GW Sailors test their physical readiness

WATERS NEAR GUAM , AT SEA

11.03.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik
USS George Washington Public Affairs

WATERS NEAR GUAM – Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) began the process of completing the second biannual physical readiness test (PRT) 2014.

All Navy active duty and reserve personnel must meet minimum physical fitness standards for continued naval service in accordance with OPNAVINST 6110.1J.

“It is important for Sailors to be in good physical condition on a ship that is forward-deployed,” said Jason Haka, George Washington’s command master chief. “At any moment, George Washington may be called upon to complete a mission and it is crucial that we are physically ready for whatever we may be called to do.”

The PRT is the U.S. Navy standard to assess physical readiness. Sailors must first pass a physical health assessment and complete a Physical Activity Risk Factor Questionnaire to ensure they are well enough to complete the physical exercises.

Sailors then have to pass a body composition assessment (BCA) based upon height and weight tables and circumference measurements, when required. Sailors who fail the BCA fail the PRT.

“Before the PRT, it is important to get enough rest and exercise consistently throughout the year,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Calvin Jones, engineering’s assistant command fitness leader (ACFL). “Staying fit for the PRT results in a Sailor’s ability to perform basic job functions like running up and down ladder wells all day and working in various harsh conditions like the flight deck or engineering spaces. The PRT’s three fitness evolutions help Sailors reach that goal.”

To begin the PRT, ACFLs lead Sailors through warm-up exercises, followed by 2-minute, maximum repetitions of sit ups and pushups, and finishing with a cardio-respiratory test on a bike, treadmill, track or elliptical. Passing scores are based on age and sex and are scaled satisfactory, good, excellent, outstanding and maximum.

“In order to prepare for the PRT, I try my best to exercise and eat right regularly,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Dominique Johnson, from Buffalo, N.Y. “It is important to be consistent all year, not just right before the PRT.”

According to Haka, it is vital to set realistic goals throughout the year in order to have continued improvements in overall physical fitness.

“As you set goals, you might not see improvement overnight, but I promise you will start to see them,” said Haka. “Exercise as much as you can and make it a part of your every day lifestyle. Take advantage of all the benefits that eating well and exercising has to offer.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2014
• Date Posted: 11.03.2014 04:45
• Story ID: 146814
• Location: WATERS NEAR GUAM , AT SEA