Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Enterprise Searches for 'BiggEst Loser'

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) continues operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 25, Sailors aboard are getting themselves 'ship shape' with the help of a new fitness challenge.

The 'BiggEst Loser' challenge, inspired by the hit TV series, will last for 12 weeks and focus on providing Sailors the opportunity to accomplish personal fitness goals.

The contest supports the Navy's culture of fitness initiative, which includes an all-hands commitment to well-rounded, regular physical conditioning and making healthy food choices.

Recent changes to the evaluation and fitness report program, covered in NAVADMIN 083-10 highlight the importance of staying physically fit. With physical fitness assessment scores now being input into evaluations and fitness reports, the link between staying fit and advancement has never been clearer.

BiggEst Loser participants hope to increase their performance in the physical readiness test only a few weeks away.

Sailors and Marines will be placed into groups of three and will earn points through team and individual events, said Ashley L. Epperson, USS Enterprise fit boss. The challenges will be point-driven and provide its participants a healthy, encouraging and competitive environment.

"The team and individual with the largest percentage of weight loss and total points will be declared the biggest losers," said Epperson.

Sailors will weigh in weekly to keep them focused on their physical fitness goals.

"I personally want to look fabulous for my husband when I return," said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Teresa S. Somers, Dental department leading chief petty officer.

Epperson said any Sailor or Marine on board can participate.

"Anyone willing to make the steps toward improved fitness, whether it is weight loss, weight gain, muscle toning, definition or self esteem-boosting, is welcome to join," said Epperson.

For more information on the BiggEst Loser program, contact Ashley Epperson.

USS Enterprise is currently deployed on its 21st deployment.

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

No comments: