USS Howard Holds "Boot-Off;" Professionalism Shines

By Ensign Kristi Coonfare, USS Howard Public Affairs

USS HOWARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Howard (DDG 83) got back to basics Aug. 6 with the final round of its first boot-shining competition.

The two-day competition featured a Sailor from each of Howard's 18 divisions vying for a day of duty exemption in the ship's next port call and a $25 Navy Exchange gift card.

The day before the final event, participation in the initial round was overwhelming. The mess decks were packed with cheering Sailors.

Because each of Howard's 18 divisions sent two representatives to the competition, divisional support and pride in their representatives were on full display.

"If you want to see the other boots, just look in the reflection of Seaman Harding's boots," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Robert Banker about his shipmate's footwear.

Only four candidates made it through the grueling judging panel of chief petty officers for the final round. The top four finalists were given one additional night to spit, shine, and polish their boots for the championship round.

The championship round included Capt. William Nault, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7 as final judge. With Howard Sailors forming a 'Soul Train' line on the ship's foc'sle and a disc jockey blaring music, each contestant danced to show-off their boots through a tunnel of Sailors towards the judging platform.

Nault inspected each set of boots. Silence and tension built as Nault made his rounds. With a critical eye, he walked past the four candidates one last time judging their shoelaces, edge dressing, and overall shine.

With a final nod of his head, Nault signaled that he had made his decision.

As Storekeeper 1st Class Raymond Paguia, the emcee of the championship event, prepared to announce Nault's decision, the deck quieted in anticipation. "The winner of Howard's first Boot-Off is…STGSN Harding," Paguia announced.

The loud cheer that spread throughout the ship clearly indicated that Sonar Technician (Surface) Seaman Robert Harding was the crowd's favorite.

Some crew members attempted to lift Harding on their shoulders in celebration; however, Howard's first Boot-Off champ declined, claiming, "I don't want to mess up my boots."

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan - Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.