Wasp Wins 13th Consecutive "Green H" Award
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100402-37
Release Date: 4/2/2010 3:22:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Koons, USS Wasp Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) earned a 13th consecutive Commander, Naval Surface Force (COMNAVSURFOR) Unit Wellness Green Health (H) Award, announced March 16, in recognition of the superior health and fitness standards of its crew in recognition superior health and fitness standards of its crew.
The efforts of the Wasp Medical Department helped Sailors remain in top physical condition - a significant contribution to earning the award.
"We couldn't have won without the dedication of the entire command to staying fit and healthy," said Lt. David Varney, Wasp's medical administration officer.
The "Green H" Award is awarded every year to ships that score a 90 percent or above out of 100 on COMNAVSURFOR's health and wellness criteria list. This includes areas such as health promotion, medical readiness, physical fitness, drug and alcohol awareness and Navy Occupational Safety and Health (NAVOSH) training.
"This year, we scored a 94 percent overall," said Varney. "Our health promotion training program was our strongest area."
The fact that 95 percent of Wasp Sailors passed the ship's most recent physical fitness assessment (PFA) helped in gaining the ship its high overall score, Varney explained.
"The two most recent PFA results are counted by the COMNAVSURFOR team," he said.
"The results from the fall PFA gave us a total of three percentage points, which was combined with the results from the spring, in which 93 percent of the crew passed, which gave us two points, so we got five points overall in the PFA portion."
The command's efforts to combat drug and alcohol abuse was also reviewed.
"They had to ensure that we have an anti-abuse program in place that is tailored toward different ranks and ages," said Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/AW) Russell Burns, Wasp's drug and alcohol program advisor.
To meet the COMNAVSURFOR team's standards, Burns and other command leaders showed them the extent of Wasp's anti-drug and alcohol abuse programs.
"We showed them that we have an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Management Seminar (ADAMS) class for senior leadership, an ADAMS class for enlisted supervisors, and an alcohol awareness briefing for junior Sailors in the command indoctrination class," said Burns. "We also showed them what steps the command leadership takes whenever a drug or alcohol related incident occurs."
Overall, Wasp met COMNAVSURFOR's standards when it comes to fighting substance abuse, said Burns.
"This year's assessment gives us a better idea of what we need to do in order to improve and help the ship win the 'Green H' again next year," he said.
For some Wasp junior Sailors, the strong showing of the command in the PFA portion of the "Green H" Award assessment is a result of the careful preparation they always put in prior to each PFA cycle.
"I work out regularly, focusing on the areas that I know will benefit me in the PFA," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Alberto Vargas. "This includes weightlifting, running, doing 50 sit-ups a day, and eating healthy. The most important part is to establish an exercise routine and lead a balanced lifestyle."
Overall, Wasp Sailors and senior leadership must continue to do their best every day to maintain their health and wellness standards if the ship is to continue its "Green H" Award winning streak into the foreseeable future, said Varney.
"We must continue to support health programs from the top down, continue regular NAVOSH training, ensure Sailors physically train three times a week, get good participation in the fitness enhancement program, and make sure Sailors participate in ADAMS training," he said. "If we do all this, we'll be fine."
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