Spreading Good Will and Healing Livers

On this last port stop in Darwin, Australia the ole' USNS Mercy crew was just in time for the Annual Darwin Lions Club Beercan Regatta. There was a lot of talk about this after one of the crew found the web page and word spread like wildfire on the smoke deck about some "beer festival". Sad to say I wasn't in attendance but it looks like the US Navy showed up in a boat that would have made Joseph Daniels proud.

According to CDR Matthew T. Provencher, head of Orthopedic Surgery and also the main boat builder, the USNS No Mercy had "a great and very successful day at the Darwin Lions Club Regatta, with the USNS No Mercy team winning the tug of war competition." The Mini-Mercy took top place in soda can boat and international built boat as well. As for the regatta itself, the multi-hull catamaran style that the Navy loves so much was a good choice and the boat took 5th. For a bunch of shore-loving medical personnel it's very admirable.

The Aussies violating multiple Geneva Convention codes by firing on the "USNS No Mercy"

"It was a total blast – much fun and many people remarking on what a great day it was at Mindil Beach. The combination of the markets, the racing, and the friendly Darwin people created a very fun atmosphere that all enjoyed." CDR Provencher said of the event. The boat and all the proceeds (over 400$) were donated to the Darwin Lion's Club. If you want to get your hands on this award winning testament to boredom while underway, the Lion's Club is auctioning it off for further profits HERE.