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    Joint Task Force Guantanamo Swim Club Provides a Culture of Fitness

    Joint Task Force and Naval Station Guantanamo Start Their Morning Open Water Swim

    Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Edward Flynn | Members of a swimming club from U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and Joint Task Force...... read more read more

    GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Service members and residents of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay participate in a loosely-organized weekly swim club in which they swim in the ocean along the naval station's coastline. The club promotes fitness while celebrating their love of swimming.

    For Army Col. Doris Acevedo, Joint Task Force Guantanamo command inspector general, swimming is not just an exercise; it is a way of life.

    With her arrival at JTF Guantanamo in October 2007, Acevedo was instrumental, along with several current and former task force and naval station personnel, to ensure their love of swimming continues on the island through a loosely organized swim club, affectionately called by at least one member, "The Breakfast Club." Many club members credit swimming with staying physically fit and helping them stay alert and mentally prepared to do their job.

    "I learned to swim at the age of 10, but was not a competitive swimmer until many years later," said Acevedo. "When my meniscus started hurting from running, I replaced running with swimming. It's a great way to stay in shape."

    Swimmers in "the club" range from junior enlisted to senior ranking officers, along with civilians throughout the base and even some high school students. The overall philosophy of the swim club is to have fun while ensuring safety. Although the club has no formal membership requirements or rules per se, safety is one theme that is continuously stressed.

    "We swim as a group and have fun," said Mr. Mike Hall, a regular swimming participant and the facility manager of the athletic department at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office. "Safety is always a concern when swimming and we frequently discuss ways to ensure it is not compromised."

    The club practices on Sunday mornings and the swim can be as short as a half-mile to several miles at length. To stay in peak physical shape, many swimmers also utilize the base pool throughout the week.

    Swimming by the caves or seeing the lighthouse in the distance as the hot Cuban sun rises brings a unique perspective to the island. Splashing sea turtles, dolphins and exotic fish are not uncommon for a swimmer to encounter on the journey.

    Acevedo not only uses her hard work, commitment and determination as a swimmer to achieve high personal and military standards, but also as a motivational factor assisting other unit members.

    "I like the fact that I can use my experience to help others stay physically fit. I think it's an excellent form of exercise; but like everything, you have to both like it and be disciplined to maintain a regular schedule for it to really help you stay fit," said Acevedo.

    For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.20.2009
    Date Posted: 12.01.2009 08:44
    Story ID: 42194
    Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU

    Web Views: 296
    Downloads: 246

    PUBLIC DOMAIN