34th Surface Line Week Kicks Off in San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Zachary Bell, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The 34th annual Surface Line Week (SLW) kicked-off in San Diego, Aug. 14, with a golf tournament at Admiral Baker Golf Course.

SLW is a week-long competition sponsored by the staff of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of professional and athletic events.

"Surface Line Week 2015 consists of 17 athletic events and 15 professional events culminating in an awards ceremony on August 21," said Lt. Jochelle Schatz, this year's event coordinator. "The overall winner will also be recognized at the Surface Warrior Ball held the evening of August 22."

SLW athletic events include: a 5K run, basketball, billiards, bowling, dodge ball, flag football, golf, tennis, volleyball, soccer, racquetball, swimming, push-up and pull-up endurance, and CrossFit. There will also be a chili and salsa cook-off.

SLW professional events include: photography, cake decorating, a damage control marathon, lathe work, marksmanship, medical diagnosis and stretcher bearer race, rescue swimmer, a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) race, sailing, 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 Schatz.

Last year, USS Boxer (LHD 4) took first place in the overall large command category, USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) took first for medium commands, and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1 received the small command trophy.

"It's going be a fun, rewarding event for all 32 commands participating," said Schatz. "All of these events promote camaraderie, team building and boost moral, while having some friendly competition along the water front for shore based commands and ships as well."