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Sailors Celebrate Home Port Change with Exciting Steel Beach Picnic

USS Tripoli - Steel Beach Picnic 2.JPG

Sailors Celebrate Home Port Change with Exciting Steel Beach Picnic

September 17, 2025 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness

WASHINGTON – As USS Tripoli (LHA 7) sailed toward its new forward deployed port in Commander Fleet Activities (CFA) Sasebo, Japan, the crew and embarked staff were hard at work to ensure they maintained operational readiness. Meanwhile, Commander, Navy Installations Command’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team kept spirits high by hosting a “steel beach picnic” on June 14, 2025. Named for the ship’s lack of sand or grass, its deck is nonetheless the perfect “beach” at sea. The event was dedicated to bringing fun and relaxation to everyone on board.

A Sailor’s life at sea is vastly different from when in port. Daily drills, certifications and briefings take up much of the day, and finding a work-life balance can be challenging. Fortunately, Jessica Driskell, an MWR AFLOAT Recreation Specialist on the USS Tripoli (LHA 7), also known as the “Fun Boss,” was ready to change that. As the “Fun Boss,” Driskell’s role involves coordinating recreational events and activities on the ship, and she played a critical role as the primary coordinator for the picnic. 

USS Tripoli - Steel Beach Picnic 1.JPG

MWR enhances warfighting lethality and readiness by strengthening Sailors’ resilience through quality of life programs. “Being able to do these types of events allows for the crew to come together and really provide a sense of unity,” said Driskell. “You realize everyone’s here to fulfil their responsibilities to the U.S Navy, but also for each other and hopefully that makes each day a little easier and more enjoyable.” 

Planning an event aboard an amphibious assault ship comes with unique challenges, but Driskell and her team were ready. With the green light and approved date from Capt. Eddie Park, USS Tripoli (LHA 7) commanding officer, Driskell had just two weeks to prepare. With the short turnaround, coordinating the event became a ship-wide effort. The Supply Department planned the menu, the Air Department ensured the flight deck was cleared for the event, the Engineering and Weapons departments ensured the elevators were operational to move supplies to the deck and the Navigation department provided a navigation plan to execute a successful event.

On the day of the picnic, MWR staff and dedicated volunteers got an early start setting up, hauling equipment and games from five decks below to the flight deck. Some of the activities included cornhole, ladder golf, badminton, basketball, water guns, reusable water balloons, golf with biodegradable balls, flag football, soccer and giant Jenga. The Chief Petty Officer Association and Mustangs, officers who were prior enlisted, fired up the grills, serving steak, BBQ chicken, hotdogs, bratwursts, beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, chips, cookies, and over 100 cases of soda.

“It was fun! You got away from the daily underway operations and had a chance to relax and let your hair down with your shipmates,” exclaimed IC1 Brandon Marrow.

The event was held around normal operations, ensuring mission readiness remained uninterrupted, showcasing excellent coordination. More than 800 people attended the event, enjoying food and activities despite some rainy weather.  

USS Tripoli - Steel Beach Picnic 3.JPG

CWO2 Jonathan Lewis emphasized the ability for everyone on the ship to participate. “Events like these really give the crew a much-deserved break. It promotes camaraderie and cohesiveness between the messes:  the junior Sailors, 3rd classes, 2nd classes, 1st classes, chiefs and officers.” As the food service officer, Lewis added, “It’s nice because it also gives the culinary specialists a break from cooking every meal in the galley, so they could enjoy the day too.”

For SN Garian Haywood, the day left a lasting impression. “’Steel Beach’ felt very family-oriented. It was a sunny day, even when it was raining, and the food was amazing!” Overall, the event provided the much-needed fun and relaxation that Driskell and her team strive to provide Sailors while underway.

The Navy MWR’s Deployed Forces Support AFLOAT Recreation Program offers a lifeline for Sailors and Marines deployed at sea. The AFLOAT Recreation program helps ensure the mental and physical well-being of our naval personnel, which are crucial to warfighting readiness. For more information, visit www.navyfitness.org/deployed-forces-support/afloat-recreation-program-management. For more information on MWR programs and events, please visit www.navymwr.org.

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