Naval Base Kitsap Sailors Attend Seahawk’s Training Camp

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Charles Gaddis IV
Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback, poses for a group photo with Naval Base Kitsap Sailors after team training during the Seahawks’ Training Camp event. USAA sponsored the Seattle Seahawks’ Training Camp and invited Naval Base Kitsap Sailors to attend “boot camp” style training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Charles D. Gaddis IV/Released)

RENTON, Wash. – Sailors assigned to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) were invited to watch and even participate in the Seattle Seahawk’s Training Camp, Aug. 8, at the Seahawk’s Training Facility in Renton, Washington.

The event was sponsored by USAA, the official military appreciation sponsor of the Seahawks.

“It’s an awesome experience to observe my favorite NFL team in action,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Tu Chau, leading petty officer of the Legal Department at Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) Bangor. “To know my team is adopting my service branch is a true honor.”

Sailors got the opportunity to watch practice, meet and greet with the team, and participate in a “boot camp” style NFL training camp.

“To share this experience with my favorite team and some of the best Sailors is a truly awesome experience,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jay Hyler, commanding officer of TPU Bangor.

The Seahawks hosted more than 100 Sailors and countless fans who were spectating from the stands cheering on their favorite team and the Navy.

“When you go to see NFL players and you’re the one who’s treated as if you’re famous or royalty, it’s the best feeling ever,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class Ivory Hargrove, assigned to NBK Unaccompanied Housing.

During the “boot camp” portion of the practice, Sailors competed against one another in team events, with the winning team’s Sailors each winning two tickets to the Seahawks military appreciation day game in November.

“It was a true honor for our Sailors to be present for the Seahawk’s Training Camp,” said Navy Region Northwest’s Command Master Chief Todd Gruchalla. “For the Seahawks staff and players to take time out to meet and greet our Sailors truly displays the appreciation that they have for our U.S. military personnel.”