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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Mar 19, 2010 - 6:16:21 PM |
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Camp Shelby Soldiers Ride to the Battleship Memorial Park
By Sgt. Sheila Holifield, 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs, First Army Division East, Camp Shelby, Miss.
Jun 30, 2009 - 6:30:00 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Soldiers, civilians, and family members gathered together in front of the USS Alabama (BB-60) to take a group photo after they arrived at the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala. US Army photo by Sgt. Sheila Holifield. |
CAMP SHELBY, Miss. - More than 55 motorcycle riders and 90 Soldiers, civilians and family members came together on Friday to kick off the 177th Armored Brigade's Motorcycle Mentorship Ride for the summer season. In the 16 months since the program began, this ride marked the longest ride, traveling over 100 miles to the Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala.
State Troopers from Alabama and Mississippi, Sheriff Departments from both states, and the Mobile Police Department escorted the Soldiers, civilians and family members to Mobile.
"This ride was different than any other we have done; it was a nice long ride, but still not too far to travel," said Capt. Donald "Jay" Young, the logistics officer for the 3rd Battalion, 346th Combat Service Support Battalion.
The 3-346th hosted the ride in order to raise motorcycle safety awareness and reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents to all licensed motorcycle riders within the brigade.
"Although motorcycle riders share the road with automobiles, a lot of times motorcycles are not seen because people aren't looking for them," said Young. "With the ride being escorted by police officers, we were able to integrate non-rider awareness of motorcycles naturally."
It was a sight to see, as the riders were escorted through red traffic lights and each intersection was cordoned to keep the pack of riders together.
Upon arrival at the memorial park, the participants had the opportunity to tour the USS Alabama (BB-60) and the USS Submarine Drum Museums before a catered lunch was provided on the ship.
The USS Alabama (BB-60), nicknamed the "Lucky A", lost no American lives aboard due to enemy fire during World War II. The ship, which is longer than two football fields, had a normal crew size over 2,700, won nine battle stars and shot down 22 planes during the war.
The USS Submarine Drum, one of the few submarines in the world displayed above ground, had a normal crew size of only 72 and won 12 battle stars during the war.
Not only was this mentorship ride the farthest traveled, but it was also an opportunity for the participants to see a small part of local military history.
"The military puts a lot of requirements on Soldiers who ride motorcycles, so we tried to make this ride both fun and interesting while still keeping a military background," said Young. "At the end of the day, we want to teach Soldiers to respect their bikes."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Over 55 riders participated in the 177th Armored Brigade's Motorcycle Mentorship Ride to Mobile, Ala., on Friday. The Soldiers traveled 100 miles to their destination, making it the longest mentorship ride in the 16 months since the program was initiated. US Army photo by Sgt. Sheila Holifield. |
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| Soldiers with the 177th Armored Brigade at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Miss., take a moment to relax aboard the USS Alabama (BB-60) as they toured the ship, which stretches more than two football fields in length. US Army photo by Sgt. Sheila Holifield. |
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