NAS Whidbey Island hosted its “Red Dawn” scenario event at General Quarters Paintball Field. It was based on events in the movie of the same name where Soviets invade America’s heartland. American survivors formed the Wolverines, named after a high school team, to fight back the invasion.

Red Dawn was the brainchild of AD2(AW) Brian Shupp of VAQ-140.  Shupp is also a part of the Devil Squids, a local woodsball team composed of field regulars, paintball committee members, active duty and retired Sailors and Marines. The Devil Squids officiated over the scenario.

Sixty-six players showed up to join as Wolverines or Soviets and play out different scenes of the movie adapted to paintball on a combined woodsball and speedball field. 

The Reaper Army, a woodsball tournament-scenario team with members from as far as Oregon, appeared to try out the field.

The scenario kicked off with the invasion of the Soviets. Wolverine players bunched in the center of the field without their paintball markers were suddenly descended upon by the Soviet team.  Wolverines who escaped began the tough fight back.

By the end of the day, the Wolverines dominated the Soviets for points earned by eliminating the Soviet general and overrunning their command post.

Team captain Todd Lynn was impressed with the game. 

“To date one of the best run and fun to play at fields we’ve ever been to,” Lynn said. “The Devil Squids provided excellent officiating and an awesome scenario environment.”

The NAS Whidbey Island paintball advisory committee and the Devil Squids are planning more scenario events through the winter.

General Quarters paintball is open Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Party packages are available. Call (360) 257-2074 for more information.