Camp Lemonnier Kicks off new Command Fitness Program

By: Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn D. Graham, CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 30, 2010) -- A recently released base instruction
emphasized Camp Lemonnier’s initiative and progress in attaining a culture of fitness. It also
announces several policy revisions to strengthen the base’s Navy Physical Readiness Program
(PRP).

“Better fitness ultimately leads to better quality of life, better performance and better readiness,"
said U.S. Navy Lt. Marguerite Champlin, Camp Lemonnier command fitness leader.

According to Champlin, the Navy has made significant strides in helping Sailors achieve a
culture of fitness. She also lauded the addition of elliptical and stationary bike options for the
cardio portion of the PFA as well as the Navy’s physical training uniform.

"Camp Lemonnier has made significant strides to support and encourage physical fitness," said
Champlin, noting the implementation of the base’s new physical fitness policy, which include
mandatory body composition assessments within five days of arriving.

"The Navy has really toughened its stance on BCA failures,” said Champlin. “A preliminary
assessment will make the respective Sailor and their chains of command cognizant of the fitness
levels of their new Sailors.”

Champlin also cited the Navy’s new NAVADMIN 131/10, a policy that rescinded the
authorization for commanding officers to waive body composition criteria when Sailors scored
an overall score of “outstanding” or “excellent” on the physical readiness test, with no single
event scored below “good.” Therefore any Sailor who currently exceeds Navy BCA standards
will be scored as a failure in the Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS).

According to Champlin, Camp Lemonnier’s new instruction builds on the Navy's culture of
fitness and supports the rigors of global missions and individual augmentees. The changes
announced in base’s new instruction include:

Members who are identified by either their BCA or the semi-annual BCA as being out of
standards will be issued a written statement and enrolled in the fitness enhancement program
until they are within BCA standards.

FEP is not exclusively for Sailors who do not meet PFA standards. Department heads can assign
members from their department to FEP if they feel that the Sailor would benefit from the
program. The CFL, department head and the member will then meet and after that meeting,
enter a written agreement and be enrolled in FEP.
Champlin also stated the importance of departmental command fitness leaders that she labels as
“Fitness Motivators.”

“Our departmental leaders will monitor conditioning and document weight loss,” said Champlin.
“All of them are in excellent condition themselves. They are also all CPR and first aid
qualified.”

U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Jose Llavona, assistant command fitness leader, said that even
though the program had base leadership involved, the ultimate decision to get in shape is up to
the Sailor who is enrolled in the program.

“You get out what you put in,” said Llavona. “The fitness leaders won’t be around the Sailors
around the clock. It is a conscious decision by each person whether or not they will have a piece
of fruit instead of a hamburger or slice of pizza.”

“We are here for support,” added Llavona. “All first-line supervisors should help us enforce
standards and get everyone ready.”