Marines

Photo Information

Swimmers dive into the pool for the 50-meter freestyle heat during the 101 Days of Summer swim meet on June 12 at the base pool aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The purpose of 101 Days of Summer is to promote competition between units and responsible alcohol consumption and eliminating drug abuse. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Adam O. Korolev/ Released)

Photo by Cpl. Adam O. Korolev

Swimmers compete for 101 Days of Summer glory

19 Jun 2015 | Cpl. Adam O. Korolev Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii - Marines, Sailors and Department of Defense civilians gathered at the pool aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii for the 101 Days of Summer Swim Meet.

 Competitors from different units went head-to-head in the breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke and freestyle, and sprinted lengths from 50 meters to 200 meters. Swimmers gathered points for their units as a part of the 101 Days of Summer Program.

 For some of the swimmers, like Andrew Adams, a hospital corpsman with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, the objective was to have a candid time with other recreational swimmers, while gathering points for their unit.

“I have been in the Navy for four years, so I swim to stay in shape,” said the New Castle, Ind., native. “I have never been on a swim team in my life, but I am competing for my battalion. I am a swimmer recreationally, and I am here to have fun.”

Other swimmers, such as Roberto Escobar, came to the pool to earn points and dominate in the pool.

“I gave it my best effort, and came out to win my events,” said Escobar, a motor transport operator for CLB 3. “I did the freestyle relay and the medley relay, and swam freestyle for the (relay). I came out first in both of my races, and first overall for the medley.”

A medley is a 200-meter swim which consists of a 50-meter sprint of each stroke, beginning with the butterfly, the backstroke, breaststroke and finally, freestyle.

 Other service members came to provide encouraging support. Joining them was 1st Sgt. Jennifer Armentrout, the company first sergeant. Escobar credits his unit’s domination at the event because of strong swimming and overall unit camaraderie.

“I believe we are in first place for the 101 Days of Summer, if I’m not mistaken,” Escobar said. (It was cool) we had (service members from our unit) out there providing support.”

According to Escobar, the 101 Days of Summer events are good to participate in for various reasons.

“(Events like these) helps build camaraderie within units and between other units, and I think Marines enjoy competition,” said the Los Angeles native.

 The next 101 Days of Summer Program event is the Surf & Turf 5K, beginning at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow at The Officers Club. For more information on the 101 Days of Summer, visit mccshawaii.com/101days/


Marine Corps Base Hawaii