Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

CORONADO, Calif. – Surface Sailors from the San Diego area attended the 31st Annual Surface Force Ball at the Harbor Island Sheraton Aug. 23.

Naval Surface Forces held the event to congratulate surface Sailors on the year’s successes, recognize families, and provide an opportunity for different commands to interact outside of the work environment.

“It’s great to see such participation from all ranks: active duty, reserves, retirees, civilians, and friends of the surface community,” said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces. “There are nearly 900 of us here – a record turnout.”

The event kicked off with a centerpiece contest with entries from each command vying to embody the theme of the ball: “Real Warriors Wear Black Shoes.” USS Higgins took top honors and USS Gary was named the most spirited with top attendance.

The Inaugural Waterfront Idol competition brought the dinner to a close as participants from the waterfront performed songs they had prepared and some they had not, including an officer playing the saxophone and the CPO selects singing a very spirited performance of “Anchor’s Aweigh.” Stephanie Heffernan, USS Germantown’s ombudsman, and the CPO selects group were selected as the best performances by overall applause and given one hundred dollar gift certificates for their efforts.

“"Everything came together extremely well,” said Lt. j.g. Sarah E. Thomas, who helped to coordinate the evenings events. “The night came off without a hitch. It was really amazing to see so many people there to celebrate the surface community.”