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Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron executes a 300 meter “brick tow” at the combat training tank during the Grizzly Challenge at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Feb. 14. The challenge is held quarterly to bring the Marines in the unit together for team building. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Liah Kitchen/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Liah Kitchen

Not your typical Valentine’s Day

21 Feb 2017 | Lance Cpl. Liah Kitchen Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Instead of chocolates and roses for Valentine’s Day, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (HHS) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, issued a dare to its Marines to step up for the Grizzly Challenge at the combat training tank, Feb. 14.

Marines from nearly 35 different occupational fields within the squadron competed in four-person fire teams for their chance to win their place on the Grizzly sword. This sword has traveled across the world and has been with the squadron sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Kevin Wiss since 1989.

“Events like this build camaraderie and unit cohesion and helps to build the physical nature of the Marine warrior,” said Lt. Col Michael Spears, commanding officer of HHS.

The squadron holds the Grizzly Challenge quarterly to bring the Marines in the unit together.

 “We have so many Marines from so many different job fields who work around the clock…you might be in the same unit as someone and never see them,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian Cassidy, the operations chief and squadron gunnery sergeant for HHS. “This challenge gives us a chance to see each other and have that team spirit which allows us to be a squadron of one.”

HHS has nearly 1,300 Marines and Sailors, making it the largest support squadron at MCAS Miramar.

“These events are important because we never really get to see everyone in the squadron outside of the office,” said Cpl. Andrew Lehker, a military police officer and special response team member with HHS. “It’s good to be able to build camaraderie with the other Marines in our unit.”
 
Each challenge tests the physical endurance of the competitors. This quarter, the event took place at the pool where five teams were given several tasks to accomplish together to complete the challenge.

“It was a fun competition  and it was great being able to represent my section,” said Sgt. Antoni Wherry, a military police officer with HHS. “I definitely learned how to pace myself and work together as a team to accomplish each task.”

The winning team, from HHS headquarters, completed the challenge in 1 hour, 23 minutes, 12 seconds.

“The best part of these events is the unity and team work that you may not get to see in other units because you get busy,” said Cassidy. “To be able to have an hour or two that we can come together and be a whole unit is a really great thing.”


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