly. Over the next several days I managed to strike a deal that worked. Sure, it cut into my margins, but this wasn’t just about profit; it was about delivering on my commitment and building a reputation for reliability.

A Star is Born (Well, Almost)

After all the stress and scrambling, my Humvee finally made it to Darwin. The interstate hauler I found turned out to be reliable, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I got confirmation that the slantback had arrived safely. On set, it delivered exactly what was needed—military authenticity, rugged presence, and a perfect backdrop for the Darwin-based scenes.

As Daniel, the art director, later told me, “The sandy-colored Humvee was exactly what we needed to convey an American presence at the Darwin base. From the automatic transmission that allowed the actors to drive it with ease, to the add-ons that enhanced its authenticity, the vehicle blended seamlessly into the production.” Feedback like that is what makes all the effort worthwhile.

Seeing my Humvee roll onto the set of one of TV’s most iconic franchises was a proud moment. The long journey, logistical challenges, and last-minute headaches faded into the background as my slantback became part of the action.

In the end, the journey to get my Humvee from Brisbane to Darwin was as much a story of persistence as it was about logistics. From last-minute transport hurdles to the dusty red clay of the outback leaving its mark on my truck, the job was a learning experience in every way. Seeing my Humvee perform on set, blending seamlessly into the world of NCIS: Sydney, was the ultimate reward. Knowing that my efforts contributed to bringing a small piece of authenticity to a production that will be seen by audiences worldwide?

NCIS: Sydney Crew at the US Military Base Darwin.

The experience was a testament to good old fashion hard work and dedication to getting the job done, no matter the challenge. Whether it’s supplying a slantback Humvee for a remote military base scene or working closely with a production team to ensure their vision comes to life, I’m here to support the creative process.

NCIS: Sydney premiered on February 7th, 2025 on Paramount +, so keep an eye out for episode 10. When you see a rugged Humvee rolling across the screen, you’ll know the story behind it, the calls, the challenges, the dust, and the pride. Until next time, here’s to more adventures, more Humvees, and more opportunities to drive the action.