Sailors aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) held a 24-hour marathon in the ship's hangar bay, to get the word out about suicide prevention from Jan. 30-31.

"The goal was to show our Sailors that we care," said Capt. Cassidy Norman, Truman's executive officer and marathon participant. "Suicide prevention is such an important message, and we wanted to get that message out whatever way we can."

Sailors signed up to perform one of four cardio workout machines in 15-minute blocks.

"We had a great turnout today," added Norman. "We aimed to have at least one Sailor working out at a time but often had multiple Sailors exercising and supporting their shipmates side-by-side."

Participants either rode stationary bikes, ran on ellipticals, rowed or performed a total body workout machine.

All who participated in the event received a complementary t-shirt and gym towel displaying the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number and website address.

"In this day and age it's important to raise awareness for Sailors who might be in these types of situations," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Thereva Foreman, an event coordinator. "We wanted to let our shipmates know that there is help available and plenty of people aboard Truman that are there for them, as the event proved today."

Truman is currently moored at Naval Station Norfolk preparing for its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit http://www.facebook.com/usstruman.

For more information about the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.