Photo By Chief Petty Officer Janweb Lagazo | NORFOLK (April 19, 2016) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG...... read more read more
By Seaman Janweb B. Lagazo, USS Mason (DDG 87) Public Affairs
NORFOLK (April 19, 2016) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) participated in a health and wellness fair organized by Mason’s health services division in preparation for an upcoming deployment with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG).
Mason’s health and wellness fair began with a welcome speech from Mason’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Christopher J. Gilbertson.
“I’m appreciative of the time each and every one of you took to come out today,” Gilbertson said. “It shows not only your commitment to yourself but also your dedication to the crew.”
Gilbertson went on to say that education and awareness empowers Mason Sailors to make informative decisions.
“It was a great speech to start something that’s very relevant,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jessica Scott, part of Mason’s medical division. “We’re about to deploy, and it’s important for the crew to know about the different resources available to them. We had a great turnout!”
The fair consisted of a variety of exhibits featuring information and hands-on demonstrations geared toward educating and preparing the crew to live healthy lifestyles while being deployed.
“Our main concern is readiness – medically and mentally,” said Hospitalman Julie Crowley, part of Mason’s medical division.
Sailors received advice about self-assessment from a qualified group of professionals in the areas of counseling, alcohol awareness and prevention, parenting, fitness, health and wellness.
“It’s great to see all the Sailors coming out to support,” said Hospitalman Miriam A. Harsha, a member of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP)’s nutrition and weight loss program. “It’s even better when they come and tell us about the amazing lifestyle changes that they’ve made.”
Mason was visited by representatives from NMCP, Fleet and Family Support Center, Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation Mid-Atlantic, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Defense Health Agency Immunization Healthcare Branch, and TRICARE.
“Everything we do is about mission readiness,” said Lt. j.g. Eileen M. Maher of NMCP. “We encourage Sailors to be aware and seek support from the websites and resources we have available. If they’re able to do their best for themselves, then they’ll be more likely to commit to each other.”
During the three-hour fair that attracted more than 100 visitors to nine information kiosks, Mason’s health services division administered anthrax vaccinations to the crew.
“Even though I am new to the team, I can see that Mason’s health division is a well-oiled machine,” Crowley said. “I have zero doubts of their professionalism and preparation in educating and treating Mason’s crew.”
Along with Mason, Ike CSG includes the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61), and the DESRON 26 ships: guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).
Join the conversation with Mason on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MASONDDG87/.
Find more information about Mason at www.navy.mil/local/ddg87.
| Date Taken: | 04.19.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2016 08:37 |
| Story ID: | 196037 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Hometown: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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