Kearsarge takes Gold in Boatswain Olympics

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Parker | 210617-N-TP544-3120 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 17, 2021) Boatswain's Mate Seaman DeAndre Hampton demonstrates line handling aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) June 17, 2021. Kearsarge Sailors took first place while participating in the Boatswain Olympics during the commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Surface Line Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Taylor Parker)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

06.18.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacob Richardson 

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

NORFOLK, Va. -- A trio of Sailors assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) ruled this year’s Boatswain Olympics, bringing home the gold while ending any debate as to which Navy ship has the most skilled Boatswain’s Mates along the Hampton Roads waterfront.

As part of Naval Surface Force Atlantic’s (CNSL) June 14-18 Surface Line Week hosted at Naval Station Norfolk’s McCormick Sports Center Softball Field, the games were designed to showcase the professional and athletic skills of boatswain mates from throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Representing Kearsarge, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jason L. Arroyo took first place in knot tying, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Kyle D. Fisher placed first in boatswain’s call piping, and Boatswain's Mate Seaman DeAndre Hampton earned third in the heaving line ball throw. The combined scores of the three was highest among all competitors, leading Kearsarge to gold as overall winner.

Fisher was judged on the crispness and clarity of his boatswain’ pipe calls. Practically synonymous with the Navy’s oldest rating, the boatswains pipe is the pride of its members who from reveille to taps use it to mark the most elementary evolutions of daily life at sea in addition to its most cherished ceremonies. Despite some early jitters, Fisher leaned on some familiar faces to bolster his confidence. “Like any competition, you get a little cotton mouth, get a little nervous at first. But I have my boatswain right behind me, supporting me,” he said laughing while reflecting upon his first moments in the competition.

Arroyo also attributed his knot-tying success by concentrating on those closest to him. “I do it for my son and all of the other kids out there who need somebody positive to look up to,” he said. In addition to the competition he said he enjoyed meeting new people as well as Sailors he has not seen since his earliest days in the Navy. “It’s good to see other Sailors in your rate enjoy the job like you do,” Arroyo added.

While proud to help his ship earn such a distinction, Hampton, a first time Boatswain Olympics contestant, said the field of competition was challenging. Smiling ear-to-ear, he shared a message to Sailors interested In taking part in future games. “I would tell them to put their best foot forward and to go after whatever it is they want to get out of our rate … the Navy … or anything else in life.”

• Date Taken: 06.18.2021
• Date Posted: 06.28.2021 14:50
• Story ID: 399833
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US