In the spirit of the Halloween season, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic’s (COMNAVAIRLANT) Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team hosted the second annual COMNAVAIRLANT Pumpkin Smash Auction at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads on Oct. 21.

The event featured carved pumpkins donated to MWR that were put up for auction, with the highest bidder winning the right to either keep the pumpkin, or smash it.

“One of the goals of MWR is morale,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Joshua Graver, a member of COMNAVAIRLANT’s MWR team. “The second annual COMNAVAIRLANT Pumpkin Smash focuses on just that. Sailors from E1 to O8 have the opportunity to face off against each other in a bidding war for some skillfully carved pumpkins."

Graver added that attendees had the option of smashing a pumpkin or taking it home to display.

The final and highest-earning pumpkin was donated by Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Jessica Diaz, who painted the exterior with images and characters from the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Carol Davis, the pumpkin’s recipient, ended the event by smashing it in front of laughing and cheering onlookers.

“The auction fosters an environment of camaraderie,” said Graver.