Boosting Morale at Sea: Navy MWR’s AFLOAT Recreation Program

October 11, 2023 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

Life at sea can be demanding and isolating for thousands of Sailors and Marines. To ensure the well-being and morale of these dedicated service members, Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) offers assistance through the MWR Deployed Forces Support AFLOAT Recreation program. The program is designed to enhance the quality of life for personnel deployed at sea.

Hunter Vinson, a Pacific AFLOAT Program Manager, talks about the program and what it means to be an AFLOAT Specialist. “For many of our service members, underway cycles can often be tedious, monotonous and lack the comforts of shore-side everyday life. The AFLOAT Specialists greatly enhance the experience for many of these Sailors and Marines, with creative and diversified recreation and fitness programming.” He goes on to explain that “Often considered amongst most popular and recognized members of the crew, the AFLOAT Specialists are one of the few CNIC MWR civilian employees who partake in deployments globally, emphasizing the “Tip of the Spear” mentality necessary to offer programs our Sailors and Marines want and need."

Every Navy ship and submarine operates an AFLOAT Recreation Program under the direction of the ship’s Commanding Officer. The AFLOAT Recreation program offers a wide range of morale-boosting activities and amenities tailored to the unique needs of service members. The program encompasses a wide range of activities, such as sports and recreational programs, access to physical fitness equipment, participation in intramural sports and conducting command events, as well as social gatherings like parties and picnics. The key roles of the Recreation Services Officer (RSO) and Recreation Fund Custodian (RFC) are designated by the Commanding Officer to active duty crew members to carry out the daily operations of the program.? The diverse programs ensure that Sailors and Marines have numerous opportunities to unwind, stay active and connect with their fellow shipmates.

The Navy’s MWR Civilian AFLOAT Specialist Program is comprised of dedicated recreation specialists known as “Fun Bosses” and fitness specialists known as “Fit Bosses.” These professionals serve aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and hospital ships. Fun and Fit Bosses work collaboratively with the RSO and RFC to provide recreational and fitness programs. Fun and Fit Bosses play a vital role in improving the quality of the Afloat Recreation Program for more than 80,000 Sailors and Marines during homeport stays, yard periods and underway deployments.

“It's one of the most interesting programs and jobs. It’s one of the few recreation specialist jobs, especially in the Navy, that really touches everything, outside of the crew’s work life,” shared Matthew Pennell, Fun Boss on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

The Navy MWR’s Deployed Forces Support AFLOAT Recreation Program offers a lifeline for Sailors and Marines deployed at sea. The AFLOAT Recreation program ensures that the mental and physical well-being of our naval personnel remains a top priority. For more information, visit www.navyfitness.org/deployed-forces-support/afloat-recreation-program-management.