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Maj. Patrick F. Lieneweg (left), and Capt. William H. Spurlock III, both pilots with Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 303, 3rd Marine Air Wing, carry the first place trophy they won with the help of their teammates, Maj. Chris J. Klemko and Capt. Chris J. Rozspypal, during the 2010 United Services Automobile Association Pendleton Cup Skeet and Trap Competition at Camp Pendleton’s Vado Del Rio Recreational Shooting Range, May 20. The training unit contenders blasted 119 out of 150 clay pigeons to take the men’s title. Lieneweg shot his first perfect score during the initial portion of the competition after he shattered all 25 of his disks out of the air.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Boothe

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Duck hunting tactics take flight in annual shooting competition

24 May 2010 | Lance Cpl. Daniel Boothe Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The famous 1980’s “Duck Hunt” videogame became a reality for more than 100 service men and women competing in the Skeet and Trap Competition of 2010 United Services Automobile Association Pendleton Cup at Camp Pendleton’s Vado Del Rio Recreational Shooting Range, May 20.

More than 50 teams participated in the free annual competition held at the base’s Skeet and Trap range, the only range of its kind officially endorsed by the Marine Corps west of the Mississippi River.

“We had more than 154 shooters and 53 teams compete this year,” said Pat W. McIntyre, range manager, Semper Fit Skeet and Trap Range, Marine Corps Community Services Camp Pendleton. “I wasn’t expecting such a large turn out.”

Contenders fired at a total of 50 targets for score, which consisted of three-inch wide clay pigeons moving at various heights, locations and speeds in excess of 40 mph, during the six-day intramural event.

Despite every contestant’s best effort, both of Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 303’s men and women’s teams skyrocketed away with first place titles.

The squadron’s female contestants, Capt. Tracey L. Hartley, Lance Cpl. Brittney D. Walters and Pfc. Ariana N. Hawkins, won the women’s portion of the competition shattering 58 out of a possible 100 targets.

“It feels pretty good to win, but I couldn’t have done it alone,” said Hartley, UH1-N Huey pilot, HMLA/T-303, 3rd Marine Air Wing, who also won last year’s women’s championship title.

The air-wing unit’s male contenders, Capt. William H. Spurlock III, Capt. Chris J. Rozspypal, Maj. Chris J. Klemko and Maj. Patrick F. Lieneweg blasted 119 out of 150 potential clay pigeons to take the men’s title. Lieneweg shot a perfect score during the first portion of the competition after he shattered all 25 of his disks out of the air.

“I’m glad we did it,” said Rozsypal, UH1-N Huey instructor pilot, HMLA/T-303, 3rd MAW. “If you enjoy shooting and hate dealing with the hassle that comes with the Marine Corps rifle range, then this is the place to be.”

Skeet and Trap ranges were often used during World War II to train nose, tail and waist gunners how to lead enemy aircraft, said Richard W. Morrison, assistant range manager, Semper Fit Skeet and Trap Range, Camp Pendleton MCCS, and Vietnam War veteran. Many Air Force Skeet and Trap ranges still have a hole at each firing position where a steel pipe once held a .50 caliber machine gun to train airmen.

All of the equipment needed to compete was provided for free to participants by base’s MCCS that included shotguns, ammunition, hearing and eye protection.

“This is the best skeet and trap range I have ever been on,” said Richard G. Cross III, competition volunteer and avid shooter.

Cross has visited and shot at more than 30 military Skeet and Trap ranges around the world as a military family member.

“It may not be the biggest, but it’s clean, safe and well managed,” said Cross.

For additional information regarding base’s skeet and trap events or for Semper Fit’s Recreational Shooting Range schedule, contact the MCCS Intramural Sport Office at (760) 725-6195.