Patrol Squadron 45 Pelicans reach new strides

Courtesy Photo | Sailors of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 run the last stretch of a 45 mile ultra-marathon as part of the squadron’s inaugural “45 for 45” challenge at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2015. Cmdr. T.J. Grady, commanding officer of VP-45, challenged the squadron to run 45 miles, or 45k (27.9miles), or continually move (run/jog/walk) for 4.5 hours over a week period from April 27 to May 3. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.10.2015

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Lt. j.g. Robert J. Valentich
Patrol Squadron 45 Public Affairs Officer

OKINAWA, Japan - It was a humid, sunny Sunday morning when officers and Sailors of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 gathered in front of their hangar, eagerly anticipating the launch of the inaugural “45 for 45” ultra-marathon. Cmdr. T.J. Grady, commanding officer of VP-45, gave the signal to begin and the Pelicans of VP 45 took off on a 45-mile trek that would push most of them to a level many thought they would never reach.

The Pelicans are currently mid-way through a seven month deployment to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. As a culmination to Grady’s year as Commanding Officer, he challenged VP-45 to run 45 miles, or 45k (27.9miles), or continually move (run/jog/walk) for 4.5 hours over a week period from April 27 to May 3.

Grady, an avid runner who has completed multiple ultra-marathons, addressed the squadron and explained his rationale for attempting such a seemingly insurmountable feat.

“When's the last time you've really challenged yourself? I'm not talking about the last time you did something "hard.” I'm talking about the last time you attempted something you really weren't sure you could accomplish,” said Grady. “Every time you accomplish something you weren't sure was possible, you gain confidence. The more challenging it was to accomplish, the more confidence you gain. Confidence breeds mental toughness. Those who are mentally tough succeed in life.”

Some chose to spread their 45 miles out over the course of the week, doing a few miles each day to achieve their goal. For the others, the week culminated with a 45 mile ultra-marathon on May 3, 2015, beginning at 6 a.m. and ending when the last person crossed the finish line.

The course consisted of four laps around the entire base each 11.25 miles in length. Three aid stations were set up along the route to provide water, Gatorade, and snacks to runners throughout the day. Pelicans that chose not to run on the final day volunteered manning aid stations, ran as pacers, and monitored the course as safety observers.

“It was a great day and just amazing to see people accomplishing things they hadn't done before,” said Lt. Cmdr. Sean Mollahan, the command’s first place finisher. “The Skipper is big on expectations and he made it clear what his vision was this week. He wanted people to push themselves, and the Squadron did just that. I thank the Skipper for the opportunity to challenge myself during this ultra-marathon.”

VP-45 strongly emphasizes physical fitness as an integral part of overall mission readiness and consistently has excellent scores on the Navy-wide Physical Readiness Test.

“I challenge myself on a regular basis, but the “45 for 45” motivated me to push myself even farther than I ever have before,” said Master Chief James Culverhouse. “Hopefully our Sailors see that this challenge isn’t just about how far or how fast you can run but more about pushing themselves to improve in everything they do on a daily basis.”

Cmdr. Grady had these words for the men and women of VP-45 who accepted the challenge, “Whether you worked out for 45 minutes a day, ran 45k or 45 miles for the week, or did all 45 miles at once, I'm proud of you! If you didn't achieve your goal, you tried your best and that's all anyone can ask for. Not reaching your goal isn't failure. Failure is never trying.”

VP-45 is currently forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations to ensure the U.S. is best postured to honor its security commitments and to contribute to regional security and stability.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2015
• Date Posted: 05.10.2015 21:52
• Story ID: 162842
• Location: OKINAWA, JP