WHITE BEACH NAVAL FACILITY, OKINAWA, Japan – U.S. Marines and sailors assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installation Pacific, participated in a field meet on Nov. 27, 2019.
The battalion hosted the field meet to increase espirit de corps and unit pride by allowing service members to compete in multiple events.
“This is the first field meet I’ve seen that’s been led by NCOs entirely and it worked out pretty well. There were four of us, two from Alpha company and two from Bravo company. The planning process was very challenging, but it was very rewarding,” said. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Shuck, native of Sterling Heights, Michigan, and an organics noncommissioned officer in charge with G-6 Networks Branch, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D, Butler.
This event was organized into four phases including an opening formation, event brief, team events, and food and drinks provided for participants.
The team events consisted of tire flips, tug-of-war, sack race, three-legged race, sled push-pull, squad push-ups, dizzy izzy relay, casualty evacuation run, and water balloon toss. Each event was worth one point and additional points were awarded to the company who had the highest level of readiness. The company team with the highest score was awarded a trophy and special liberty.
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Vincent J. Ciuccoli, commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D, Butler, described his experience during the field meet.
“I get so much energy from just watching, participating, and being along Marines who’s putting their heart and soul into something. It doesn’t matter if it’s their job at PMO, IPAC, or COMMSTRAT. Seeing them come out here with their physical strength and moral courage to get through these events when we’re all struggling together makes a huge difference,” said Ciuccoli.