Students Participate in TSC'S Spring Pass-in-Review

By Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Training Support Center (TSC), Great Lakes held its Spring Pass-in-Review ceremony on Ross Field at Naval Station Great Lakes, May 12.

The Pass-in-Review is a long-standing military tradition that began as a way for a newly assigned commander to inspect his troops. Participating in TSC's ceremony serves to help teach the students about Navy heritage and traditions.

More than 1,100 were in attendance including over 50 distinguished military and civilian guests who observed the ceremony from the reviewing stand including TSC leadership of Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Henry "Hank" Roux Jr.; TSC Executive Officer, Cmdr. Olivia L. Bethea; and Master Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/EXW) Phillip Key, acting TSC command master chief.

"I'd like thank all of the students for all of their enthusiasm for not only the Pass-In-Review which is our history, but also our enthusiasm to kick our off our Ultimate Command Challenge (UCC) in the next two weeks," said Roux.

Naval Military Training Instructors (NMTI) from 13 TSC barracks led the ships' Sailors onto Ross Field. After completion of the roll call, the playing of the national anthem was performed by Navy Band Great Lakes and the TSC choir, followed the TSC drill team performance.

Master of ceremonies, Chief Master-at-Arms Brian Duff recognized the Sailors who fought in the Battle of Coral Sea, May 7, 1942, as he read the history of the event where more than 540 sailors lost their lives.

The reviewing officer, Capt. Frank Martin, commander, Navy Region Midwest, explained to the students how the UCC plays a role in their Navy training.

"For the student-Sailors here today, I know you learned a lot about teamwork during boot camp, and I am sure that learning continues during your training at TSC. You are learning what it means to be a shipmate, as part of a team, to be part of something bigger than yourself - dedicated to a greater purpose, serving our nation and protecting our democracy," said Martin. "While teamwork will play a big part in this competition, camaraderie will be equally important. Together teamwork and camaraderie are needed to produce unit cohesion and readiness which is necessary for mission success and victory in combat."

Megan Stadlman, branch manager, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Great Lakes, explained that in the coming weeks each barracks will work together in a variety of challenging and unique activities to prove their ship is the UCC.

"Together you will pull Humvees, crawl through the mud, dodge balls, score baskets, scale 40-foot rock wall, navigate mine fields and much more all to earn team points in an effort to become the ultimate command," said Stadlman. "Over the years at Great Lakes, thousands of Sailors have elicited pride and team spirit amongst their shipmates by competing in the UCC. Just like your naval career, each day of UCC will bring new and unique challenges and at the end of two weeks, the ship with the most points will named the ultimate command."

Each ship then demonstrated their esprit de corps by presenting their unique motivational chant after a brief historical presentation as each barracks' name and gallant history was recited.

"I can feel the enthusiastic camaraderie between this group of young men and women as they engage in a friendly competition between them," said Mayor Leon Rockingham, of North Chicago. "I think this is excellent for the Navy and for Naval Station Great Lakes. I will be following their competition to show them support as well as finding out who wins."

The goal of UCC is to continue to educate Sailors about the positive mission and purpose of Morale, Welfare and Recreation thus encouraging them to seek support from MWR throughout their Navy career. UCC defines TSC's mission by creative team spirit and a sense of pride in both individuals and the organization. UCC provides healthy competition against each other in feats of strength, agility and speed. It also creates the opportunity to participate in new recreational activities that may not normally be pursued. Finally, it allows individuals who would normally avoid team sports an opportunity to enjoy the esprit de corps that comes along with team building through various problem solving competitions.

"I encourage all of you to take advantage of this Navy sporting tradition, give it your all; display good sportsmanship; and be good shipmates," said Martin.

At the end of ceremony, Capt. Roux and Capt. Martin marched in front of each ship rendering a hand salute. The ceremony concluded with the students marching off the field and back to their barracks.

"The guests were well entertained but more importantly, they received a real feel for the history of Great Lakes and the history of these great ships that each one of our barracks is named after," said Roux. "Everyone looked outstanding and I couldn't be more proud of students and our staff."