Supplying Success

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class James Mitchell | Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Tanequia Washington, a native of Newport News, conducts a physical readiness test with Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Washington was selected as BHR's Sailor of the Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeanette Mullinax/Released)  

NAGASAKI, JAPAN

05.13.2016

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class James Mitchell 

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Washington’s drive to succeed has led to her selection as Sailor of the Week. In addition to earning her Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification during her time onboard, she maintains college courses and her roles as a divisional career counselor and divisional assistant command fitness leader (ACFL).
Especially during this time of the year, Washington stays busy assisting her Sailors as an ACFL.
She explains, “When Physical Readiness Test (PRT) season comes up, we have to get the questionnaire’s ready, make sure the Physical Health Assessments are up-to-date, do Body Composition Assessments, and then conduct the PRT.”
With the usual ACFL duties and the added demands of PRT season, she meets the challenge of balancing all of her responsibilities.
“As a CS, we are on a totally different schedule (from most of the ship’s crew). When the ship’s galley is up and running, we work a 5-and-2 schedule, so from 0430 until whatever time we get off. So when the galley is up, it’s harder because you have to get permission to be able to go and take care of your Fitness Evaluation Program sessions how you’re supposed to. But being a CS, you are needed in the galley. It’s kind of a hard balance, but you do what you got to do.”
Although her role as ACFL requires additional tasks, Washington accomplishes her duties with pride and commitment.
“I’m very prideful about the job (ACFL). Some people just get it to put it on their eval, but me, personally, I like when I can see that we’re helping somebody. Like someone coming in might not be the best runner, but we help them gain their motivation and their confidence so they can get better at their running and pass their PRT,” says Washington.
“It’s a very great feeling when I see that someone’s actually changed because of what we do.”
As she leads by example, CS3 continues to impact Sailors aboard BHR with her positive actions and initiative.
Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is forward-deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation.


For more information about Bonhomme Richard visit our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ussbhr.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.

• Date Taken: 05.13.2016
• Date Posted: 05.15.2016 01:39
• Story ID: 198123
• Location: NAGASAKI, JP