Captain’s Column

I’m glad to have heard that everyone made it back safe from an enjoyable Independence Day weekend.

I hope you were able to bring your family to MWR’s celebration held on the seawall July 3 – it was a fun event and the fireworks that wrapped up the afternoon were spectacular.

Celebrating Independence Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the foundation of our nation and the values of those who were responsible for security our freedoms.

Every one of you, military and civilian, is an integral part of the great Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Homeland Security team we have on this base, and you are all part of the reason why we still enjoy those freedoms to this day. I appreciate your service.

Now, let’s turn to the future …..

In a few weeks, we will be participating in the Navy Regatta. It is one example of how the community opens their doors to our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Coast Guardsmen.

It is an annual event that has been ongoing for more than 50 years and is sponsored by the local yacht clubs. It involves multi-class sailing from downtown Corpus Christi to NAS Corpus Christi and return.

The generosity of the members of the local yacht clubs during this annual event is commendable. They let our folks race with them on their vessels and even take the helm of their boats on Sunday, Aug. 4, for the Military Challenge Cup.

The winners get prizes too! You don’t need any sailing experience, just the willingness to have a good time.

The schedule of events includes a registration gathering Friday night, Aug. 2, at the Corpus Christi Yacht Club. Saturday morning, we all board the boats for a race to NASCC’s Sunfish beach. Saturday, at 3 p.m. we will hold the Titanic Cup race.

I hope your commands will get a group together and submit an entry. It’s a fun competition that demonstrates our Sailors’ creativity and ingenuity. It is followed a social event held at the Catalina Club that evening.

Sunday morning we board the vessels that have been moored in our basin, then set up to begin the Military Cup Challenge, racing back to the Corpus Christi Yacht Club.

A nice luncheon and award ceremony wraps up the weekend’s sailing events.

Can you picture yourself at the helm of a yacht, sailing into sunny skies, smooth seas and adventures of a lifetime? Can you imagine stealing the Titanic Cup trophy from the current champion? Then call Chief Glover at 961-1738.

See you around the base.