Sailors from Navy Region Northwest (NRNW) and Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 23 at Joint Base Lewis-McCord participated in the annual Albertsons/Safeway Seafair Milk Carton Derby at the Green Lake Aqua Theater in Seattle, July 16.

The all-day event featured a number of different races including boat build challenges, team races, best-of-show and several other events broken down into age groups and skill levels. The rules dictated the primary floatation mechanism of each craft was to be provided by empty milk cartons.

The military challenge, the longest race of the day at 1,200 yards, would not only be determined by a team's ability to maneuver on the water, but also by the integrity of their boat designs.

The Navy boat, "USS Ruthless," a small one-man canoe was designed for speed and agility. Piloting Ruthless was Religious Program Specialist 3rd Anton B. Arganoza, who works as a logistics petty officer for the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) Northwest.

"This was a cumulative attempt; we did research online and got some help from Seafair volunteers, who offered some pointers on having a canoe -- with one person it should go faster," said Arganoza. "Streamlined, light and fast -- that's our strategy.

He faced off against the Marines' "Semper Float," a four-man pontoon craft that relied on teamwork. Both teams finished their boats within in the last two days before the race.

"We built the boat in [1 1/2 days]; we used a little Marine Corps ingenuity and got it done," said Marine Corps Sgt. Fredrick L. Willard. "We're excited, [but] we're also a little nervous that we might sink. The boat hasn't been tested yet so we're going to be doing a trial by fire out here."

Each boat had to pass an inspection conducted by Seafair officials before they could take to the lake. Boats had to use at least 50 milk cartons, have at least one person and be human propelled, in addition to other rules.

As the race time approached, both teams launched their boats and got into position. A siren kicked the race off.

Immediately, Arganoza took the lead in Ruthless, with the Marines struggling to get in step with one another. However, despite his quick advance the distance began to wear down the lone paddler.

"Honestly, seeing him enter the water, he was pretty fast so it was like 'oh man he's got some speed,'" said Willard. "Luckily the course was 1,200 yards so we caught up about halfway."

The Marines were able to work together, and with the workload being shared between four people they were able to pull ahead and maintain the gap.

"We didn't get to test this thing in the water, so I guess we're all just happy that it floated," said Marine Corps Sgt. Ben C. Barry. "We took off and had a hard time, but once we got our rhythm down we started hauling."

Developing a significant lead, the Marines crossed the finish line before Ruthless could catch up.

"Even if you think it's daunting, go out there and see what you're made of," said Arganoza. "It was a lot of fun; I got some good exercise out of it, and some good camaraderie with the other branch. There's always next year and we'll bring the thunder. We'll be here to see some new and familiar faces and to represent not just the Navy, but also the military as a whole."

As Ruthless approached the dock the Marines cheered on the visibly tired Arganoza.

"It was great to come out and show the community how the Navy and Marines interact, especially toward the end the Marines were cheering us on, so that was fantastic to see them supporting us," said Lt. Caitlin Parks, the NRNW team coordinator. "It was good for the community to see that, yes this was a competition, but we're rivals, not enemies. Congrats to the Marine Corps, and good luck next year because we'll be back."

The Milk Carton Derby is one part of Seafair that showcases military involvement in the community.

"We work with all the military as part of Seafair; we have two military breakfasts in the spring and that's when we start talking about them coming to the milk carton derby and competing against other military teams -- so we try to make it [really] competitive," said Barb A. Fox, the Seafair guest services manager. "I think number one, is that people are thanking the service members and it showcases the service members, that they are part of the community and they're here in Seattle."

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