Battle of Battleships to test imaginations, duct tape

  • Published
  • By Ryan Stark
  • Nucleus writer
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Battles at sea are usually left to the Navy, but some Airmen will soon be engaging in combat -- or a race, at least -- on the water.

Kirtland's annual Battle of the Battleships will pit teams of Airmen against each other as they race boats made only of cardboard and duct tape.

Tech. Sgt. Anthony Foerster, command chief executive of the 377th Air Base Wing and the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, said this is a great opportunity.

"This is an excellent way to get out from behind your desk or your work center and have some fun," he said.

Foerster said about a dozen teams have entered the race so far and he hopes for 20 total. There were 22 teams last year.

Boats have to be built ahead of the event and cardboard and duct tape are the only materials allowed. Other than that, it is a free-form event.

"Last year we had a Humvee, a 'Back to the Future' boat and a dragon," Foerster said.

Not all the boats were seaworthy, he said.

"We had several boats that chose not to float at all," Foerster said.

In addition to awards for winning the races, there will be a number of prizes given out for other qualities displayed by the boats and their crews.

The spirit award will go to the team with the best boat, costumes and enthusiastic spirit. An award called "Davy Jones' Locker" will go to the first boat to sink, and the "Aesthetically Challenged Award" will go to the ugliest boat, as chosen by a panel of judges.

Michael Salazar, a civilian employee at the 377th Comptroller Squadron, is among this year's entrants. Events like these are key to building "wingman" culture he said.

"Getting to work side by side with your coworkers on a fun project not only builds a bond, but also a level of trust," he said. "It's been a great experience and, win or lose, our team will benefit from this opportunity."

Salazar's team includes the squadron's commander, Lt. Col. Tracy Bell, enlisted Airmen and others.

"It will really be an all-star group," he said.

The event is open to all units, squadrons, flights, services and groups with a base affiliation. The entry fee is $35 per team and each team of two to four members. Two people must be in the boat during the race.

The event will be Aug. 7 at the pool at the Mountain View Club. Check-in is 11:30 a.m. to noon, and racing begins at 12:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, email hernan.negron_santiago.2@us.af.mil or adam.summers.1@us.af.mil.