4th CONS takes Build a Boat trophy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Heather Stanton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 4th Contracting Squadron and their "Money" boat came out victorious in the Build-a-Boat competition here July 21.

During the competition, teams had one hour to build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape. Then the vessel's captain and first mate had to get in and paddle the boat across the Olympic pool in the fastest time.

Out of 10 teams, the 4th CONS team took first place with a finish time of 49.2 seconds and the 4th Medical Group team nabbed second place with 50.2 seconds.

"It feels great to win, but it feels really good to have built a successful boat," said Airman 1st Class Aaron Caraway, 4th CONS contracting specialist and "Money" captain. "It was my first-ever Build a Boat and it was fun to see all of the different boat designs. However it was even better to see how the boats did in the water or, in some cases, how the ship's crew did in the water. Our strategy was simple: Don't sink. We figured everything else would be much easier that way."

All but three boats crossed the finish line, according to Mary Rawles, 4th Force Support Squadron Heritage Hall director. "We had more teams cross the finish line this year than I have ever seen.

One of the sinking vessels was last year's Build a Boat winners, the 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office.

"This year, PA wanted to give other squadrons the chance to win," said Staff Sgt. Peter Ising, PA video production NCOIC and "USS Cupcake" captain. "It isn't good for the base's morale if we win every year. However, rest assured the trophy will return home next year."

Another part of the competition was costume design and team cheer, which the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron team took away. Their cheer was a Polynesian chant that went: "Icky laboomba! Icky lapicky wiki! Awful lagalfal waffle! Uka teya! Ooo ah, ooo ah, ooo ah!"

"It was a great competition," Ms. Rawles said. "The teams were excited to be out there, they all had a great time and everyone is exciting about coming back next summer. That is a success to me."

The 4th CONS team will be back next year to defend their title.

"All I can say is watch out next year because we will definitely be back," Airman Caraway said. "And now with the taste of victory we will be a team to be reckoned with."

For more information on upcoming Heritage Hall-sponsored events, call 722-0339.