Last modified Wed., March 12, 2008 - 04:44 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 13, 2008

Kings Bay Paintball Field

By MCSN Dmitry Chepusov, Periscope Staff

Staying low to the ground to avoid enemy fire, MK2 Matthew Craig fires several shots from the prone position before moving closer to the front lines.
MCSN Dmitry Chepusov

Kids like playing cowboys and Indians and working in teams to overthrow the enemy in action-packed simulated war games. This is more than true for the kids who eventually join the armed forces. Fortunately for those stationed at Kings Bay, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) has a paintball field available for groups of all ages and numbers throughout the week. Several crew members of the newly commissioned Coast Guard Cutter, the Sea Dragon, spent the day at the Kings Bay paintball field, located in Etowah Park, Feb. 29.

"We decided that we needed to have a little morale day before we started our mission," said Machinery Technician First Class Benjamin Berkel. "We just had our commissioning earlier in the year and we're getting mission ready this month. We thought that playing paintball on the base would be a good thing to do. So far, we've had a really good time. Sometimes we use strategy and teamwork, but mostly it's just playing war and having a great time."

MK1 Benjamin Berkel looks behind him after getting shot in the left shoulder. The high velocity of the paint balls and the dynamic and war-like environment demand strict adherence to the safety rules, which include a comprehensive list of protective equipment. Photo by MCSN Dmitry Chepusov

The group reservation fee is $40, equipment rental is $20 per person, unlimited CO2 refills are $10 per person, and paintball prices range from $15 for 500 balls to $45 for 2000 balls. For those with their own equipment, the field fee is only $5.

"We decided to do private parties upon request rather than have specific hours of operation," said Alvin Hutchinson, MWR's Outdoor Adventure Center assistant manager. "Groups can call several weeks in advance and reserve the paintball fields for several hours. They have to sign their understanding of the rules and regulations. I think that people have a lot of fun on these fields. We have kids 10 and over, male and female, everyone really loves it, and I like to watch them have fun. Also, it's a great way for people to relieve stress."

For those groups engaging in official command training, the reservation fee is waived and other charges are discounted with a signed letter from the commanding officer or executive officer. All paintballs must be purchased at the field and all safety rules followed at all times. For more information or to make reservations call the Outdoor Adventure Center at 573-8103.

The most important protective equipment required on the paint ball field is the facemask. Its main purpose is to protect the eyes and minimize the impact of the paint ball on the face. Other protective equipment may include gloves, several layers of clothes covering as many body parts as possible and a hat to protect the hair from getting a new color.

MK3 Matthew Craig fires at the other team from behind cover. By choosing to wear coveralls for the event, Craig kept his body and clothes clean.
MCSN Dmitry Chepusov