www.roosevelt.navy.mil
SAILORS GO WILD
TR teams take on Wilderness Challenge
October 12, 2012
WEIGHING IN Fitboss gives crucial PRT, weigh in tips
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Story and photos by MC3 Katie Lash USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs
n eight-kilometer trail run, 14-mile white water rafting race, 10-mile mountain bike race, five-mile kayak race and 14-mile hike - all in less than two days. To some it might sound like hell, to others it’s a welcomed challenge. A four-person team from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) participated in all of these events while competing in the 12th annual MWR-sponsored Wilderness Challenge in West Virginia Oct 4-6. The all-military event, which is hosted by ACE adventures resort, featured 40 teams from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. Each team was required to have a female participant. A carb-loading dinner buffet kicked off the event the night of Oct. 4 in anticipation for the long two days ahead. Teams arrived in costumes, matching athletic gear, wigs, and face paint to get themselves motivated and to show support for their respective military branches and teams. “We were all pretty nervous,” said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Donnelly, one of the team’s members. “We had no idea what was going to happen that weekend, but we were excited. Everyone was really friendly and the teams who have competed in past years seemed to be really into the event.” A long scenic bus ride took participants to the weekend’s first event, the 8k trail run, deep within the West Virginia woods. “This wasn’t a typical 8k,” said Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory Asato. “There were portions of the run that were extremely steep and the path was covered in huge jagged rocks. At one point I fell and busted my knee. I managed to finish the run but it made the rest of the events a little more difficult.” Page 2
SAILORS GONE WILD
TR TEAM COMPETES IN WILDERNESS CHALLENGE
From the trail run, teams transitioned directly into the white water rafting race. Each team was given a raft and a guide and then turned loose into the river where they faced class four and class five rapids. TR’s team, the “Nar-Shark-Turtle-Hawks,” passed four teams on the river, placing them in fifth place for the event and 14th overall after the first day. The TR team got a good night’s sleep before returning early the next morning for the 10mile mountain bike race. As soon as there was enough light to see the path ahead, bikers were off and riding, racing the clock. Most teams made it through the mountain biking portion quickly, even with the challenging landscape. The day finished off with a five-mile kayak race through some tough rapids, and a grueling 14-mile hike through cold and wet weather that
tested team’s endurance and patience with one another. At the finish line, a pig roast, bonfire, and awards ceremony greeted the exhausted teams. “The weekend turned out great,” said Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/ EXW) Joshua Bruns. “It was definitely a challenge, both mentally and physically, and I’m pretty sore, but our team pulled through. I definitely would love to do this again next year and I think more TR Sailors should consider it.” Though the “Nar-Shark-Turtle-Hawks” did not win the event, the first and second place winners were both Navy teams. “Trample the Weak, Hurdle the Dead,” representing the Navy, were the champions, with “HT-18B,” representing Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla., coming in second.
(From left) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Donnelly, MC3 Cory Asato, MC2 Joshua Bruns, and MC3 Katie Lash, members of USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) Media Department, participate in the Wilderness Challenge in West Virginia Oct. 4 under the team name the ““Nar-Shark-Turtle-Hawks.”
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Interview and photo by SN Eric Norcross USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs
he 2012 Cycle 2 Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) has begun. For borderline Sailors and those simply looking to maximize their scores, Fit Boss Marley Oldham has a few tips.
-Go with what you know
If Sailors have trained for their PFA on the Bike, then they should do the bike. If they have trained for the PFA on the elliptical, then they should do the elliptical. They should NOT try a new alternative cardio exercise without training on that piece of equipment. Also, Sailors should make sure they are aware of how many calories they need to burn, their run time, and the proper techniques that they need PRIOR to their PFA.
FITBOSS WEIGHS IN ON PFA TIPS AND TRICKS TO IMPROVE YOUR SCORE
Sailor’s scores. Eating a dinner with lean protein, veggies, and a high-nutrient starch such as a sweet potato would be a much better option. 3. Hydrate: Dehydration can have a severe effect on the body. Stay hydrated with water a minimum of 3-4 days before the PFA.
-Three things to do during the PFA:
1. Pace yourself: Set a goal, a plan, a strategy. Sailors should keep in mind what they are going to achieve for each event. Their mental battle is the biggest one they face. 2. Don’t try to cheat the system: Sailors who cheat are only cheating their health in the long run. If a Sailor fails the PFA, they should take it as a wakeup call to start creat-If it's too good to be ing healthy lifestyle changes true, it IS too good to be to prolong their life and to be true mission ready. Sailors should not risk their 3. Find your Motivation: health with ANY weight loss Sailors should find what motifads, magic pills, or quick fixes. vates them, and remember that There is proof of why - we have during their PFA. For some all heard the dangers and warnit’s their job at stake, for some USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) Fitboss, Marley ings before, and we don’t need it’s their families, or it may be Oldham, is offering to help Sailors ace the upcoming PFA. to create any more. a way to blow off stress. Also, -Three things to do the take advantage of the help given, seek encouragement during the PFA, or ask an ACFL week of your PFA: to help pace. 1. Sleep: Get a minimum of eight hours of rest the week Sailors who need help with any of the above or have a of the PFA. Sleep deprivation can have a massive effect on a fitness, wellness, or nutritional goal to meet can contact the Sailor’s physical fitness level. Fit Boss, Marley Oldham, with any questions, or to set up a 2. Eat Right: Fueling with adequate nutrition will greatly consultation by emailing fitbosscvn71@gmail.com. impact performance on the PFA. The impact of greasy pizza and ice cream the night before the PFA can adversely affect a Page 3
Story by MC2(SW) Austin Rooney. Photos by SN Eric Norcross. Historical photos courtesy of US Navy Heritage Command.
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s the most powerful Navy the world has ever seen prepares to celebrate its 237th birthday, it will be celebrating not only the current state of the fleet, but remembering the humble roots that grew into the global force it has become. The U.S. Navy was born in 1775, when George Washington took command of three armed schooners under Continental authority to intercept British supply ships. Congress adopted a resolution establishing the Continental Navy Oct. 13, which later became known as the U.S. Navy’s official birthday. During the Revolutionary War, the entire Navy consisted of fewer men than the manning of a single modern aircraft carrier. These 90 officers and 3,000 enlisted Sailors had to rely on pure courage and determination to stand up to the most powerful Navy at the time, the British Royal Navy. With a battle fleet tonnage greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined, the U.S. Navy is now the most powerful Navy of the world. In 1972, then-Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized recognition of Oct. 13 as the Navy’s birthday. In contrast to Navy Day, the Navy birthday is intended as an internal activity for members of the active forces and reserves, as well as retirees and dependents. Throughout its evolution, the Navy’s Sailors have never given up the original fighting spirit instilled in those first Sailors during the Revolutionary War. No matter how technologically-advanced or powerful the Navy becomes over the course of time, those original core values of honor, courage, and commitment still drive Sailors to perform above and beyond every other Navy in the world.
The United States Navy in numbers
237 286 11 3,700 Years old
Active ships
Aircraft carriers
Aircraft
321,053 106,188 Active-duty Sailors
Reservists
“Serving in the Navy has been a wonderful experience. I’ve been given opportunities that I would not have had otherwise.” -Lt. Wayne Shipman, IM3 Division Officer
What does the Navy’s birthday mean to you?
“I’m proud to be a fifth generation service member. Over time, I feel we’ve become better prepared. It’s important to work to your true potential, even when it’s difficult.” -Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Bethany Germann
“I like getting to know new people. It’s a unique experience. It’s important to make sure my country is safe.” -Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Carl Evans
“It makes me feel proud to be part of a small percentage of Americans that serve and to be doing something good for myself and my country.” -Quartermaster Seaman Lindsey Quintal
“I feel lucky to be a part of something bigger than me and to know I still make a difference, because every little bit counts.” -Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman (AW) Chardonnay Alexander USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) held a cake-cutting ceremony on the aft messdecks along with a special meal to celebrate the Navy’s birthday early Oct. 11.
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Story and photos by MC3 (SW) Tyrell Morris USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs
he USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Diversity Team hosted a Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration, Oct. 4. This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Diversity United, Building America’s Future Today.” Hispanic American Heritage Month is recognized from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year. “The Diversity Team has been placing little known facts about influential Hispanic Americans in the plan of the day to educate Sailors of the rich history and numerous contributions Hispanics have made to the U.S. Navy,” said Chief Warrant Officer William Caple, the Diversity Team officer in charge. The guest speakers for the event were Lt. Richard Martinez from TR’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, and Lt. Alexa Arias from Weapons Department. Both officers touched on the origin of Hispanic American Heritage Month, while providing facts about the history of Hispanics in the military and telling their cultural background and the role it played in each of their military careers. Arias and Martinez are both from Colombia, which is located in northwestern South America. “I love being Hispanic, I love being American, and I love being Colombian,” said Arias. “I joined the Navy to change the scenery and environment that I lived in so I can make a better life for myself.” Arias chose to begin an exciting and dangerous career as an aviation ordnanceman because it was a male-dominated rating and she wanted a challenge. “When I first enlisted in the Navy, all I wanted to do was serve on an aircraft carrier, but at that time females were not Page 6
A HISTORY OF SERVICE
TR HONORS HISPANIC MILITARY HERITAGE
Lt. Alexa Arias, from USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) Weapons Department, speaks to the crew about Hispanic American service to the military during the Diversity Team’s Hispanic American Heritage Month celebration Oct. 4.
allowed to serve on carriers yet,” said Arias. “I remember my former gun boss telling me that I was the first Hispanic female in the aviation ordnanceman rating and only the 12th female limited duty officer.” Not only do Arias and Martinez share their Colombian background, but both of them have served on the TR as enlisted Sailors and now as Naval officers. Martinez is the former officer in charge for the Diversity Team. “It is an honor and a privilege to speak at this program,” said Martinez. “Being the son of Colombian immigrants, joining the Navy helped give me a sense of belonging because the Navy treats its Sailors fairly based on the character and work ethic of the individual and not their race or ethnicity.” Martinez said the standard Hispanic American military members set through-
out history should motivate Sailors of all backgrounds to continue working hard and staying dedicated to their current mission aboard TR. “If our Sailors stick to the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment to calibrate our moral compasses, and avoid selfish thinking and actions, we will be able to accomplish the goal of our chain of command and deliver TR back to the fleet and its operational status,” said Martinez. TR’s Supply Department provided the crew with tacos, burritos and tamales for lunch following the program. Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Charles Bringuez, who is originally from Cuba, set up his turntables and disc jockey equipment on the mess decks to provide the Sailors with Hispanic music while they ate their meal.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Staff Commanding Officer Capt. William Hart Executive Officer Cmdr. Mark Colombo Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans Media Officer Lt. j.g. Michael Larson Senior Editor MCCS (SW/AW/EXW) David Collins Editor MC2 (SW) Austin Rooney Layout MC2 (SW) Austin Rooney
Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) Combat Systems Department stand in formation while conducting a dress blues uniform inspection at the Huntington Hall football field Oct. 4. Photo by MC3 Sean Hurt
PHOTO FIND Can you find the 11 out of place items in this photo? 1. Tiki face 2. Dumbbell 3. Quarter 4. Grenade 5. Photobomber 6. Broom 7. Cell phone 8. Stopwatch 9. Thumbtack 10. Clipboard 11. Seabag
Photo illustration by MC2(SW) Austin Rooney.
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Rough Rider Contributors MC3 Katie Lash MC3 (SW) Tyrell Morris SN Eric Norcross Command Ombudsmen April Kumley cvn71ombudsman@yahoo.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsedt by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in the The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story you’d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at 5341406 or stop by 3-180-0Q.
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