Sailors and Airmen competed in Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa's annual Boat Regatta at Lake Ogawara on Misawa Air Base, Aug. 29.

Dozens of family members and friends came out to support the 11 teams who raced home-made boats put together using only scrap materials and no actual boating material.

The 35th Fighter Wing's Civil Engineering Structure Shop took first place in their boat named "Roxy."

Second place went to "USS Elizabeth," crewed by NAF Misawa's Air Operations Department.

The competitors began the race running through a beach obstacle course that separated the crews from their vessels. The crews then maneuvered their craft 100 yards out and around two buoys in the lake.

The final stage of the race took place when the teams reached the shore and had to traverse a narrow path while trying to protect themselves with shields from water balloons thrown by the opposite team's supporting cast. If any team member was struck by a water balloon, the whole team was required to fully submerge themselves in the lake and try again.

Once the teams reached the end of the path they were required to place their flag in a holder that signaled the end of the race.

"This year was a blast. Everything from creating the boat to the competition itself," said Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Morgan Reeves, from Lisbon, Maine. "Next year we'll have to take the trophy back from the Air Force though."

Children were allowed to set up on the beach where the teams landed and throw water balloons as well.

"The event was perfectly coordinated and executed and provided a safe and enjoyable competition," said NAF Misawa's Command Master Chief Steven Snyder. "I feel it exceeded everyone's expectations and set a new benchmark for next year's regatta."

With the gaining popularity of the annual boat regatta, next year's competition should see even more teams competing.

"It was a tight race with very solid entries and the final outcome was in question right up to the end," added Snyder. "I want to thank all the volunteers and participants for such a successful event."

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit www.navy.mil