Photo By Sgt. Michael Iams | Marines from Marine Air Support Squadron 2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP SCHWAB, Japan - When a boat goes aground, Mother Nature has spoken, but what is she saying when the boat simply sinks?
Marines and sailors with Marine Air Support Squadron 2 and their families found out at the 2nd Annual Beach Day Regatta Race at Oura Wan Beach at Camp Schwab July 29.
A regatta is a race between sailboats or any kind of boat, said Duane Burk, family readiness officer for MASS-2, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“Having events like this is a great opportunity to meet the families of the Marines and let them know how important they are,” said Lt. Col. Alison J. MacBain, commanding officer of the squadron. “It is also a great way for the Marines to have a good time among the members in their chain of command.”
Three companies within the squadron participated in the race, Headquarters and Service Company, Air Support Company and Communication and Electronics Company.
The boats the Marines raced in this particular regatta were made out of cardboard and were up to 15 feet in length, said 1st Lt. Joshua Freeland, training officer-in-charge with H&S Company.
“The boats cannot have [two-sided] tape or glue on them. Only 50 percent of the boat can be covered with tape, and they must be able to support two riders.”
The boats were judged on three major categories: originality, functionality and the overall outcome of the race.
The grading sheets were passed out at random, so anyone from children to senior Marines graded the boats.
As the time for the race neared, Marines and their families gathered around the boats to take pictures, boast and predict who would win the race.
“I believed C&E Company would win because we were intelligently and physically superior in every aspect,” said 1st Lt. Graham D. Hill, commanding officer of C&E Company.
Other Marines had their own opinions on who would win the race.
“I thought ASC’s boat, Da Green Line, would win the race because it had the aspects like that of an amphibious warship,” said Freeland.
As the race commenced, all teams darted across the beach carrying their boats and prepared to race across the water.
As the Marines worked hard to keep their boats afloat, one boat rowed through the waves and around the buoy with ease. Da Green Line swept the competition and won the regatta.
“We are very excited to have won the race and bring the trophy back to our platoon,” said Staff Sgt. Rebecca A. Culp, a platoon sergeant for ASC and a team member with Da Green Line. “The Marines have worked very hard on the boat, and they deserve the prize they won.”
The winners of the boat regatta received a trophy, a three-day weekend and bragging rights for a year.
“You could see the great effort and sense of dedication the Marines put into building their boats,” said MacBain.
After the race, Marines and their families enjoyed the day with food, sports and fun in the water.
“This event was a good way for the Marines in the squadron to get out of the shop and get together,” said Lance Cpl. Jassen A. Cruz, S-2 security chief with H&S Company. “It is very productive for the Marines as it helped them relax and relieve the stress from everyday work.”
This event is a helpful way for the Marines to get to know each other and work well with their peers said Lance Cpl. Donald J. Baldwin, generator mechanic with H&S Company.
“This event brought an opportunity for fun and laughable moments among the Marines and their families,” said Burk. “It helped build camaraderie and gave the Marines and their families some insight on who they and their spouses are working alongside.”
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2011 20:25 |
| Story ID: | 75015 |
| Location: | CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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