Sailors Compete in 'Call of Duty' Tournament at Surface Line Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Crosby, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Local Sailors matched video game skills against shipmates at the first-ever "Call of Duty" tournament at Surface Line Week at Naval Base San Diego Aug. 19.

A total of 65 teams from small, medium and large commands throughout the local area participated in the competition featuring the "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" game.

The tournament started with Sailors practicing techniques and warming up with pre-matches. Once the brackets were established, the games started and the process of whittling down the teams in single-elimination play began.

According to event organizers, all the players started with default settings, but some tried to get an edge with personal profiles, and others brought in their own controllers.

"I feel like it brings me luck because I'm always playing with it," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Arturo Rios, an El Paso, Texas, native assigned to USS Rushmore (LSD 47).

Rios said he felt a bit more experienced than the guys playing at the tournament and wanted to win to earn some special liberty. His efforts earned his team second place in the competition.

This is the first year Sailors with Surface Line Week introduced the "Call of Duty" tournament into the competition.

"We were looking to do something new to involve more Sailors," said Yeoman 1st Class Shanta Davis. "Along with the video games, more events were added to reach out to more junior Sailors."

Surface Line Week, a 10-day contest sponsored by Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP), will run through Aug. 20. This marquee event features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of seamanship and sporting events. SLW will conclude with an awards ceremony on Aug. 20, followed by the annual Surface Warrior Ball Aug. 21.

For more information on SLW events, please contact the CNSP Public Affairs Office at 619-437-2735