The U.S. Navy's autumn physical fitness assessment cycle will be suspended to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Navy announced.

A NAVADMIN, or naval administrative message, announced the change on Tuesday, saying that sailors will not take the assessment, normally conducted twice each year, and their military records will indicate that they were "excused" from the test. It is the second consecutive fitness cycle suspended by the Navy because of the pandemic.

The test consists of sit-ups and push-ups and either a 1.5-mile run or a 500-meter swim. It is a standard physical training test used by other branches, and many U.S. law enforcement agencies. "Mock PFAs" will be conducted, with proper social distancing and face masks, for personnel seeking to regain advancement eligibility or retention.

The message advises adherence to a "Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System" in place of the assessment, a five-week conditioning and diet plan "to improve operational readiness and reduce injury."

The elimination of the assessments is the latest in postponements and cancellations by the U.S. military in its effort to reduce the effects of the virus on personnel and plans. Appearances at summer air shows have been reduced, and San Diego's Miramar Air Show of military aircraft was canceled. Military honors at funerals were eliminated in May but will resume in July, and the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship, the future USS Tripoli, will sail from Pascagoula, Miss., without a formal commissioning ceremony scheduled for July 15 in Pensacola, Fla.

Related Links
Naval Warfare in the 21st Century

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

Huntington Ingalls nets $936M for Arleigh Burke-class destroyer
Washington DC (UPI) Jun 30, 2020
The Navy has awarded Huntington Ingalls with a $936 million contract for the construction of an additional Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer. "We take great pride in the craftsmanship of our shipbuilders, and in the capabilities of our world-class shipyard," Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias said in a statement. "This contract award provides great momentum for Ingalls and our more than 600 suppliers, in nearly 40 states, as we enter the second half of the year," Cuccias ... read more