Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)(IKE) strapped on their jogging shoes and took off running, Nov. 4., for the 4th Annual Ike Heritage 5K, which aimed to bring the crew together and raise funds for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

With the sun peaking over the horizon and the breeze blowing, Ike Sailors stepped out onto the flight deck; but it wasn't for flight operations. This time it was to celebrate the recent birthdays of the ship and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

"It's a heritage celebration of the Eisenhower in the form of a 5K, and this year it's on the flight deck," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Lauren Perkins, who assisted with registration.

More than 700 people registered for the fun run, and many more came to show their support by handing out water to the participants or aiding in the registration process.

"This is an awesome event put together by a great group of people who are passionate about getting this thing set up," said Capt. Stephen Koehler, Ike's commanding officer. "It's [physical training], it's time for charity, and it's a great thing for the crew, all while celebrating Eisenhower's birthday."

This was the first time the charity was held underway, making the event even more unique.

"Four years ago, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Scott Cross, Master Chief Doug Dickinson, and Command Master Chief Gregg Snaza came together with the idea that they wanted to do a 5K out in town to raise money for those in need," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Kelly Pankey, a chair member for the event. "Next thing you know, Ike's 5K was born."

The chance for some team exercise and a break from the norm early in the underway was well received by the crew.

"Something like this raises morale," said Seaman Recruit Cliff Wong, a participant in the 5K. "Everyone has fun and they get the physical exercise they may not be able to get underway due to their schedule. Holding events like this is definitely a good thing."

Yeoman Seaman Apprentice Jose Pina, another 5K participant, echoed that sentiment and added his hope for similar events in the future.

"The run was enjoyable and was a pretty good way to bring everybody together," he said. "It was good to get some exercise in the morning. If something like this happened a bit more often, it'd be really cool. It relaxes everyone's mind and gets them away from work a little bit to have some fun."

Specially designed t-shirts and coins were sold for the event and enabled Ike to donate more than $2,000 to the CFC.

Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit http://www.navy.mil/.