By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan T. Miller, Defense Media Activity
NEW YORK -- The Marine Corps tug-of-war team defeated team Navy, ending an eight-year winning streak, during a broadcast of the Fox and Friends morning show aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) May 23.
“Attending this event today meant a lot to us,” said Marine Corps Capt. Caroline Locksmith, a Marine Corps Body Bearer and member of the victorious team. “We have parades every Friday of every week starting at the end of April, so to be able to participate in this and still manage all of those was huge - and I know it meant a lot, especially to General Neller, for us to win this year. To be part of the winning team was really monumental.”
The event has become an annual part of Fleet Week New York and serves as a friendly competition for the visiting service members. Additionally, the national broadcast gives citizens across the country a chance to see their military in action and hear the stories of individual service members.
“It’s a great opportunity to highlight our Navy and Marine Corps team to the nation, and getting an outlet like this provided a window into our daily world here,” said New York’s commanding officer, Navy Capt. Brent DeVore. “Unfortunately the weather didn’t work out for us as well as we hoped, but as usual we adapt and overcome.”
DeVore went on to say that this Fleet Week is made even more special for the crew of the New York. The ship was given its name following the September 11 attacks and was built including steel salvaged from wreckage of the World Trade Center. Now homeported in Mayport, Fla., this trip served as an uncommon opportunity for the ship to return home.
“It’s a great honor, it’s obviously extremely special to have this ship in this city and state - to reconnect this ship to all the citizens of New York - and we’re looking forward to our visit here for Fleet Week,” said DeVore.
Fleet Week New York, now in its 31st year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.