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A Summer of Success: USS Carl Vinson Celebrates RIMPAC and Crew Achievements

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October 22, 2024 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON --- The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) had a summer to remember, filled with exciting activities and notable achievements. Arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) in late June, the USS Carl Vinson played a pivotal role as the flagship vessel for the 2024 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. This year's RIMPAC, the world’s largest maritime warfare exercise hosted every other year, brought together 29 countries and over 25,000 Sailors, emphasizing both military collaboration and readiness. While RIMPAC focused on military readiness and international cooperation, the USS Vinson’s crew made the most of their time in Hawaii, creating unforgettable summer experiences both on and off duty.

Throughout the two-week in-port period, the USS Vinson’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team collaborated with JBPHH’s MWR Program to organize a variety of engaging and competitive events. These activities allowed the crew to bond with their RIMPAC partner nations and showcase their athletic skills across 14 different sports. From basketball victories against New Zealand and India, to triumphs over Brunei in soccer, Japan and the Netherlands in softball and Germany in bench press, the USS Vinson’s athletes made an impressive impact. With first-place finishes in basketball, swimming, bench press and the inaugural RIMPAC esports event, the crew showcased their strength, teamwork and versatility.

Among the standout moments were the USS Vinson’s softball teams and the impressive second-place golf finish by Lt. Will and Lt. Mauer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 78 (HSM 78). Even the ship’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Matthew Thomas, added to the success with a second-place finish in the competitive 5K. The combined efforts of the USS Vinson crew led to an overall RIMPAC sports championship win, capping off a summer of intense competition.

To celebrate the summer’s accomplishments, the USS Vinson’s MWR team hosted a command-wide luau in July, bringing together over 1,400 Sailors and their families. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hawaii, the event offered a traditional Polynesian feast, interactive cultural activities, and a captivating fire and dance show. "This is my first time at a luau in Hawaii, and it is just so awesome and a lot of fun. MWR did a great job!" said AN Carl Williams, reflecting the excitement many felt during the event. Sailors also participated in giveaways with prizes ranging from wireless speakers to hotel stays and airfare credits.

The USS Carl Vinson’s summer wrapped up with a strong sense of achievement, camaraderie and memorable moments. As the crew looks ahead, they reflect on a summer marked by memorable victories, cultural exchange and strong bonds formed during their time in Hawaii.

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