A Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Sailor recently participated in the 2009 Armed Forces Men’s Volleyball Championship at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. 

The All-Navy sports program fields Sailors from all over the fleet to participate in tournaments against other branches of the service in a wide variety of competitions.

The winning branch of service then goes on to play against international opponents in various tournaments around the world. 

Naval Aircrewman (Avionics) 2nd Class Joe Koh, Fleet Air Reconnaissance (VQ) 2, started playing competitive volleyball in high school.

After enlisting in the Navy he continued to play in pickup matches in the base gym and on the beach, as well as playing in leagues in Mount Vernon and Seattle.

While deployed, Koh continued to play, and was a member of numerous winning squads in tournaments held by MWR. 

Koh first heard about the All-Navy team through an officer in the squadron who had played on the team before. “He and I had been partners in a local beach volleyball league and he suggested that I should try out for the All-Navy team,” said Koh.

Koh soon saw a flyer about All-Navy team tryouts at the base gym and decided to fill out the application.

Within a few weeks, Koh received word that he had been selected to try out for the team, pending approval from his commanding officer. Once he received approval, he headed to Naval Station Mayport for three weeks of training and tryouts.

Twenty Sailors were invited to try out and Koh was skilled enough to become one of 10 members selected for the team. He was the only Sailor from Navy Region Northwest to make the cut.

At the tournament the Navy faced squads from the other three services, going 1-5, their only victory coming against Army. Although ending up at the bottom in the standings, Koh said he still gained a lot from the experience. 

“Not only did I have a great time representing the Navy, I learned a tremendous amount about the sport and its technical aspects,” Koh said.

The All-Navy sports program is open to all active duty Sailors and activated reservists.  For application information, schedules of tournaments, and a listing of available sports, visit online at http://www.mwr.navy.mil{{PERIOD}}