The Patriots of VAQ-140 eagerly answered the Marine challenge of a field meet on July 1st at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

The day began with the Patriots proudly taking to the field in regulation white-on-blue PT gear, standing out sharply against the Marine green of the rest of Marine Air Group 12. Following warm-up exercises and calisthenics, the Patriots fell in for a Marine-style 2.5-mile formation run across the base to the location of the field meet.

Running three abreast, the energy was high as ATAN Eddie Reese, of Hogansville, Ga., and AM1 James Aston called out Boot Camp cadence, keeping the Patriots in step. The energy grew as fascinated onlookers cheered the Navy squadron on as it thundered by.

Once reaching the field, the Patriots formed up next to the other Marine units and Squadrons of MAG-12 to hear opening remarks from the Commanding Officer, at the conclusion of which it was “let the games begin.”

Winning their first match in soccer, the Patriots began what would be a hot winning streak by the Navy. AO1 Dustin Edsall led his softball “dream team” to three straight wins, securing a playoff against the reigning champions, MALS-12.

All eyes were on Navy as the Patriots then proceeded to make history, defeating MALS 12 with a final score of 15-13. The game was a real crowd pleaser full of amazing plays, the most notable made by SK2 Ryan Paden, snatching a fly ball in midair as he leaped backward over the center field fence, making the third out of an inning.

There are many Navy personnel stationed with the various Marine commands of MCAS Iwakuni, but they all seemed to come together behind the Navy each time the VAQ-140 Patriots took to the field.

Patriots also took first place in the Ultimate Frisbee competition and a very close second in tug-of-war. During the tug-of-war competition, Navy rocked the house with the loudest cheering section at the meet.

When the dust had settled, VAQ-140 had proven themselves true winners, earning the respect of their fellow Marine competitors and demonstrating the pride of the United States Navy.