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    Survival of the fittest: MALS-29, MALS-26 face off in Gladiator Challenge

    Survival of the fittest: MALS-29, MALS-26 face off in Gladiator Challenge

    Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | A Marine with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 undertakes the obstacle course...... read more read more

    MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

    10.23.2015

    Courtesy Story

    II Marine Expeditionary Force   

    MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - While competing in a series of strenuous physical events, Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29 pushed each other to their limits in a competition known as the Gladiator Challenge, at Marine Corps Air Station New River, Oct. 23.

    The Gladiator Challenge is an event that promotes unit cohesion by testing Marines’ physical fitness, leadership abilities and teamwork skills through a series of vigorous challenges such as an obstacle course, pugil sticks, a relay race and a pull-up contest.

    MALS-26 organized an annual competition between the two squadrons, with a hammer-shaped trophy going to the winner, said Lt. Col. Kevin Boyce, the commanding officer of MALS-26.

    Boyce added that this year’s Gladiator Challenge was the second time the event had been hosted.

    “We had nine events in total and they were all different types of physical activities; from a swimming relay to a tug-of-war. The first [squadron] to win five events got the trophy,” said Lt. Col. Mike Kline, the commanding officer of MALS-29.

    Both squadrons gave max effort throughout the event in hopes of taking the yearly trophy.

    “Even though we are two different squadrons in competition, I think the esprit de corps and the teamwork that we’re seeing today has brought us closer as a unit,” said Boyce.

    Despite MALS-29 being the squadron to prevail and win this competition, this event brought Marines of all ranks from both squadrons together and allowed them to work more closely than they would work on a normal day.

    “You get to see two different commands, even though we’re all Marines and we all wear the same cloth, battle it out,” said Sgt. Maj. Willie Edens, the sergeant major of MALS-26. “There’s nothing better than a little bit of camaraderie and sportsmanship before the holiday season.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.23.2015
    Date Posted: 10.28.2015 14:35
    Story ID: 180187
    Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA, US

    Web Views: 267
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN