SAN DIEGO – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) has recently modernized onboard fitness facilities, and this was marked by the re-opening of the ship’s mezzanine gym, June 25.
Working in close partnership with Commander, Navy Installations Command Deployed Forces Support, ship Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team members Shawn Ellison, Carl Vinson’s fitness director, or “Fit Boss,” and Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Chelsea Armendariz, the Recreation Services Officer, secured new fitness equipment and restored multiple workout spaces across the ship. This reinforced the command’s commitment to physical readiness, resiliency and quality of life. As the Fit Boss, Ellison oversees the ship’s fitness programs, facilities and initiatives designed to improve Sailor wellness and cultivate a culture of fitness across the command.
The fitness facility expansion efforts culminated in the re-opening of the mezzanine gym, which features new free weight equipment, squat racks and functional fitness equipment. These efforts also included the re-opening of the seaside gym, an open-air fitness space where Sailors can lift weights, participate in fitness classes, and train while enjoying fresh air and ocean views.
The ship also received a BeaverFit Shred Shed, a multipurpose functional fitness container system that significantly expands workout capacity and provides flexible training opportunities for the ship’s crew, embarked staffs and air wing and all civilian riders.
The modernized fitness equipment and re-opening of the gyms reflects the command’s continued investment in Sailor wellness.
“Fitness onboard an aircraft carrier isn’t just about physical strength but is also a way to help Sailors relieve stress,” said Ellison. “Staying active onboard doesn’t just keep our Sailors physically fit to meet Navy standards, but it is a critical tool for boosting morale and maintaining mental well-being during a demanding deployment.”
Ship leadership recognizes that maintaining a culture of fitness is essential to sustaining combat readiness in demanding situations.
“Onboard a carrier, the deck plates demand peak physical performance. This is why MWR looks at fitness as a total package,” said Ellison. “As the Fit Boss, I want to ensure that every Sailor, regardless of their starting fitness level, has access to excellent equipment and functional spaces. By meeting people where they are, we don’t just maintain high standards; we foster a culture of health that keeps the crew physically strong and mentally resilient.”
Beyond maintaining physical standards, MWR continues to expand opportunities for crew engagement through command fitness events, including flight deck 5K runs, group workouts and recreational activities designed to build camaraderie and provide healthy outlets for stress management.
The newly restored fitness spaces are expected to support thousands of Sailors, providing around-the-clock access to equipment and programs that enhance both individual wellness and unit readiness.
“Fitness is more than preparing for the physical readiness test,” said Ellison. “It is about building resilience, improving mental health, and ensuring our Sailors are physically and mentally prepared to answer our nation’s call whenever and wherever required.”
USS Carl Vinson is America’s third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, and its mission is to conduct carrier air warfare operations and assist in planning, control, coordination and integration of embarked air wing squadrons in support of naval operations around the globe. The ship’s namesake honors one of the longest-serving U.S. congressmen, whose leadership and vision significantly shaped U.S. naval shipbuilding and strategic maritime power through the Two-Ocean Navy Act of 1940.
