Deep Six Challenge Wraps Up

Story by Seaman Jack Lepien

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

Through six strenuous and grueling weeks of dieting and exercising, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) have pushed themselves and their bodies to become better in the hopes of winning the Deep Six Fitness Challenge.

The Deep Six Challenge, a command program designed to motivate Sailors to lose weight through diet and exercise by offering prizes, came to a close Friday, March 8, leaving six Sailors standing as the champions.

When the smoke cleared and the dust settled, the top three men and top three women were declared the victors based on weight loss, body mass index management, and number of fitness classes attended. Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Julian Fernandez and Airman Lorena Garcia won first place, Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Alex Sherwood and Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Tammi Cagle won second place, and Interior Communications Electrician Seaman Jonathan Gilbert and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Sofia Knight took third place in their respective categories.

First place winners were rewarded with $300 Amazon gift cards, second place winners received $200 Amazon gift cards, and third place winners received $100 Amazon gift cards.

The program was organized by Rosalio Nieto, the Afloat Fitness Specialist (FITBOSS) assigned to George Washington.

“I’m really proud of all the competitors of the Deep Six Challenge,” said Nieto. “It was great hearing the stories of these Sailors pushing themselves to be better.” 

Gilbert said that he felt that he got a lot out of the program.

“I was really excited and feel very accomplished,” said Gilbert. “The challenge taught me how to lose weight in a responsible, healthy, and sustainable way.”

Gilbert mentioned that just because the challenge is over, it doesn’t mean that he’s done working to better himself.

“I still have goals I want to accomplish,” said Gilbert. “I’m still trying to lose a little bit more weight and better my [physical readiness test] scores.”

Gilbert not only liked the exercise classes that were part of the challenge, but also learned different forms of fitness he can use to accomplish his goals.

“I did the circuit training class the most,” said Gilbert. “It taught me a lot of workouts I can do without equipment.The afternoon strength training was really good for teaching me how to use the gym equipment that can be intimidating for new people.”

The motivation, however, was Gilbert’s biggest takeaway from the challenge.

“It reenergized my motivation and taught me new ways to work out I’d never thought of before,” said Gilbert.

Nieto had advice moving forward for all the Sailors who competed in the challenge. 

“Don’t stop; keep going,” said Nieto. “Persistence is number one. You can work out super hard and eat healthy for six weeks, but if you stop all that training, you lose all your progress.”

Nieto also mentioned a number of resources he has for people looking to better or maintain their fitness.

“I have a new library of fitness plans on the [morale, welfare and recreation] page of the ship’s intranet,” said Nieto. “It includes plans for people with all sorts of goals, whether that be to lose weight, gain strength, run faster, or whatever they’re looking to do.”

Nieto had one last thing to say to everyone on the ship working to better themselves, whether they competed in the challenge or not.

“Our body composition is made up of small choices each and every day. Do what is best for you to achieve your goals while being happy. Never give up.”

Even though the challenge is over, Gilbert says that continuing on is what’s best for everyone.

“I really think this benefits the command and helps the people who want to make a healthy change in their life,” said Gilbert. “I’m going to keep going, to become a better person than I am today.”