Triathlons are usually endurance races consisting of running, swimming and biking, but for the Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), the rules have changed.

Family members of Forrest Sherman Sailors are participating in the command's triathlon, June 27-28, to help keep Sailors connected with their loved ones while encouraging a healthy lifestyle at home.

"As a ship we were trying to find unique ways to keep the Sailors motivated and interested in staying in shape," said Chief Fire Controlman Brent Russell, the ship's fitness coordinator. "With being unable to conduct a physical fitness test because of the extended deployment, we are making monthly goals and competition to keep the Sailors in shape and engaged."

This is the second time a triathlon has been sponsored by command fitness leaders. During the course, Sailors row 2,500 meters, bike 10 miles and then finish with a one and a half mile run. Back home, family members will do the same and then record their times with Russell.

"We had 11 Sailors onboard compete as well as five family members compete," said Russell. "With Sailors asking their family members to compete it was almost as if they were doing it together and it helped Sailors stay connected with their family back home."

Sailors of all fitness levels are participating in the competition, and for some, this competition will be their first time participating in a triathlon.

"I did not compete in the first one the ship held," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Estvan Rodriguez. "I don't really consider myself an athlete, but I have been working out and this was a good test to see how far I have come."

There has been a lot of good feedback from the family members and the family readiness group about the event said Russell.

"I decided to participate because my husband asked me to," said Natasha Russell, a family member who participated at home. "It was cool having an event we could participate in together, regardless of the distance, and still have that connection."

With Sailors aboard the ship and families back home participating, this event helps both stay in shape as well as have a little fun.

"I thought the event was well planned. Knowing the Sailors are limited on equipment, it made sense to make it even across the board and have all participants use the same equipment," said Natasha. "I'll admit the distances might be daunting to some who don't regularly exercise, but for one day I think it's reasonable to just share with your loved ones in a mutual experience.
Overall I enjoyed it and would do it again."

Forrest Sherman is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG), which is composed of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81).

Forrest Sherman is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.

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For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/.