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Pistol Competition Cements U.S.-Spanish Relations
Story Number: NNS040629-04
Release Date: 6/29/2004 2:29:00 PM
By Photographer's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Tim Comerford, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs
ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The Marine Corps Security Force Company (MCSFCo) hosted Naval Station Rota’s first Pistol Marksmanship Competition June 25, pitting American and Spanish law enforcement agencies against each other in friendly competition.
U.S. departments on base and Spanish security agencies, including the Spanish Marines, Guardia Civil, National Policia, Naval Station Rota Security Department and U.S. Marines took part in the event.
“The intent of the pistol competition is to conduct a friendly, yet spirited, pistol marksmanship competition between local U.S. and host nation law enforcement agencies, in order to build upon the excellent U.S.-Spain relationship which already exists in the local area,” said Marine Capt. Tim Brady, operations officer for MCSFCo.
The pistol competition, comprised of 18 shooters, was conducted in two separate courses of fire. The first, based on Marine Corps qualification course of fire, used 40 rounds at different distances where participants were scored on the number of hits. The second phase was a tactical course of fire, a timed event where participants moved from a vehicle to barricades while attempting to shoot silhouettes.
Mineman 2nd Class Steven Buck, one of security department’s shooters, was optimistic of the Navy’s chances at a win.
“We’ll do our best,” Buck said before the first shot was fired. “That’s all we can do. We have a couple of our best guys shooting.”
Awards were given for individual winners and runners-up of the qualifications course and the tactical course. A total of four awards were handed out to individuals and teams who received the most cumulative points in each of the two phases.
Buck won first place in the phase one shoot. The Navy Security Department, comprised of Buck and Master-at-Arms 1st Class Christopher Manning, won the phase one team competition. For the tactical shoot, Marine Lance Cpl. Shawn Thorson from the MCSFCo took first place. Team winner was MCSFCo, consisting of Marine Sgt. Joshua Taylor and Thorson.
“It was a wonderful event,” said Buck. “I think it was outstanding that the Marines brought this about and that it will build camaraderie throughout the security departments on base and in the local area as well.”
Brady was extremely happy with the turnout and gusto of the personnel who attended the event.
"The pistol competition was a tremendous success,” said Brady. "The intent of bringing host nation law enforcement and military together with U.S. law enforcement and military personnel was accomplished with enthusiasm through friendly competition. We look forward to continuing this tradition and building upon the current relationships with the local Spanish organizations."
For related news, visit the Naval Station Rota, Spain Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/rota.
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