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US Sailors Build Relations with Polish Sailors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100608-05
6/8/2010

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Sylvia Nealy, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

GDYNIA, Poland (NNS) -- Polish Navy Sailors from different squadrons hosted a basketball tournament against U.S. Navy Sailors from USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) and USS Simpson (FFG 56) during a three-day port visit by the ships to Gdynia, Poland, June 5.

"For the last 15 years, every week I like to set up basketball games, so my players can compete against different teams worldwide," said Tadusz Bicz, commander, Operations Maritime Center. "Plus it gives Sailors an opportunity to have some fun as we build and strengthen a partnership through basketball."

Nine Polish Navy Sailors and 24 U.S. Sailors gathered at the Hala Sportowa AHW (Naval Academy Gymnasium) to display their talent during eight five-minute quarter games.

"I was excited about playing in this tournament. When I was informed about the tournament, I said to myself I am there. The competition was intense but, I had fun playing, and I am glad we showed our support," said Gas Turbine System Mechanical Fireman Courtney Haugabook, a U.S. Navy Sailor stationed aboard Simpson.

The Polish Navy gave keychain memorabilia and a command cloth emblem to U.S. Sailors in honor of their appreciation of the event.

After the tournament, all three teams shook hands and congratulated Mount Whitney team members on the championship win. Shortly after, a group photo was taken to show camaraderie between the teams.

"This was a great win, but more importantly than winning was building public relations with the Polish Sailors," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) Kenneth Black, Mount Whitney's basketball team coach. "The team came through and pulled it together in the end, and I couldn't be happier."

Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is currently on a scheduled deployment. Mount Whitney operates with a hybrid crew of Sailors and Military Sealift Command civilian mariners.