The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) was awarded the Force Health and Wellness Unit Award, or "Green H", April 26.

The award is given to commands that promote the health, fitness, and mental well-being of the Sailors and Marines assigned to them while recognizing ships that have created and maintained a command climate dedicated to health promotion.

"It's called the health promotions award, or "Green H", but it's not just that," said Lt. Iris Manso, Kearsarge's medical administration officer. "It's the efforts of everybody working together on the ship. It includes the command fitness leaders, safety officers, suicide prevention team and a host of other people to make our readiness happen. Everyone who sent their Sailors to make sure they are up to date on their medical and dental readiness is a major part of the award."

According to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Instruction 6100.1, approximately 70 percent of all premature deaths and illnesses in the United States are the result of avoidable injuries and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as stress, lack of exercise, tobacco use and alcohol abuse.

"Every time we see a patient we talk about lifestyles, if it's appropriate," said Capt. Mae Pouget, Kearsarge's senior medical officer. "Part of what we do during our PHAs (periodic health assessment) is sit down and go through if they're under a lot of stress. If they are, then we refer them for counseling to talk about changes such as eating habits and smoking habits and everything else."

Kearsarge's medical and dental departments' accomplishments not only positively change Sailors' and Marines' lifestyle habits, but they also increase mission readiness.

"Each individual on this ship is like an Olympic athlete," Pouget said. "Their specialty is their job on this ship. If you aren't physically ready, then you can't do your job. We look at everyone not just as an individual but part of the team. If you have one person not ready to go, then the ship can't do the mission. The "Green H" says that the ship is ready to meet the mission."

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