News
Iron sailors never rust: Atsugi naval teams face off in strength competitions
Stars and Stripes
May 28, 2009
Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Watson advances a large tire during the Iron Sailor relay race at Naval Air Facility Atsugi on Tuesday. (Tim Wightmanl / Stars and Stripes)
A team from Naval Air Facility Atsugi’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department competed in two strength and endurance contests Tuesday against a team representing the base’s Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training.
The event was part of the Iron Sailor Games, a series of 12 strength and endurance contests to be played out over three weeks.
After a tire-flip relay, in which team members advanced a huge tire for 50 meters, the teams competed in an event where each member carried an 80-pound weight in each hand for 50 meters. Future Iron Sailor events include the Sea Bag Drag, the Fireman Carry and the Car Push.
Teams participating in Iron Sailor can earn points for their commands as part of the overall Captain’s Cup competition, in which Atsugi commands compete in year-round sporting events for the right to claim the title and trophy at season’s end.
Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Watson advances a large tire during the Iron Sailor relay race at Naval Air Facility Atsugi on Tuesday. (Tim Wightmanl / Stars and Stripes)
Petty Officer 1st Class Rommel Pitts tries to keep pace during a tire flip relay at Naval Air Facility Atsugi Tuesday during an Iron Sailor Games event. (Tim Wightmanl / Stars and Stripes)