USS Harry S. Truman Sends Sailors to All-Navy Boxing Camp

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) will attend the All-Navy Boxing Training Camp in December after fighting their way to the top 18 of more than 50 competitors at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek's boxing mini-camp.

Those selected include: Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Robert Flournoy, Yeoman Seaman Brandon Tucker and Store Keeper Seaman (SW) Anthony Aguilar.

Once they arrive at the camp in December, the Sailors will compete for one of eight potential spots on the All-Navy team. Those who make the team will then compete in the Armed Forces Championships at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., in February.

Flournoy, who is part of Truman's weapons department, said he went to the camp with a goal of performing to his best ability. He said now his goal is to continue progressing toward a professional career.

"I went in there and learned right away that I had to relax and use everything I knew I had," Flournoy said. "I did everything I could, and they just kept asking me to come back."

Tucker said he went to the camp with few expectations but knew he was meant to be there the moment he stepped into the ring.

"I kept myself cool, stayed in the middle of the ring and controlled the pace of the fights," Tucker said. "We all performed in rare form for the entire camp. Flournoy almost knocked someone out the first day."

If they are chosen as All-Navy team representatives, the Sailors will go on to compete in nationals after the Armed Forces Championships.

All-Navy Boxing coach Kevin Ludwig said in a previous interview that the camp is just the first step in bringing Navy boxing back to the forefront.

"Navy boxing has been struggling for a while," Ludwig said, "and that's why we're here, to get the word out."
He said boxing is a Navy tradition, and although it has recently faltered, it is on a rise back to the top.

"Boxing and the Navy go hand-in-hand; they always have," Ludwig said. "Even though, we've kind of gotten away from that tradition over the years, I think we're on our way back. This camp proves that."

Flournoy said Truman's Sailors will have an advantage in the climb to the top because they will have each other for support and encouragement.

"It makes it so much better to have people from the ship in this with me," Flournoy said. "Tucker and Aguilar and I all trained together before, and I can be comfortable and be myself around them. We will push each other and be honest with each other. We always do, and we always are. We all train together, and we will go that extra mile together."

As the Sailors head to the first leg of the All-Navy Camp in December, their one request is that Sailors aboard Truman continue to support them.

"Anyone who was here with us on cruise knows how hard we worked to get to this point," Tucker said. "They watched us, rooted for us, cheered for us - we need everyone to continue that trend and we will go out there and represent [Truman] the best way we can."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.