Frank Cable Receives Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink, Frank Cable Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- USS Frank Cable (AS 40) was recognized with the Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship award, in the large overseas command category, for the calendar year 2012, Dec. 20.

The award, sponsored by the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), recognizes commands with the best overall community service programs teaching and encouraging individuals to lead healthy and active lives.

"This award says the Frank Cable is very invested in being a partner and good neighbor in Guam," said Frank Cable chaplain Lt. Cmdr. John Miyahara. "We don't just live in Guam; we actively participate with our sister villages in building good relationships and being good neighbors. When we enter a foreign port, I believe it helps the locals of those communities see beyond our ship or our uniforms and see that we are people just like them with common interests."

Throughout the year, Sailors from the Frank Cable volunteered at various projects such as the September 11 Memorial 5k run, and supporting athletes for the Guam Special Olympics. While in the Philippines, Sailors participated in athletic activities with local youths, working alongside schools and orphanages for education on nutrition and to make repairs and upgrades to public facilities.

"The orphanage is my favorite community relations project. The children are so sweet and clever, and they thoroughly enjoyed us being there and helping out," said Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Donald Bishop. "It just gives you a feel good feeling, because you're doing something good for other people."

As the Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship sponsor, NETC coordinates policies to encourage volunteer participation and holds an annual awards board to select and publicize Navy-wide flagship award winners.

According to NETC Commander Rear Adm. Don Quinn, taking the time to devote to improving health, safety and fitness can have significant and lasting effects.

"Getting out into the community, forming relationships and showing that we are good neighbors is extremely important," said Quinn. "The commands that participate in the Health Safety and Fitness Flagship are leading by example and have demonstrated the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Good habits resulting from positive influences and their resulting changes can last a lifetime. These commands have my sincere appreciation for their personal commitment and support of our Navy's Community Service Program."

Frank Cable maintains a high degree of physical readiness and provides its Sailors with opportunities to promote these same qualities both at home and abroad with more than 1,270 volunteer hours dedicated to health, safety and fitness project initiatives just a portion of the Frank Cable's overall community service programs.

Frank Cable's primary mission is to conduct maintenance and support for submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.