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BHR Takes 16 of 20 Trophies During RIMPAC Outrigger Competition

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080712-10
Release Date: 7/12/2008 12:47:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth Hunter and Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)(BHR) brought two teams and a total of 10 Sailors who gave it their all in the 2008 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Outrigger Canoe Competition July 5.

U.S. Navy ships including BHR and USS O'Kane (DDG 77) along with the Singapore Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force each brought teams to round out the field of 20.

BHR's team members were all over 40, and this was there first time to take part in a canoe race, but it didn't stop them from having a blast and even taking home some trophies.

"When we all came together this turned out to be an exciting event," said Operations Officer Cmdr. Michael R. Dickson. "None of us ever did this before, but we still came together as a team."

In the semifinal heat, BHR's "Old Navy" team placed first and the "Older Navy" team was able to pick up third.

"This was a great way to not only promote camaraderie among shipmates but to also foster an international partnership," said Commanding Officer Capt. Neil R. Parrott.

Both teams were looking poised to finish strong in the finals but with 18 other teams hot on their heals it would prove difficult. However, BHR's less youthful squads gave the younger teams a run for their money. Old Navy finished the competition with a second place trophy and Older Navy came in third.

Although this year's RIMPAC out rigger competition participants didn't take home the top prize, they are looking forward to having an outrigger event in the upcoming Surface Line Week Competition in San Diego.

"I predict that BHR will be victorious in all events of the Surface Line Week," said Dickson.

BHR is currently participating in RIMPAC 2008, the world's largest biennial maritime exercise.

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.