Surface Line Week 2014 Kicks Off in San Diego

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie W. Ryan, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The 33rd annual Surface Line Week (SLW) kicked-off in San Diego, with the commencement of the sailing competition in San Diego Bay, Aug. 8.

SLW, sponsored by the staff of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will run through Aug. 15, and features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of professional and sporting events.

"Surface Line Week 2014 consists of 18 athletic events and 15 professional events culminating in an awards ceremony on Aug. 15," said Lt. Aimee Smith, this year's event coordinator. "The overall winner will also be recognized at the Surface Warrior Ball held the evening of Aug. 15."

According to Smith, SLW athletic events include: a 5K run, basketball, billiards, bowling, dodge ball, flag football, golf, push-up/pull-up endurance and cross fit. There will also be a chili cook-off and a salsa cook-off on the final day of competition.

Smith said SLW professional events include: cake decorating, a damage control marathon, lathe work, marksmanship, medical diagnosis/stretcher bearer race, moboards, photo competition, rescue swimmer, a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) race, sailing, seamanship, ship handling, valve packing, visual communications and welding and cutting.

"Competition participants must be active duty, regularly assigned Navy Reserve, or other military personnel and government civilians formally attached to a Navy command," said Smith.

Last year, USS Essex (LHD 2) took first place in the overall large command category, USS Spruance (DDG 11) took it for the medium commands and Naval Base San Diego received the small command trophy.

"This year's Surface Line Week promises to be a fun, challenging and rewarding event," said Smith. "Maximum participation is desired from all commands to the extent their operational schedules allow."