In it to Win it: Captain's Cup

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

02.12.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Isabel Wences 

USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

NORFOLK, Va. – Departments aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) have been going head-to-head in a competition known as Captain’s Cup held from September 2019 through December 2020.
Captain’s Cup is a competition that consists of recreational, sporting and fitness events hosted by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team. Departments participate in events to become the ship’s winner and receive a prize.
“This is not your ordinary Captain’s Cup,” said Clinton Vinson, from Munford, Tennessee, the afloat fitness specialist aboard the John C. Stennis. “For those unaware, each month we host three events: one sport, one fitness, and one recreation.”
Vinson stated that MWR’s goal is to maximize interest and participation of the crew. The athletic Sailors can participate in sports such as soccer, fitness enthusiasts will have running relays or a high intensity workout, and Sailors that excel at puzzles will have an opportunity for an escape room or sand castle building. Vinson said that the winner of Captain’s Cup will win a huge trophy with their team name engraved on it, a team photo and a mystery prize.
Captain’s Cup is a way to become closer to your shipmates by using friendly competition and a common goal to boost morale.
“At each event, participants cheer and joke at each other, which boosts comradery,” said Vinson. “Events can be competitive, but entertaining as well. I can see and hear the enjoyment Sailors are having at each one.”
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Donye Wright, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, expands on participation in the competition.
“When granted the opportunity to make or be a part of the change… I just want to encourage the crew to get out of their comfort zone and have fun,” said Wright. “Be the change.”
After four months, the leading departments are Operations, Navigation and Deck with 54 points. In second place, are Engineering, Medical and Dental with 36 points, and third place is Supply’s team “A” with 28 points.
“It makes me feel good knowing we work well together on and off the deck plates,” said Wright. “If we continue our participation, we have a good chance of winning. But to prove we are the best, we have to beat the best, so it would be nice to have a little bit of competition.”
For Sailors who want to participate in future Captain’s Cup events, speak with your department’s Captain’s Cup team coordinator for more information.
The John C. Stennis is partnering with Newport News Shipbuilding to complete Refueling Complex Overhaul on schedule with a trained, resilient and cohesive crew.
For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.

• Date Taken: 02.12.2020
• Date Posted: 02.12.2020 11:57
• Story ID: 362725
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US