BY SHAMIRA PURIFOY
NEW YORK — Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) participated in an annual Fleet Week New York (FWNY) tug-of-war competition during a live broadcast of the “Fox & Friends” morning show, May 28.
Though both services put on a valiant effort, the Navy’s team came out victorious with the win for the seventh consecutive year.
“Fox & Friends” show hosts even joined in on the fun by donning the role of drill instructors to add an extra element of surprise to the challenge.
As the horn signaled the start, the Navy team immediately took control of the rope as cheers and screams resonated by their shipmates and fellow Marines to pull the red ribbon toward their respective side.
“To me this opportunity is an expansion of my comfort zone and a great way of being able to show my Navy pride while having fun,” said Damage Controlman Seaman Ariana Flores, a native of Harlingen and a member of the Navy’s tug-of-war team.
In addition to the main event, members of the Navy Band Northeast played patriotic tunes and the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team performed for the cameras.
FWNY, now in its 29th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services.
It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.
The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
Shamira Purifoy is a Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class with the Navy Public Affairs Support Element
