Spirits high inTeam Andersen Challenge

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 36th Operations Group Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Members of the 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, also known as the "Tigers", which operate the world's most advanced and deadliest stealth bomber, made an anything but "stealthy" showing during the Team Andersen Challenge here December 14.

The Team Andersen Challenge started with a morning wing run, led by Brig. Gen. Douglas Owens, and ended with a series of sporting events.

For the stealth community, the day was even more special as one of their members, Senior Airman Tyler Cresap, decided to renew his commitment to defend America's freedoms by re-enlisting in a ceremony prior to the Team Andersen events. He said his re-enlistment was based primarily on job satisfaction and his constant thirst for knowledge.

"I enjoy my job as an 'intel/targeteer' for the B-2," he said. "I've been pretty lucky so far by coming to Guam now for the third time, Australia last year and Las Vegas twice for red flag exercises. Re-enlisting also is also going to help me finish school and get my bachelors degree in intelligence."

After his re-enlistment, Airman Cresap took to the golf course where he and his golf partner, Senior Airman Todd Anderson, 393rd EBS life support, took first place in the large unit category with a score of 32.

Another event that saw the B-2 community glean top honors was the flag football tournament. The team, comprised of aircrews and the support personnel that help make the B-2 Spirit soar, quickly made their presence on the gridiron known as their speed anchored offense steadily made their way down the field. In addition to their "global reaching" weapons of their fast wide receivers, the EBS proved they fielded a multi-strike capable offense when they won their first game with a field goal from Capt. Brooks "Shank" Walters.

Another area the Tigers competed in was a unique event in its own right. The Team Andersen Challenge cardboard boat race was one of the last events for the afternoon. The competitors were required to build a boat from cardboard and duct tape only, and paddle to the end of the base pool and back to their starting point.

The event consisted of two heats and each competitor was timed. The Tigers sailing team was captained by Staff Sgt. David Andrews, 393rd EBS combat crew communications specialist, and Airman 1st Class Cheri Alsip, 393rd EBS commander's support staff.

The duo and their duct tape coated ship, dubbed the USS Fat Chance, finished third overall. Sergeant Andrews said the unusual design of his vessel was an asset in the race.

"We based it on a Greek trireme design," said Sergeant Andrews. "It's simple, elegant and very easy to build."

But, Sergeant Andrews' secret weapon he had built into the boat wasn't allowed.

"Getting to ramming speed and bashing a competitor's vessel would've helped," he said lightheartedly. "But the judges just wouldn't allow it."

His co-pilot said she was surprised just how seaworthy Fat Chance turned out to be.

"I really didn't think (Fat Chance) would float that well," Airman Alsip said. "But when we got to the end of the race, there was only a tiny bit of water damage."

But, she doesn't plan to take the Fat Chance on another voyage any time soon.

"I'm glad our boat did well in the pool but that's about as far as I'm taking it," she said. "I wouldn't recommend sailing out toward Hawaii in that thing."

At the event's conclusion, Fat Chance was indeed retired after her maiden voyage.

The Team Andersen challenge ended with an awards ceremony and a raffle for over $1,000 in prizes at the Ocean View Conference Center here.

The annual event is aimed at promoting wellness, sub-unit esprit de corps, and safety.