The Navy’s first and only Human Performance Optimization program is officially open for business at Naval Base San Diego. Navy Capt. Brian Bungay, base commanding officer, marked the milestone during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 2 at the Harborside Sports and Fitness Complex.
The program is a comprehensive, performance-based initiative designed to enhance an individual’s physical, mental, emotional and nutritional capabilities to maximize effectiveness, productivity and overall well-being.
“The Navy’s vision is clear – enhancing individual and team effectiveness by ensuring the health and viability of our warfighters,” Bungay said. “We must treat our sailors like world-class athletes, and the HPO initiative is a direct reflection of that approach.”
Navy Fitness goes beyond traditional gym access and group exercise by offering specialized staff, performance education and recovery-focused services specifically designed to support combat readiness and flexibility.
“As we move forward with the Total Sailor: Fit to Fight initiative, we must have the tools to ensure Sailors remain our top priority and remain at maximum combat readiness,” said Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Brian S. Metzger, Command Master Chief, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “The HPO program brings together the top experts in nutrition, cognitive performance and fitness under one roof – right near shore – which is exactly what our sailors need and something that has never been done before.”
Bungay emphasized that the program is designed to provide sailors with the resources needed to create and maintain peak physical and mental performance.
“While Navy fitness focuses on general facility access, group exercises and standard routines, HPO offers the Navy’s first performance-based program that supports the warfighter both inside and outside of traditional brick-and-mortar facilities,” Bungay said. “This is a place where sailors can push their limits, build resilience and develop the physical and mental toughness needed to face any challenge.”
Mary Kirby, Fleet and Family Readiness regional program director for Navy Region Southwest, echoed that sentiment, highlighting what differentiates HPO from existing programs.
“Our (morale, wellness and recreation) fitness programs are excellent, but sailors generally choose their own path,” Kirby said. “What’s different here is that navigators start with a series of evidence-based assessments.”
Those evaluations – conducted by specialized, certified staff working within a defined professional scope – include body composition analysis, recovery modalities, physical training assessment, sleep and recovery strategies, stress management tools, and nutrition fueling education.
“This model is available to off-base commercial businesses and within select special warfare communities, but we are excited to be the first to offer it at the installation level,” Kirby said. “Once metrics are collected and evaluated, the intent is to expand this program across the entire enterprise.”
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Troy Torres, an intelligence specialist assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group 3, encouraged fellow sailors to take advantage of the program.
“The first step is easy – come to the (Harborside Sports and Fitness Complex),” Torres said. “Step two, talk to an HPO expert. You’ll soon realize that fitness isn’t just about gym equipment, sets and reps.”
The original announcement can be found Here.
