Littoral Combat Ship PCU Sioux City (LCS 11) Blue Crew participated in the 2nd annual "PT with the Troops 5K," Jan. 5, with residents of their Iowa namesake city.

PT with the Troops is a co-located 5K Fun Run/Walk annual event that includes registrants running or walking "with" service members who are participating via live video feeds from multiple duty stations. While the participants run in Sioux City the service members run at their duty station in support of the event.

"This event is a great opportunity to commit ourselves to a lifestyle of physical fitness and to set the example," said Sioux City Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Malone. "It is also a great way to build camaraderie and lasting bonds with our ship's namesake city."

Before the run started, the National Anthem was sung, Malone spoke to all watching the live feed, Sioux City Blue Crew recited the Sailor's Creed and then led the warm-up exercises. While the runners in Sioux City ran on an indoor track, the Sailors in Mayport opted to run outside on a rare 36°F evening.

"I enjoyed running in the cold," said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Michael Ramirez. "It's a completely different feel from our usual Florida heat."

After the run, participants and their families enjoyed hot chocolate and snacks while they socialized.

Sioux City Blue Crew is attached to PCU Sioux City, the sixth Freedom variant. It is currently under construction at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin, and expected to commission this fall, in Annapolis.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet please visit http://www.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.