CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – A clear day, motivated U.S. service members, free food, and friendly competition set the stage for the Inaugural Camp Foster Single Marine Program Ultimate Battle and Fear Factor Challenge.

The event was open to all services and units throughout Okinawa and featured a variety of field-meet-like events and unorthodox competitions such as a spicy ramen challenge, hot pepper eating contest, humvee pulls, and more.

U.S. service members serving at camps and stations throughout III Marine Expeditionary Force participated in the various events.

“The SMP wanted to host this because we rarely get to have such a large group come together," said David Hurtado, a volunteer at the SMP. "Having an event like this brings people together; it really gives you that camaraderie that you want a unit to have.”

Col. Vincent Ciuccoli, commanding officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, spoke about the role of the event in contributing to unit readiness.

“From my standpoint, the SMP and events like this bring the team together and create a way for us to all challenge each other; using the spirit of competition and building unit readiness in a way that makes our standing forces in Okinawa more relevant,” he Ciuccoli stated.

Marine Corps Installations Pacific and MCB Camp Smedley Butler are committed to caring for service members and their families by hosting events like this that contribute to overall readiness and build unit cohesion.

For more information visit the SMP located on your base or call 645-3681. The staff volunteers at the SMP will provide you with information about other events and volunteer opportunities.