Third annual Build-a-Boat Race

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Anthony Gray, 47th Flying Training Wing chapel assistant, and Chaplain (Capt.) Kelvin Francis, 47th FTW Chaplain, race to the finish line during the third-annual Build-a-Boat Race at Friendship Pool here September 8. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Sara Csurilla)

Build-a-Boat Race: an entertaining challenge

Published Sept. 16, 2009
By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
47th Flying Training Wing public affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The occasional recreational group activity can prove to be very beneficial for the elevation of morale among military personnel and the Outdoor Recreation department here provided just that with the third annual Build-a-Boat Race Sept. 8.

Participants were tasked to build a vessel from only the provided material and have it hold up under the weight of two mariners for one length of Laughlin's Friendship Pool. Of the 10 teams, comprised from various squadrons, three were successful in completing the challenge.

Teams were given seven 4 feet by 3 feet sheets of cardboard and a roll of duct tape to construct their boats. Decoration of the boats with paint, ink and cardboard cutouts was also permitted. The teams' ingenuity was tested in both the construction of the boats and the required pre-race squadron cheers.

The 47th Installation Support Squadron was voted as having the best cheer and was awarded with a plaque.

Other awards included best design, which went to the 86th Flying Training Squadron, and best sink, won by the 96th FTS.

The grand prize of best time and all the bragging rights that come with it went to the 85th FTS. Their vessel was manned by 1st Lt. Paul Jaskiewicz and Capt. Bart Boma and was built by Capt. Tyler Sueltenfuss and Lieutenant Jaskiewicz.

"Our strategy was to build an unstoppable, well-designed boat that was very buoyant and well planned," said Capt. Sueltenfuss. "Advice for next year would be to not even get in the pool with us as there is no chance in stopping us."