War Heroes on Water

War Heroes on Water WHOW is an annual healing and therapeutic sportfishing tournament serving combat wounded veterans.

WHOW operates under the guidance of Freedom Alliance, an IRS-registered 501c3 charity. All funds raised are for the benefit of Freedom Alliance’s programs. All funds raised by the tournament are for the benefit of Freedom Alliance’s programs and services. The distribution of any raised proceeds is done at the discretion of Freedom Alliance.

For years, FanTail has been more than a boat - it's been family. Joining the WHOW fleet in year two as a 77' Hatteras an...
06/11/2026

For years, FanTail has been more than a boat - it's been family. Joining the WHOW fleet in year two as a 77' Hatteras and later returning as the stunning 106' WestBay, FanTail has created unforgettable experiences and life-changing moments for countless Veterans.

As Veteran Damon shared: "My trip aboard was truly a turning point in my life... They gave us the chance to take a real break, a true escape from the world. That experience helped spark the healing I never knew was possible. Thank you to Joseph, Captain Mitchell, and the entire FanTail family for your unwavering generosity, compassion, and commitment to those who have served. The impact you've made extends far beyond the water."

Back for its second year, Marie Sue may be a relative newcomer to WHOW, but is certainly no stranger to pulling big fish...
06/05/2026

Back for its second year, Marie Sue may be a relative newcomer to WHOW, but is certainly no stranger to pulling big fish out of the water! From the Chesapeake shores to the Outer Banks, down to Key West and the Bahamas, and all the way around to the beautiful SoCal coast, Owner/Captain Irving Calderon and Marie Sue have fished it all. That experience, combined with top-of-the-line custom fishing tackle and comfortable accommodations on this 55’ Silverton are sure to lend an advantage to the vets they host.

Plus, having served in the US Army, Irving understands the struggles and sacrifices our Vets endure, and his hospitality means more than just a fun weekend – it’s an extension of true brotherhood.

It’s hard to describe to first-time yacht participants what to expect when they sign up for WHOW. The speed with which T...
06/03/2026

It’s hard to describe to first-time yacht participants what to expect when they sign up for WHOW. The speed with which Team Blue Water committed to the 2026 event is all the validation anyone needs of the healing power and lasting impact of the WHOW experience.

We are honored to welcome back the beautiful 65-foot Mickelson Nomad Blue Water for her second year. Owner Jim Malachowski and veteran captain Chris Fry—better known as “Frito”—are chomping at the bit to get back on the water with our WHOW veterans.

For Team Blue Water, it’s about more than fishing. It’s about creating friendships, sharing experiences, and adding to a legacy of memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to see what memories they help create in 2026.

My Lady K is back for year number 3! WHOW has special meaning to boat owner and captain Michael Scafuto and his team, as...
06/01/2026

My Lady K is back for year number 3! WHOW has special meaning to boat owner and captain Michael Scafuto and his team, as Michael himself is a Navy Veteran. Michael has spent many years fishing our local waters. This awesome boat, a 70’ Nordlund based out of Huntington Harbor, combined with a skilled team has her Vets in a great position to be a top competitor this year. Watch out for My Lady K as third time's a charm!

WHOW is family, and Gad Zukes has been part of the WHOW fleet since year two. Based out of Long Beach, this fishing mach...
05/28/2026

WHOW is family, and Gad Zukes has been part of the WHOW fleet since year two. Based out of Long Beach, this fishing machine is built and equipped for serious anglers, under the ownership and command of Captain Greg Zucchero.

Greg spends every offseason ensuring the boat is ready for whatever it takes to find, reach, and land fish. Whether it’s upgrading equipment, improving performance, or adding new technology, he continually invests in making the vessel better each year.

For 2026, Greg has Gad Zukes fully prepared and looking forward to hosting Veterans and delivering another outstanding season on the water.

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country - protecting our fr...
05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country - protecting our freedoms and serving this great nation with courage and selflessness.

We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and thankful for all who have served.

This Military Appreciation Month, we honor the Veterans who continue to show up - for their communities, for each other...
05/22/2026

This Military Appreciation Month, we honor the Veterans who continue to show up - for their communities, for each other, and for the traditions that bring people together. Our annual fishing tournament is more than a day on the water. It’s about camaraderie, stories shared, healing, and honoring the men and women who have served our country with courage and sacrifice. Thank you to every Veteran who has participated over the years. We are proud to celebrate you this month and every day.

Moonstruck is back! Captained by owner Kent Twomey, this 40’ Riviera first joined the WHOW family in 2022 and is back fo...
05/20/2026

Moonstruck is back! Captained by owner Kent Twomey, this 40’ Riviera first joined the WHOW family in 2022 and is back for its fourth tournament this year. Team Moonstruck hails from San Diego, with deep ties to the southern California sportfishing community, and Kent is always ready to mobilize his network in an effort to get more WHOW veterans out on the water to experience everything this tournament has to offer. We are thrilled to welcome Moonstruck back for 2026, and we know their Veterans will find more than just great fishing aboard - they’ll experience hospitality, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition!

04/22/2026

Hearing it firsthand says it all. One of our returning Veterans shares the impact the War Heroes on Water tournament has had on his life—and on the Veteran community. This is what WHOW is all about!

We couldn’t do it without the support of our generous community. To get involved this year, please visit the link in our bio.

The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show is open, and that means the WHOW Raffle is, too! Come by the WHOW booth ( #430) in t...
03/06/2026

The Pacific Coast Sportfishing Show is open, and that means the WHOW Raffle is, too! Come by the WHOW booth ( #430) in the Hangar building to get your tickets.

We have 7 amazing prize packages you could win, and all proceeds support the 2026 War Heroes on Water Tournament. Special thanks to our raffle donors who really hooked it up this year!

Address

88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
92626

Telephone

714-293-3290

Website

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