Subscribe
NORFOLK, Va. — More than 1,000 Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) participated in The Wounded Warrior 5k, Nov. 2, sponsored by Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
“We are here in support of NSA Hampton Roads Wounded Warrior 5k and show them the Ford fighting spirit,” said Capt. John J. Cummings, Ford’s commanding officer. “It is great to have the team here to support a good cause and get in shape.”
The Wounded Warrior 5k also included Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). With 800 participants pre-registered and an estimated 300 same-day registered Sailors, Ford had the largest involvement out of the four commands.
“I could not be happier,” said Command Master Chief Laura Nunley. “We have over a 1,000 Sailors out here representing USS Gerald R. Ford in conjunction with our other partners and other commands. What an amazing turnout.”
With the command’s physical readiness test season beginning, the 5k was open to the entire command and offered crew members a chance to escape their day-to-day grind in the shipyard and partake in physical activity as well. Ford’s Fit boss Stephen Prince said events such as these not only allow Sailors to enjoy physical fitness, it also allows Sailors to form new relationships with their shipmates.
“Being able to get off the ship on a Friday on a beautiful day like today, allows everyone to get together outside of the work place,” said Prince. “That is when some different types of relationships can be built and is a fun way to raise morale and get into the weekend with a healthy start.”
The race took the runners through the streets of NSA Hampton Roads and as the first few runners were seen upping their pace for that final stretch towards the finish line, it was no surprise that Ford Sailors were amongst the first few to finish the race. Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Kennarye Blackshear, assigned to Ford’s supply department, was not only one of the first to cross the finish line at Friday’s event, but was the first Ford crew member to do so.
“It was nice to see everyone get together and build ship morale, getting out here together, pushing each other and supporting each other,” said Blackshear. “It felt good to push each other and not only come out to get out of work, but come out for a good cause too.”
All Sailors were encouraged to participate in the event, no matter their running abilities. The race had Sailors with many different backgrounds in running. Whether it was a seasoned cross-country runner racing to beat their personal record or a Sailor looking to run their first ever 5k, everyone who participated from Ford came together for a good cause and to represent their command, Warship 78.
Gerald R. Ford is a first-in-class aircraft carrier and the first new aircraft carrier designed in more than 40 years. Ford is currently undergoing its post-shakedown availability at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding.
For more news from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN78 or www.facebook.com/USSGeraldRFord.
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2018 04:49 |
| Story ID: | 299857 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Running for Warriors, by PO2 Matthew Fairchild, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT