Operation German Bierfest has become an annual Navy off-season tradition. This year, the original plan for this Special Ops was put in disarray by the arrival of Typhoon Megi, supposedly a super typhoon, which however eventually turned out to be only a minor breeze. Nevertheless, the bierfest was cancelled on that weekend and the Navy had to re-schedule to what was the final show of this month-long event.

This meant that the Operation, which normally is already crazy – with its unique combination of Lowenbrau fuel testing, yodeling and cow milking competition and a band whose show and music is as predictable as Sailor Martin turning up late for practice – went ultra-crazy on its final night.

To prepare for such a rigorous outing – and in the spirit of the New Navy to always conduct a physical exercise before any fuel testing mission – CMDR Streun was put in charge of a small boot camp in the afternoon prior to the Bierfest. Nine Sailors gathered for a run through the bushes of Tai Tam Country park which also included wading neck deep (almost) through rat-infested sewage tunnels. Just the way we like it in the Navy.

Back at the Bierfest, where the Navy had secured a prime location in front of the band, Sailors were tested to the limit in various areas. Logistics – who can secure the most fuel without queuing forever? Agility in Combat – who can chicken-dance the fastest on a tightly packed dance floor? Creativity in Attack – who can grab the most women on the excuse of doing the German beer wave? Balance on Deck – who will fall to the floor first by missing a step while dancing on the benches?

The long-anticipated highlights of the evening, of course, was Tina blowing her horn and the boys of the band playing the Glockenspiel between their legs – both timeless classics. The Operation – as far as we can remember – was a complete success.