Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana was one of five Naval installations selected to host a pilot event for the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test June 23 ahead of the program’s national roll out.

A total of 60 children from the installation’s Oceana and Midway Manor Child and Youth Programs participated in the pilot program. The test, originally established in 1956, was recently reinstated to measure the physical health and athleticism of America's youth. 

“We are grateful to have been selected as a pilot site,” said Ryan Krus, NAS Oceana sports and fitness coordinator for the installation’s Child and Youth Programs. “Physical fitness and education are incredibly important for our youth, especially in a world increasingly shaped by screen time and technology. Emphasizing physical fitness helps children develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

The test requires children to perform pushups, planks, and a 20-meter Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run. Several participants earned the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for their outstanding performance.

"The importance of it is to promote healthy fitness standards," Krus said. "A lot of these children will go on to become future sailors, so it's important for us to start instilling those habits of exercise and performing physical fitness standards."

Organizers credited the success of the event to the collaborative effort of Child and Youth Programs staff and sailors at NAS Oceana.

"It's exciting to see NAS Oceana helping lead a program that encourages kids to stay active, work hard, and have confidence in themselves," said Capt. Rob Littman, commanding officer of NAS Oceana. "I’m proud of every child who participated and thankful to our Child and Youth Programs team and sailors for making this pilot program a success."