# @uclarugby on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DFIjQ2kvl8L
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/26137473-uclarugby-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/7eda0f44df.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-01-22T15:53:43.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UCLA Rugby (@uclarugby) — https://gondola.cc/uclarugby

## Caption

Resilience, Teamwork, and Unforgettable Experiences - Operation “Firestorm”

The recent fires have been devastating for so many, including UCLA Rugby, which faced the loss of the Dennis Storer Tournament and a critical week of training right before the season. However, out of this tragedy came an unexpected bright side.

Thanks to the incredible support of the U.S. Navy and a connection through one of our players—whose father is a Navy fighter pilot—the team was able to train at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, adjacent to San Diego, while evacuated from campus.

The Navy went above and beyond, providing turf and grass fields for six practice sessions, access to their state-of-the-art gym, meeting rooms, and other sporting facilities. This support not only helped the Bruins regroup and get back on track for their season opener against Santa Barbara but also offered an unforgettable experience beyond rugby.

The team had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the elite cultures of both Naval Aviation and the U.S. Navy SEALs. Highlights included:
- Connecting with aviators flying the F/A-18 Super Hornets
- Dining with the 3-Star Admiral leading Naval Aviation worldwide
- Visiting the iconic I-Bar, made famous by TOPGUN: Maverick
- Touring the SEAL training compound and challenging obstacle course

This exposure to the warrior ethos of the SEALs deeply resonated with the rugby culture UCLA is building—emphasizing discipline, teamwork, resilience and overcoming any adversity. 

The Bruins returned from this once-in-a-lifetime experience as better rugby players, more appreciative of the sacrifices our military personnel make, and most importantly, as stronger young men ready to tackle the academic challenges at UCLA and any opposing team on the rugby field.

A huge thank you to the U.S. Navy for their generosity and hospitality. Their support made a world of difference for our team in a time of need.

#UCLARugby #GoBruins #USNavy #RugbyStrong #NavalAirStationNorthIsland #warriorethos

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 517
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- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

warriorethos, gobruins, navalairstationnorthisland, uclarugby, rugbystrong, usnavy

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