Service members tee-off for Fleet Week San Diego 2009

9/25/2009 By Lance Cpl. Manuel F. Guerrero , Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Twelve years after the inception of Fleet Week San Diego, the pro-military celebration has grown to more than 25 events throughout the San Diego region, spanning two months.

The Fleet Week San Diego support continued Sept. 16, with the sixth annual Fleet Week Enlisted Golf Tournament 2009. More than 60 teams representing the Marine Corps, U.S. Cost Guard and Navy from military instillations across Southern California teed-off at the Admiral Baker Golf Course for the tournament. Twelve teams from the air station participated.

“We know how hard these enlisted personnel work and this is a great opportunity for us to honor and connect with them,” said Alexandra Squires, the executive director of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation.

Every team that participated could not have a combined pay grade of more than 21. The committee implemented the stipulation to get more junior enlisted members to participate in the event.

Each team played 18 holes on both the north and south courses, starting at different holes. The service members got the opportunity to play golf, enjoy free lunch and dinner and spend well-deserved time off duty with co-workers.

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Sgt. Jorge E. Diaz-Ramirez, the deployments’ non commissioned officer-in-charge with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “Nobody here is a pro golfer, we’re just out here having fun and relaxing.”

The service members gathered for giveaways after the teams finished. Members of the Fleet Week Committee gave more than $10,000 worth of prizes to service members to further show their appreciation.

The Fleet Week festivities continue with events like the Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week Football Classic. For more information on upcoming events, service members can visit the FWSD Web site at www.fleetweeksandiego.org.

Ellie