From Hawaii to the Courts: The OG of the Navy Basketball Team
Aug. 17, 2026 - "I think everyone sees me as like the OG is what they call me, like the veteran," U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Christie Ayers says with a grin. As a player who’s been through it all, Christie embodies the kind of leadership that only comes from decades of dedication to both basketball and service. She earned that nickname from 10 years of past teammates playing for Armed Forces Sports. Her journey started at just five years old in her hometown in Pearl City, Hawaii, where she was always in some sport, dragging her parents to every sporting event on the island. “Since I was little, I was just in the game,” she says. “My brother was into sports too, so we were always active year-round, just doing something competitive.”
From Maryland to the Court: First Lt. Llewellyn Finds Success in Teamwork
July 7, 2026 - "Teamwork isn’t just about working together; it’s about trusting each other enough to push through anything." U.S. Marine Corps First Lt. Lindsay Llewellyn’s words resonate deeply with her journey, one built on family support, resilience, and a passion for the game. As a first-year member of the Armed Forces sports all-women Marine Corps basketball team, she’s discovering what it truly means to unite under a common goal. Her story is about more than just basketball; it’s about overcoming challenges and the strength that comes from those who stand behind you.
Once a raw hoops prospect, Army dietician earns her place on the court
June 24, 2026 - In the fall of 2022, Army Capt. Cara Adams sat with then-coach Paul Parker during the All-Army women’s basketball training camp in a gym at Fort Bliss, Texas. For more than a week, the best basketball players in the Army battled to earn a spot on the All-Army team that would compete for the Armed Forces Championship.
From the Philippines to the Basketball Courts: Basketball Isn’t Just a Sport, it’s Life
June 9, 2026 - For U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Vinny Ortega, basketball wasn’t just a sport; it was a way of life. A passion that shaped who he is today. Growing up in the Philippines, he played with dedication and believed that the game was more than just a game, it was like a religion. “Basketball is everything to me,” Vinny says, “it’s like a game of life, pretty much.” His love for the sport followed him across the world, shaping his character and opening doors he never expected.
Air Force Women, Army Men win Armed Forces Basketball Championship
May 18, 2026 - As the 2026 Armed Forces Sports Basketball Championship concluded, the champions had been crowned. The U.S. Air Force women’s team soared to victory with an undefeated streak, claiming their third consecutive title. On the men's side, the U.S. Army team fought fiercely, pushing their game into overtime to reclaim their place at the top, making it their first championship win since 2022.
Let the 2026 Armed Forces Basketball Championship event begin
May 15, 2026 - The 2026 Armed Forces Basketball Championship event begins May 12th, with a beautiful opening ceremony as athletes from all branches come together to pour their hearts out onto the court, giving their absolute best with every play.
2026 Armed Forces Basketball Championship Opens in California
May 11, 2026 - The 2026 Armed Forces Basketball Championship kicks off May 12 with a variety of highly skilled athletes from across the country coming together to compete for first place. The event brings together the U.S. military branches in celebration of the athletes’ dedication and skill, displaying the outcome of consistent discipline and fostering unity within the armed forces community.
Basketball Championship Games Set
Oct. 10, 2024 - The last day of play at the Armed Forces Basketball Championship takes place Thursday with Army and Air Force women vying for the women’s championship, while Air Force and Navy men tangle for the men’s championship.
Navy men defeat Air Force
Oct. 8, 2024 - Coming off a Sunday evening loss, Navy men stepped up Monday to defeat Air Force 71-62 in the first game of the day at the Armed Forces Basketball Championship.
Marine Corps men defeat Navy
Oct. 7, 2024 - Air Force women defeated Army during day three of the Armed Forces Basketball Championship on Sunday.
Air Force women on top after day two
Oct. 6, 2024 - The Air Force women never trailed in their Saturday afternoon matchup with the Marine Corps women at the second day of the Armed Forces Basketball Championship.
Teams are ready for Armed Forces Basketball Championship
Oct. 1, 2024 - Men’s and women’s basketball teams will descend on Fort Moore’s Smith Fitness Center in Georgia this Thursday for the start of the annual Armed Forces Basketball Championship, with double round-robin competition set to tip off Friday afternoon.
Marine Men; Air Force Women 2023 Basketball Champions
Nov. 6, 2023 - The 2023 Armed Forces Basketball featured a changing of the guard of champions, as Marine Corps men and Air Force women took gold for the first time in years Sunday at the Smith Fitness Center at Fort Moore, Georgia.
Navy Men Dominate Competition; Army/Air Force women battle out for first
Nov. 3, 2023 - After four days of play the Navy men dominate their competition having not suffered a loss yet. Despite some close games with plenty of lead changes they continue to come out on top. Thursday night’s game against the Marine Corps came down to the wire as the Navy hit a game winning two for the win.
Fort Moore Opens Armed Forces Basketball Championship
Oct. 31, 2023 - The 2023 Armed Forces Basketball Championship opened with a men’s Air Force win over the Army, 61-56. Despite the Army going on a 12-point run to take the lead going into halftime, the Air Force came back and went on a 12-2 run and claimed the first win of the Championship.
Naval Base San Diego To Host 2022 Armed Forces Basketball Championship
Nov. 3, 2022 - Naval Base San Diego, California will host the 2022 Armed Forces Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships featuring teams from Army, Marine Corps, Navy (including Coast Guard) and Air Force (including Space Force), held at the Admiral Prout Fieldhouse from 5-13 November 2022.
2020 Armed Forces Sports Championships Cancellations
April 10, 2020 - As leadership continues to monitor the current COVID-19 guidance from the Department of Defense and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Armed Forces Sports Council has made the decision to cancel all Armed Forces Sports Championships and events through September 30, 2020.
USA nets silver in men’s basketball at World Games
Oct. 27, 2019 - Going into the gold-medal game, USA men’s basketball coach Micah Bonner knew the Lithuania team was “fundamentally strong” and attacked the baskets hard. They had beat host China the night before.
USA women hang tough despite loss to China, remain contenders for bronze
Oct. 21, 2019 - As the U.S. Armed Forces women’s basketball players began warmups in their matchup against host China Monday, a raucous crowd filed into Wuhan’s Hankou Culture and Sports Center. About 60 uniformed Chinese military sat on one end while China’s towering front line slowly made their way onto the court.
For the Love of the Game
June 10, 2019 - Another balmy week in Florida means that a lot of people are finding ways to cool down, but there is a group of service members heating up the area surrounding Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida. Standing just outside of the base gymnasium, the atmosphere has grown tense as the desire to win pulsates through every, single player of the Armed Forces Basketball men’s and women’s teams.
Mayport Opens 2019 Armed Forces Basketball Championship
June 4, 2019 - What happens to a hoop dream deferred? Does it dry it up like a raisin in the sun? In this case, it finds a new approach by ascending the basketball ranks from unit intramural, varsity and then Armed Forces Basketball.
Warriors on the Court
Nov. 6, 2017 - Service members from every branch of the U.S. military are competing for gold at the 2017 Armed Forces Basketball Championship from 1-7 November at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
Day five of Armed Forces Basketball doesn't disappoint
Nov. 6, 2017 - Second round of the 2017 Armed Forces Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship continues as Navy and Army locked on a spot in the women’s championship game, and Army men guaranteed their return to big show at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas on November 5th.
Air Force Men; Army, Navy Women remain unbeaten after day two Armed Forces Basketball
Nov. 3, 2017 - The Men’s Air Force team came out on top against Army in the 2017 Armed Forces Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship at Chapparell Fitness Center Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas. Air Force Capt. Michael Lyons, assigned to Peterson AFB, Colo., hit 30 points during the close match, taking them to the final score of 88-85.
2017 Armed Forces Basketball Championship Begins
Nov. 2, 2017 - The Armed Forces Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship kicked off Wednesday, November 1, at Chapparell Fitness Center Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas, commencing a weeklong competition to determine the best basketball team between the four branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Army captures 2016 Armed Forces Men's Basketball Gold
Nov. 7, 2016 - Army captured gold to unseat the eight-time defending champions Air Force at the 2016 Armed Forces Men’s Basketball Championship at Barber Fitness Center aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on November 7th.
Army beats Navy in Game Two of the Armed Forces Men’s Championship
Nov. 1, 2016 - Army Spc. Mamadou Seck of Fort Stewart, Georgia led day-one scoring with 21 points as Army beat Navy 79-74 in their first matchup of the 2016 Armed Forces Men’s Basketball Championship at the Barber Fitness Center at MCB Quantico, Virginia on November 1st.
Gold for Brazil, win for all
Aug. 1, 2016 - Team Brazil took first place in the 2016 Conseil International Du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Women’s Basketball Championship July 29 at Camp Pendleton, California. During the last seconds of the final game, Brazil scored a basket to defeat the United States’ team 61-60. Both teams had gone undefeated all week.
USA takes silver in CISM Women's Basketball
Aug. 1, 2016 - CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 30, 2016) -- With seconds to go and up by one point, USA's Sgt. Danielle DeBerry was forced out of bounds. The ball went to Brazil and Sgt. Debora Fernandes da Costa quickly threw it up for two points and the championship.
Making the right call
July 29, 2016 - The World Military Women’s Basketball Championship is about fostering positive relationships and understanding between countries. Six nations are participating in this year’s competition, but there is one team that beats them all: the referees.
Sisters serve, compete together
July 29, 2016 - “Mom, make Sandy stop copying me,” could have been a regular whine from Abby Edmison when she was growing up. But fortunately, especially for her parent’s ears, Abby believed that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
USA beats China, 73-56, to remain undefeated
July 28, 2016 - CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 28, 2016) -- After losing to China by in overtime last year in the CISM championship, coach Nate Johnson was determined that Team USA would stay on the ball.
USA beats Germany on way to medal match
July 28, 2016 - CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 28, 2016) -- Team USA was hustling after the ball July 28 and breaking down court so fast against Germany in the first half that Coach Nate Johnson had to put the brakes on.
Dribbling with the Army, a world championship, breast cancer
July 27, 2016 - “To my surprise, I didn’t know everything,” said Spc. Vanessa Lamison after reflecting back to when she first joined the All Army Women’s Basketball team. “Ever since I have known and played basketball, I thought I knew everything.”
USA, Brazil remain undefeated in CISM Women's Basketball
July 27, 2016 - CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 27, 2016) -- Team USA beat the French, 85-53, to remain undefeated in the second day of the Conseil International du Sports Militaire Women's Basketball Championship here in Paige Fieldhouse, July 26.
Let the games begin: CISM
July 26, 2016 - Six nations gathered for the opening ceremony of the Conseil International Du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Military Women’s Basketball Championship July 25 at Camp Pendleton, California. Teams from the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, France and Germany will compete July 25 to July 29, while promoting peace activities and solidarity among athletes.
World Military Women's Basketball Championship begins
July 26, 2016 - CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 25, 2016) -- Teams from the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, France and Germany kicked off the World Military Women's Basketball Championship here at Paige Fieldhouse July 25.
Navy finishes round-robin play with victory over Marines
July 8, 2016 - Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Taylor Jones of NAS Norfolk, Va. scored 29 as Navy defeated Marine Corps 86-33 in game-11 of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 6th.
Army continues their streak, tops Marine Corps 99-34
July 8, 2016 - Army Spc. Vanessa Laminson of Fort Bliss, Texas scored 13 as Army defeated Marine Corps 99-34 in game-10 of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 5th.
Navy grounds Air Force in game-nine victory
July 5, 2016 - Navy Petty Officer Talena Faison of Yokosuka, Japan scored 17-points as Navy defeated Air Force 78 -56 in game-nine of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 5th.
Army continues the undefeated streak with win over Navy
July 5, 2016 - Army Spc. Donita Adams of Maryland Nat’l Guard scored 19 points as Army defeated Navy 90 -54 in game-eight of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 4th.
Army stays undefeated with win over Air Force in game-six.
July 5, 2016 - Army Spc. Vanessa Laminson of Fort Bliss, Texas scored 21 as Army defeated Air Force 70-55 in game-six of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 3rd.
Army defeats Marines in game four action
July 4, 2016 - Army Spc. Vanessa Laminson of Fort Bliss, Texas scored 16 as Army defeated Marine Corps 103-19 in game-four during day-two of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 2nd.
Air Force edges out Navy in final seconds of game-three
July 4, 2016 - Air Force Staff Sgt. Charmaine Clark of Robbins AFB and Staff Sgt. Tiffany Guthrie of Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson each posted double-doubles as Air Force defeated Navy 64-61 during day-two of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 2nd.
Army sinks Navy in their opening game of Armed Forces Women’s Championship
July 4, 2016 - Army Spc. Donita Adams of the Maryland Nat’l Guard and Spc. Vanessa Laminson of Fort Bliss, Texas led the scoring with 18 and 17 points respectively as the Army defeated Navy 90-68 in their first matchup of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas on July 1st.
Air Force tops Marine Corps in opening game of Armed Forces Women’s Championship
July 3, 2016 - Air Force Staff Sgt. Charnaine Clark of Robbins AFB, Ga. led the charge with 20-points and seven-rebounds as the Air Force defeated the Marine Corps 95-51 in the opening game of the 2016 Armed Forces Women’s Basketball Championship at the Chaparral Fitness Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Texas.
Koreans outlast US in overtime thriller
Oct. 7, 2015 - ANDONG, South Korea (6 Oct., 2015) – The U.S. men’s basketball team ran into a bump in the road on the way to the medal rounds at the 2015 World CISM Games here, falling 97-94 to the host South Korean team in an overtime thriller.
USA Takes Bronze
July 8, 2015 - ANGERS, France (July 6, 2015) -- The U.S. Armed Forces Women's Basketball Team beat host team France, 78-41, on July 4 to win a bronze medal in the first Conseil International du Sport Militaire or CISM Women’s World Basketball Championship.
US Armed Forces Women Take CISM Silver
June 23, 2014 - After dominating the tournament, Team USA falls to Brazil during their rematch in the finals 69-60
The U.S. Armed Forces Women’s Basketball team competed in the 2014 Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Basketball Championship in Meyenheim, France from 15-22 June.
USA Takes Bronze at SHAPE Basketball Tournament
Dec. 2, 2013 - Shaking off the effects of the government shutdown, the US Armed Forces Men’s Basketball team persevered and earned the bronze medal in the 2013 (49th) SHAPE International Basketball Tournament.
MARINES OUST ARMY, TAKE GOLD IN 2012 ARMED FORCES BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP
Feb. 3, 2013 - In the final bout of the night, Marine Sgt. DeJesus Gardner taking gold against Army Sgt. Marvin Carey became the crux between Marine Corps victory and a tie with Army. Marine Sgt. DeJesus Gardner holds up his goldmedal and the team award gold medal. Gardner’s left eye swelled closed early in the fight, but the audience went wild when the ringside doctor allowed the fight to continue.
POPOVICH TELLS ARMED FORCES BASKETBALL PLAYERS: 'I AM YOU'
Nov. 9, 2012 - SAN ANTONIO (Tim Hipps, Nov. 9, 2012) --- Four-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich quickly pointed out that he occupied the same spot as players in the 2012 Armed Forces Men's Basketball Championships.
NAVY WOMEN SINK ARMY CAPTURE ARMED FORCES BASKETBALL GOLD
April 3, 2012 - Tyndall AFB, FL (By Steven Dinote, Armed Forces Sports) – After dropping their first game against the Army, the All-Navy Women persevered through the round-robin earning their first shot at the championship since 2010. As the teams concluded the double round robin preliminary games, the Army and Navy were mathematically in the lead to compete for the title. In the 2010 championship game, Army bested the Navy 56-53. As the stage was set and the Army entered the championship game plagued with injuries, the Navy women fought down to the final seconds defeating the Army 73-71 to win their first Armed Forces Title since 2009.