Surface Line Week 2010 Kicks off in San Diego

By Lt.j.g. Allison Derr, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- San Diego's 29th annual Surface Line Week began Aug. 12 with the commencement of the sailing competition in Fiddlers Cove.

Surface Line Week (SLW), 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.

"Surface Line Week is a great way to promote waterfront camaraderie, pride, and professionalism between Surface Warriors serving in both sea and shore commands," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "This is also a great chance to take a break from your everyday hard work and have some fun."

This year, more than 3,000 participants from 35 commands will compete in 38 events, including perennial favorites such as basketball, softball and golf, along with damage control, ship handling and marksmanship. New competitions include swimming; visual communications; visit, board, search, and seizure; call of duty; horseshoes; and a photo competition. Last year CNSP took home the overall "small command" title, while Afloat Training Group San Diego claimed the combined medium/large command category.

"I am excited to participate in the sailing competition for the second year in a row," said Cmdr. Yvette Davids, who competed in the kick-off competition for CNSP. "I am a big believer in excellence through competition and am proud to represent SURFPAC. Sailing is the perfect professional competition to showcase command pride, teamwork in action, while relying on our mariner skills and tactics. This is a great way to kick off Surface Line Week."

All across the waterfront, commands are gearing up for the events to come.

"The weeklong tournament is not just about supporting your own shipmates, but supporting shipmates across the waterfront," said Ensign Jennifer Malherek, Surface Line Week coordinator for USS Howard (DDG 83). "We are excited to have the opportunity to participate in the events and look forward to engaging in some friendly competition with neighboring commands."