Everett Sailors have been learning new physical training methods to take back to their individual commands as the Navyís newest certified command fitness leaders (CFLs).

The Sailors are wrapping up the week-long CFL certification course led by NAVSTA Everett fitness coordinator Julia Krassin and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) afloat fitness director LJ Eve.

Gaining a spot in the class starts with applying on the Navy Personnel Web site and meeting requirements listed there and covers everything from exercise physiology and nutrition to instruction and policies.

Yeoman 1st Class Ryan Arnoldussen, Navy Operational Support Center Whidbey Island, was more familiar with the admin side of the job, but learned many new ways to train his Sailors through CFL.

“Having instructors that are professional fitness trainers has really been fantastic. The training you get in this class is truly something you can use. When I go back to my command Iím going to have a wealth of knowledge,” said Arnoldussen.

With changes in PFA policy set to for October 2009 calling for stricter policies for those who have repeat physical readiness test (PRT) failures no time is more important to develop knowledgeable and dynamic CFLs.

“Sailors who have arrived at the state of no longer being in standards need emotional support. The CFL who is emotionally supportive are the most successful. Those are the people that get all their failures rates off of the FEP program,” said Krassin.

“I can design fitness programs and can train but at a Command as big as the Lincoln I need the CFLs to connect me to those Sailors that need extra leadership and help,” said Eve who also expects on his CFLs to be aware of the needs of their Sailors. 

For Chief Cryptologic Technician Richard Jones from NAS Whidbey Island getting involved in Sailorsí lives is exactly why he wanted to be a CFL.

“I’m always looking to help the Sailors improve their well being and their lifestyle. One way to do that is through physical fitness,” said Jones. “You have to get to know your Sailors and touch them on an individual level.”

Krassin says she too is glad to do her part in ensuring Sailors are prepared for their mission. 

“I feel almost called to be here. By helping Sailors, I’m serving my country even though I’m a civilian,” she said. “I want those in my class to have the attitude that they are a very important support person to their command, they are backed up by policy, and they have the tools to help Sailors be successful.”

NAVSTA Everett will offer two CFL certification courses a year, but Krassin says demand may require an additional course. Eve will be giving the course for Lincoln Sailors Feb. 23-27.