Last modified Wed., September 16, 2009 - 04:39 PM
Originally created Thursday, September 17, 2009

Sailors flock to barracks bash

By Clark Pierce, Editor

PRAA Martin Mejia of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast approaches the summit in the rock wall climbing competition. Mejia also competed in the loud shorts contest.

More than 500 Sailors and Marines enjoyed a unique afternoon of fun and games Sept. 9 at the Barracks Bash presented by NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department Liberty Program.

The free event featured picnic-style food, T-shirts, goodie bags and prizes that included Apple iPods, a GPS and a flat screen HDTV.

"The purpose of the Barracks Bash is to provide an event that is alcohol-free and targeted to the junior enlisted Sailors who reside in the barracks," said Liberty Program Coordinator Mack Cooper. "Paintball was a new event that generated a lot of excitement. More than 320 people took up the strange-looking weapons and splattered each other. Our other new event was the Stars and Stripes Racing NASCAR simulator that let drivers compete against their favorite stock car heroes," said Cooper.

ASAN Roberto Fuentes of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast 900 Division sets his sight on an opposing player in the Barracks Bash paintball competition.

According to Assistant Liberty Program Coordinator Kristine Mitchell, a classic Barracks Bash challenge is the dunking tank. "It's always fun when the skipper, XO, command master chief and other leadership consent to spend time in the dunker. We must have a good number of skilled athletes in the barracks - because I saw a lot of splashdowns."

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. was pleased with the turnout. "This is proof that 'good, clean fun' is always popular at NAS Jacksonville. Our MWR team really knows how to create exciting and entertaining events. The refreshments were great, as well as the prize drawings."

In addition to the various competitions, Barracks Bashers enjoyed entertainment by Deejay Vince Cottone, who kept the music pumping full bore and non-stop.

Hungry Sailors enjoy complementary nachos during the MWR-sponsored Barracks Bash Sept. 9 on board NAS Jacksonville.

Competition and prize drawing winners: Paintball Tourney (I-Pod Nano) - ASAN Peter Schulmerich, FRCSE Rockwall Tourney (GPS System) - ADAN Daniel Dodd, FRCSE Jousting Tourney (I-Pod Nano) - AW3 Joshua Fox, VP-30 Sumo Suit Tourney (I-Pod Nano) - PRAN Ian Lorman, FRCSE Grand Prize (I-Pod Touch) - ATAN Joshua Miller, CPRW-11 2nd Grand Prize (Nintendo DS System Bundle) - William Matthew Paintball Gift Certificate - ADAN Matt Mullett, VP-62 MWR thanks everyone who supported or volunteered for this event, including sponsor Dave & Busters. Neither MWR, nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its products or services.

(From left) PRAN Ian Lowman and PRAN Brandon Smith, both of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, compete in the Barracks Bash Joust Tournament.

"Geeze! Everybody throws like major league prospects when I assume command of the dunker," said NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack "Good Sport" Scorby.

CMDCM(SW/SS) Jeff Hudson bestowed good-natured taunts upon Sailors who failed to dunk him.