Friday, Dec. 12, the 56th Army Band performed "Anchors Aweigh," the Navy's fight song. A team representing the Navy Region Northwest had just scored on the Army during a flag football game at Cowan Stadium on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

"You're going to be hearing a lot more of that!" shouted a sailor, surrounded by a sea of soldiers in the bleachers.

The annual Army-Navy game between Washington state's military communities is a friendly competition, and part of a larger inter-service rivalry. Every year, the football teams of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy Annapolis engage in a grudge match against each other. The national Army-Navy game was held Dec. 13, ending with a Navy win, 17-10, and a 13-game winning streak.

At JBLM, the battle was no less fierce, but the Navy ultimately won with a staggering 24-9. A touchdown by the Army almost looked like it was going to upset the balance, but the referees ruled a moving violation.

JBLM Offensive Coach Alvin Jenkins remained in high spirits even in the face of defeat. "I appreciate each and every one of you guys that came out," he told his players after the game.

Since McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis became a joint base, the Air Force has had the chance to join in on the rivalry on the Army side.

Jenkins said he thinks events like the state Army-Navy game should be held far more often. He explained in addition to being good for morale, these events build comradery between soldiers and airmen on the base.

JBLM team captain Dasean Person echoed the sentiment. This was Person's first time playing in the annual game, and he said he hasn't experienced anything like this. It allows soldiers - as well as airmen - from all different kinds of units that might not normally interact to form a team. When Jenkins isn't coaching, he's an infantry sergeant. Person is a refueler.

The JBLM team lost this year on their own turf, but insist they don't feel defeated. Next year the Navy will be hosting the game at Naval Station Everett. Jenkins said he looks forward to taking back the trophy next year and beating the Navy in their house.