Winnipeg command team leads physical fitness

Commander Pascal Belhumeur, Commanding Officer of HMCS Winnipeg, participates in the ship’s Spin-a-Thon fitness challenge during Operation Reassurance in the Mediterranean Sea.

HMCS Winnipeg –

While physical fitness is a component of operational success, it can be difficult for sailors to maintain when at sea on deployment. However, on board HMCS Winnipeg the command team is setting the example of what is achievable.

To keep fit, Commander Pascal Belhumeur, the ship’s Commanding Officer, has equipped his cabin with a stationary bicycle trainer and a heavy bag set-up.

“Being fit keeps us in control of our physical and mental well-being,” says Cdr Belhumeur.

The command team has also brought on board a fitness specialist from Personnel Support Programs.

“Canadian Armed Forces members are fortunate to have the support of Personnel Support Programs and the personal trainer has been a great asset to the crew,” says Lieutenant-Commander Kevin Whiteside, the ship’s Executive Officer.

Sylvain Verrier holds four fitness classes per day while at sea and provides the crew with daily workout programs and nutrition advice. LCdr Whiteside remains fit by faithfully attending the 6 a.m. class and frequenting the 4 p.m. class.

“I am proud to be a part of a command team that is so focused on fitness,” says Chief Petty Officer First Class Michel Vincelette, Winnipeg’s Coxswain. “The crew sees it and is inspired; we have the most actively fit crew that I have ever seen.”

With Verrier’s assistance, the Coxswain has been doing a cardio and weight intensive program that is tailored to help his golf game; his handicap, however, remains a mystery.

Not only does Verrier have an effect on life at sea, but also alongside by organizing multi-national sporting events with our NATO allies, and the monthly five kilometre fleet runs in port at which the ship’s company continues to clock some amazing times.

With only a month left in the ship’s long deployment, the crew of HMCS Winnipeg continues to use physical fitness to maintain mission focus, and like many initiatives in the Royal Canadian Navy, this initiative is driven by the ship’s leadership.