Surface Line Week 2010 Underway in San Diego

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

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- San Diego's 29th annual Surface Line Week (SLW) continued Aug. 16 with the commencement of volleyball, football, soccer, softball, racquetball and basketball tournaments, the inaugural swimming competition and the visual communications, lathe and welding contests.

Swimming, a new addition to the 2010 event lineup, attracted athletes from more than 20 commands.

"Swimming in Surface Line Week is definitely a morale booster," said participant Yeoman 3rd Class Jason Rynkiewicz of USS Boxer (LHD 4). "The whole event is a huge character building session. It's great for all the commands fleetwide to get together and engage in some friendly competition."

"It's exciting that the Navy has taken a round-turn on physical fitness and promoting activities like SLW," said Navy Counselor 1st Class David Day of USS Thach (FFG 43), who competed as part of his command's volleyball team. "It's exciting to see the enthusiastic support from all the commands present. SLW is all about bringing us together not only as a ship but also as a Navy."

With more than 3,000 Sailors from more than 35 commands participating in 38 professional and athletic events throughout the week, this year's SLW is the biggest yet.

"The spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that is the hallmark of Surface Line Week shows even among the event coordinators," said Surface Force Pacific Fleet Lt. Linda Hoffman, overall Surface Line Week coordinator. "Today's events would not have been such a success without the time and energy of the support staff."

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.