SANFORD — Saturday at the Sanford-Springvale YMCA, those interested got to see if they have what it takes to pass physical muster to join the Navy SEALs or other Navy Challenge programs.
Navy Special Warfare Scout Chris Nadeau oversaw the event Saturday, where participants took the physical screening test necessary for entering the Navy challenge program, which includes the Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft crewman, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Navy Diver and Aviation Rescue swimmer. The physical test was comprised of five components: A 500-yard swim, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups and a 1.5-mile run.
Nadeau said he conducts these events all over the state. Saturday’s event was open to those who want to go into the Navy challenge program as well as those who aren’t interested in a military career, but want to test their fitness level. Nadeau said he likes partnering with YMCAs because people get to see the community organizations and the facilities that can help them get physically healthy.
“It’s fun to get out and have people push themselves,” he said.
Participants had to be at least 17 years old and were asked to bring a nonperishable item to be donated to a local food pantry.
Minimum requirements vary, but to become a SEAL, one must complete the 500-yard swim in less than 12.5 minutes, must do a minimum of 42 push-ups in two minutes, a minimum of 50 sit-ups in two minutes, a minimum of 6 pull-ups and run 1.5 miles in under 11 minutes.
Nadeau gave the contenders words of encouragement during the individual drills, and showed them the correct form for the push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups.
Will Bucklin, 18, of Falmouth, attended the event with his Navy recruiter. The high school senior said he has been training for about a year to make sure he’s physically fit to become a Navy SEAL.
“My arms are shaking,” said Samantha Fenderson, 23, of Wells during a brief rest period after the push-up portion. Fenderson said she wants to be a rescue swimmer.
Participants put themselves to the test, and they all said they enjoyed the event.
“It was fun, a lot of fun,” said Dan Adams, 22, a University of Maine student from Vergennes, Vt. Adams said the hardest part for him was the swimming segment, as he is not as strong in that category as he is in the others. But, he said, “I had to push through.”
Seventeen-year-old Forrest Daigle of Saco said he’s always been interested in the military, and this was a good opportunity to test his physical fitness level.
Merilee Perkins Sanford-Springvale YMCA program director said she was impressed with the performance by the participants, as well as the camaraderie they developed in such a short period of time. They were all very supportive and encouraging to each other, she said.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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