Fly Navy: little-known programs, like the all-Navy basketball team, abound in the Navy

At first light, in his home in Mississippi, Herman Myers would wake, rush outside with his three brothers and play basketball in the backyard all day until sundown. The next day he did it again. And the next, and the next and the next-all summer long.

Later he played in high school, and for the University of Southern Mississippi. But that wasn't enough. The 6'6" forward, who earned a degree in coaching and Sports administration, wanted more.

He went pro, moved to Helsinki, Finland, and played for the European League for four years.

So why did this court sensation join the Navy?

"I wanted to do something different in my life." said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Myers, now aboard USS Germantown (LSD 42). "I needed a change of pace, and I found it." Aboard Germantown, Myers met the assistant coach for the All-Navy Basketball Team. applied for the program and was selected. He's played on the All-Navy team for the past four years.

"The Navy gave me the opportunity to explore sports and basketball," he said. "We work hard in the Navy, and there's a certain strain, but I still had the ability to play ball. My command supported me the whole time I was playing ball."

Myers is transferring to the Reserves, and will move with his son and wife to Madison, Ala., where he will coach and teach at Madison Sparkman High School.

"I've learned a lot of discipline in the Navy, and I'll pass that on to the kids I help in the future."

Benson is a photojournalist assigned to the public affairs office, Naval Special Warfare Group 3, San Diego.

COPYRIGHT 2005 U.S. Navy
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