GULF OF ADEN -- Marines and Sailors, with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), participated in a relay race aboard the flight deck of the Bataan, Dec. 5, 2011.
The competition is part of a “1 Team, 1 Dream” series in which teams of seven compete in several sporting events for a chance to win $1,000 and the glory of being the most physically fit group of servicemembers on ship. Some of the events include a weight lifting challenge, dodge ball, and basketball.
The competition built a stronger sense of camaraderie among teams and gave a break from the daily routine on ship.
“We felt we were already a team,” said Cpl. Anthony Martin, a radio operator with Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd MEU, and a Niles, Ohio native. “The Marine Corps works in a team mentality.”
Due to operational commitments, the competition was put on hold for a few weeks between events. When teams and spectators gathered on the flight deck for the race, motivation was high.
“I like winning,” said Cpl. Christopher Jones, a supply administration Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, 22nd MEU, and a Sorrento, La., native. “I like this a lot more than just going to the gym every day. We have a bunch of people out here pushing themselves to win. I may be against them, but they’re helping me to push myself.”
The 22nd MEU is currently deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) as the U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, also providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.