Submarine Squadron Sailors support Guam Marathon

PITI, Guam—Sailors assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 15 teamed up with United Service Organizations (USO) Guam to host an aid station for United Airlines Guam Marathon 2017 on Marine Corps Drive near Polaris Point last April 9.

More than 20 sailors, family members and USO staff members handed out Gatorade, water and local bananas to runners during the full marathon, which began at 3 a.m. They cheered on the participants and played music from the COMSUBRON 15 submarine float.

“Waking up early to support the runners showed great teamwork among the staff and demonstrated our dedication to continued outreach with the community of Guam,” said Capt. Timothy Poe, COMSUBRON 15 Deputy for Mission Readiness. “It was especially motivating to cheer for the members of our staff running the full marathon.”

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Hartzell and Senior Chief Electronics Technician, Submarine, Communications Michael Bay, both assigned to COMSUBRON 15, participated in the 26.2 trek across the island. Many other Sailors assigned to Guam-based submarines also competed in the various races and were cheered on the different aid stations, two of which were hosted by USO and COMSUBRON 15.

“USO Guam is very grateful to COMSUBRON15 for the aid station support at the UAGM held Sunday, April 9, 2017,” said Edmund Lebita, USO Guam Area Programs Manager. “More than 4,200 runners participated in the event that saw organizations from throughout the island supporting runners along the course from Tumon Bay to Naval Base Guam. The aid stations at Sasa Bay and Polaris Point were close to the marathon halfway turnaround, providing runners with crucial sustenance at a key point along their run. USO Guam’s partnership with COMSUBRON 15 is a model of how local and military communities can come together to support our island. Bravo Zulu to COMSUBRON 15 for a job well done!”

The 5th UAGM featured a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K. All races started and finished at the Gov. Joseph A. Flores Memorial Park in Ypao Beach and were followed by a fiesta celebrating the participants.

“Hosting an aid station with the USO was a great opportunity to work with one of the military’s biggest supporters on island,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Radio Eric Steele of COMSUBRON 15, who coordinated the aid station. “It also provided COMSUBRON 15 with the opportunity to show the island of Guam our support and enthusiasm at public events.” (PR)