The Top Ender Magazine February March 2021 Edition

HMAS Glenelg Onboard
Fitness
Have you considered how the
crew of an Armidale Class
Patrol Boat (ACPB) maintain
their fitness and well-being
during extensive sea-time?
The Commanding Officer (CO) of
HMAS Glenelg, LCDR Jared Webb,
and his crew provided the Top Ender
Magazine with an insight into how his
ship’s company do just that.
LEUT Tyson Hales, the Executive
Officer (XO) of Glenelg, said:
“Physical training has immediate and
long-term health benefits – most
importantly, improving the quality of
life of our sailors.”
Each ACPB is equipped with the latest
Life Fitness Spin Bike or Assault Air
Bike and Concept II Rower for cardio
training. For those who train for
strength, equipment like kettle bells,
torsion bars, slam balls, strength bags
and medicine balls add variety to the
standard dumbbells and barbell
exercises.
Circuit training sessions designed by
the PTIs are popular with personnel
combining both cardio and strength in
their daily routine.
“Having time out of your busy day to
get some fresh air on the quarterdeck
really helps clear the mind” the XO
said.
LEUT Hales drives all sport, group PT
and adventure training activities while
ashore. At sea, he overseas internal
department competitions. “The
Charge, Ships Technical Officer, loves
to exercise and lift heavy weights and
is often seen just flexing his guns
shouting the mantras “You don’t get
these peeling potatoes” or “Can’t flex
cardio” he said.
The Navy’s Mental Health and Well
Being Action Plan 2018-2023 requires
Navy personnel to be Fit to Fight, Fit
to Work and Fit for Life.
According to the Chief of Navy (CN),
“Mental health and resilience is a
critical enabler for our modern Navy
and that this takes time and effort to
achieve”. Glenelg’s Command team
believe physical training plays a large
part in the CN’s statement. Research
indicates mental wellness through
exercise can assist in reducing anxiety,
depression, negative moods, low selfesteem
and it helps improve cognitive
function.
The limited space to train and store exercise equipment
has not deterred the crew of 25 with 90% training daily
during the designated times of 1600-1700. The CO, an avid
runner, recently completed 20,000 laps of his vessel.
Physical Training Instructors (PTI) are not billeted to an
ACPB, so the crew must remain diligent in their training to
ensure they are physically and mentally fit to conduct
assigned tasks, often in arduous conditions.
Two Sports Officers, ABML-C Catalano and ABBM
Dawson, liaise with HMAS Coonawarra’s PTIs to design
creative workouts to accommodate the limited space for
exercise and procure resistance and cardio equipment for
the crew.
“We enjoy working with the PTIs as they are ever
accommodating by delivering a top notch service” said AB
Dawson.
AB Catalano, a true advocate of the importance of
exercise, said: “Whilst doing PT you get a rush of chemical
endorphins. These trigger a positive feeling in the body
leaving you feeling happier, healthier and with a clear mind
ready to take on whatever is thrown at you”.
Glenelg has worked hard to follow the CNs directive. The
Command team understands the importance that exercise
plays to promote and maintain physically & psychologically
resilient personnel.
Life at sea has its challenges, and it is important to develop
a good exercise routine early to help maintain control over
your health. That is something the crew of HMAS Glenelg
know only too well when sailing around the Top End.
Written by CPOPTI Stuart Rowe
Community Contributor
50 The Top Ender | Tri-Services Magazine Incorporated FEBRUARY/MARCH 2021 51