Photo By Lance Cpl. Erica Padgett | U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chuck Collins (retired), poses for a photo after completing...... read more read more
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Retired Lt. Col. Chuck Collins, a former Marine Corps helicopter pilot, Naval aviator and executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, forged a path of resilience at Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Aquatics Program on Camp Lejeune. Through the Devil Fish Program, a long-distance swimming initiative that encourages participants to log cumulative swim mileage toward major milestones, he completed a 2,000-mile journey at the MCCS Wallace Creek Fitness Center, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 30, 2025.
For him, the accomplishment is about more than numbers. It represents the values instilled by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and the strength of MCCS Aquatics in fostering fitness for Marines and retirees.
“I was inspired to join the Devil Fish Program by a lifeguard at the MCAS New River indoor pool,” Collins said. “She encouraged me to join after I had been swimming for about a year to support the program. I agreed. Little did I know that the benefits to me far outweighed my support of the program.”
That encouragement sparked a journey that has spanned 20 years, with a steady rhythm of two miles a week, eight miles a month and 100 miles a year, completing a remarkable 2,000-mile journey, an achievement that rivals the length of the Rio Grande, which stretches approximately 1,900 miles.
“I have stayed motivated due to the encouragement of the Devil Fish Program, by its recognition of my swim, posting miles on its board and giving me motivation to continue,” Collins said.
His most memorable moment came at the halfway point.
“My most memorable swim was my 1,000-mile swim, where my wife and MCAS staff greeted me with balloons, doughnuts and recognition for my accomplishment,” he said.
While his earlier accomplishments may have been met with outward celebration, this one carries a deeper, quieter pride, an affirmation of personal resilience and fulfillment earned over decades.
“Reaching the 2,000-mile plateau means so much to me. After 20 years of constant swimming, it reinforced my inner personal desire for determination, persistence and achievement. This 2,000-mile achievement will be different from my 1,000-mile achievement in that it is less of a ‘rah rah’ moment, and more one of self-satisfaction, especially at my advanced age.”
“As a boy, I had two near-drowning incidents which gave me a great fear and respect for the water, becoming a better swimmer helped me overcome that fear,” Collins said. “When I joined the USMC, I was an OK swimmer but only a beginner. But my military occupational specialty (MOS) as a helicopter pilot and Naval aviator required that I be a proficient swimmer. Therefore, I was constantly trained, evaluated and tested in my swimming capabilities, both swimming prowess and water survival. The Marine Corps gave me that training and confidence. God bless the Marine Corps for that!”
That confidence carried over into retirement, even on the days that were toughest. “It was sometimes difficult forcing myself out of bed or into the pool when I wasn’t feeling all that motivated. Still, the goal I had set was a constant motivating factor to continue on this journey.”
“Swimming has been a Godsend to my health. With my bad knees from Marine Corps activities and sports, swimming became my ‘go-to’ exercise. Swimming exercises all of one’s muscles and joints, without the pressure and stress of gravity, always pulling and exerting undue pain on the body. In aging, it is important to stay active and stay in motion. Swimming has better allowed that in my condition.”
Collins credits MCCS Aquatics for creating a welcoming and motivating environment.
“MCCS Aquatics has been my ‘go-to’ source during my swimming journey. The staff has been great, encouraging and supportive. I feel most comfortable and welcomed there.”
Collins served in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1993, retiring after a career as a Naval aviator and executive officer of MCAS New River. He later served as executive vice president of Marine Federal Credit Union before retiring in 2009 and today continues to serve as chairman of the board.
Even after 2,000 miles, he isn’t finished. “After 2,000, my next goal is to keep swimming, keep in motion and keep my 78-year-old body in the best shape I can.”
When asked to sum up his journey in one word, he didn’t hesitate: “DETERMINATION.”
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.10.2025 11:40 |
| Story ID: | 550107 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 95 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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