For the seventh year in a row, the Navy beat the Marines during the New York Fleet Week’s annual tug-of-war competition on May 28, according to the Defense Department.

Each team was comprised of five participants.

Four out of five Marines were body bearers, who "carry caskets at ceremonial funerals in Arlington Cemetery," Marine Capt. Evita Mosqueda told the Defense Department.

As a result, these Marines receive serious training to meet physical standards. Despite a training regimen that favored the Marines, however, the Navy team came out on top.

Tug-of-War

Photo Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carla Giglio

Ensign Jared Smoot told the Defense Department that their secret to success was studying tug-of-war videos and identifying "what angles and physics worked best [for handling the rope]." Smoot, a 6-foot-10 Crown Point, Indiana native added, "It was great to see the fruits of our labor, and see all the time we put in come to fruition." 

The week-long celebration has been held almost every year since 1984. Events included the tug-of-war competition, a performance by the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team and a performance by Navy Band Northeast.

The celebration provides the citizens of New York and the surrounding region with the opportunity to witness the latest capabilities of maritime services while meeting service members from the Coast Guard, Navy and Marine Corps. More information on the event can be found at www.fleetweeknewyork.com.

Rachael Kalinyak is an editorial intern with Network Solutions.

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