Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

PENSACOLA, Florida – Amidst the quickly changing landscape of the global job market the problem of attracting and retaining future sailors is a priority for Naval Leadership. Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Force Master Chief Larry Lynch is quoted as saying, “Sailor development and readiness are at the forefront of our success as an organization.”
Professional development for Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market requires innovation, attention to detail, and professional insight as to what is going to be attractive to the rising stars of tomorrow not only in the fields of medicine for naval officers but also for the enlisted ranks that support and execute the mission as well. For the Aerospace Medical Technician (AVT) and Aerospace Physiology Technician (APT) programs of the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute (NAMI), enlisted service members will now, at a minimum, receive accredited transferable college credits for the skills they are taught as part of their job through the College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS) at the Uniformed Services University. They will also have an associate degree path if they transfer prerequisite general education courses from another accredited institution of higher learning to CAHS.

Due to the proficiency of demonstratable skills and knowledge Sailors receive in their respective Navy training programs; each program is now awarded transferrable credits for an associate degree path and is aimed to help prepare them for life after the military in addition to keeping enlisted service members on pace in an ever-changing job market requiring both greater knowledge and higher credentialing. Each program’s awarding of credits and degree paths is a great step forward towards retainment initiatives for the Navy and Navy Medicine.
“Honestly, it’s a wonderful surprise to find that your hard work and study get you something real at the end,” said Hospital Corpsman Second Class Jocelyne Palacios-Martinez.
Martinez is a recent graduate of the APT program and was happy to learn about the recent changes to the recognized credits and stated that she herself wanted to pursue higher education because of the boost she is getting towards her degree.
“I had always considered going to get my degree but thought I would have to wait until after I got out of the military to really make the most of it, but this definitely helps drive my desire to go further,” said Palacios-Martinez.
You might be asking yourself, well what is an AVT or APT, what do they do, and why is this important? Put simply both enlisted designations are technicians and assist their officer counterparts of Naval Flight Surgeons and Aerospace Physiologists respectively. They are the hands of the officers and also administratively assist them in performing their duties which for a Navy flight surgeon can range from providing care to pilots and aircrews in an operational environment to mishap investigation, and for Naval Aerospace and Operational Physiologists includes survival training to pilots and aircrew as well as educating about the physiological effects on the human body in the extreme environments of changing high altitudes.
While receiving college credit for work you are already doing isn’t a new concept for the military or for the field of Navy Medicine, the expansion of programs that are now recognized by USU has grown in recent years due to the advancements made in the respective fields and the desire to retain a capable and qualified workforce within the military. The AVT program became affiliated with CAHS on June fifth of this year and the APT program became affiliated on July ninth. The graduating classes in mid-July mark the first classes to receive the credit from CAHS.
“Honestly this is great, our Corpsman have always been stellar and always have been the best at what they do, now they are just getting some well-deserved recognition for the work they’ve put in to get there,” said Amy Hendrix, Instructional Systems Specialist for the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute. “It sets our Sailors up for success and that’s a win no matter how you look at it.”
The Navy boasts impressive career fields and very specialized technicians across the board and despite the excellent training given to its Sailors, when many separate as veterans and seek out jobs that may even be in the same filed, the lack of professional credentialing equivalent reflecting their level of skill make it tough to compete for jobs. As another barrier many service members, not just Sailors, are completing scholastic achievements secondary to their already demanding schedules or change of stations. USU aimed to solve this by allowing service members to transfer credits from their CAHS affiliated Navy training and any accredited college credits from outside institutions to complete an associate degree from CAHS. Sailors will have five years or until they leave the military to complete their degree through CAHS. If they do not complete their associates, Sailors will have accredited transferrable college credits that they can transfer to the institution of their choice. This allows for more flexible degree completion than traditional colleges while providing full accreditation.
Currently there are 23 programs offered in the military that are affiliated with CAHS. These programs are either awarded college credits, have an associate degree path or a bachelor degree path depending on the program. The AVT and APT program are the latest addition to this group of specialized medical programs and the list is ever expanding as each branch of service moves to modernize its educational practices.
While new graduates of the program receive transferrable credit, these CAHS college credits and degree paths are not retroactive, meaning Sailors who completed these programs prior to CAHS affiliation will not receive these credits and degree paths.
“It’s a great addition for our new guys and something I wished I had when I came through,” said Hospital Corpsman First Class William Frye, APT instructor for NAMI. “The course helped prepare me and I went on to working on my own degree, but it makes me glad that my Sailors will have this opportunity to succeed.”
The AVT and APT courses are taught within the academic’s department of NAMI, a detachment of the Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) and offer the courses as naval enlisted code (NEC) for the two specialties. Each of the specialties support Navy Medicine’s operational platforms and training pipelines for aviation and expeditionary forces.
While the curriculum of each specialty changes over time to keep the Sailors better able to meet the needs of the fleet and warfighters that rely on them it is reassuring to those going through the course that there are opportunities to advance their careers both in and post military, while simply using the training they use serving the country every day.
“It makes me feel good knowing an opportunity to get a degree exists and even though I want to stay in the military for now, it’s great to know I have something to show for all the hard work I’ve put in,” said Palacios-Martinez.

For more news from NMOTC, visit http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NMOTC

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

NEWPORT NEWS, Va – Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Megan Hooper and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Hunter Ketch, Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), spearheaded a critical mission aboard the warship: teaching CPR to their fellow crewmembers. Hooper, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, joined the Navy in October 2020 without any prior medical training but quickly found herself drawn to the Navy corpsman role. Her interest has led her to become a CPR instructor, and now she helps prepare her shipmates to respond in emergencies.

Ketch, from Oak Ridge, Oregon, enlisted in 2020 as an undesignated airman and initially served aboard the Stennis when it was docked in Norfolk, Virginia. After completing Master-at-Arms training in San Antonio, he returned to Stennis with a growing interest in the medical field. Initially inspired by a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training course, Ketch became a CPR instructor in August 2024.

For Sailors, CPR training is more than a certification—it’s a life-saving skill essential for responding to emergencies at sea. With the nearest medical facility often hours away, each trained Sailor becomes a vital asset in the event of a medical crisis, ensuring that the crew is prepared to protect one another both on and off duty.

Q: What are some procedures covered in this CPR class?
A: “We cover First Aid, choking hazards, the CPR process, and how to properly use an automated external defibrillator (AED).” – HM2 Hooper

Q: Why would you say this class is so important for our ship?
A: “CPR training ensures crew readiness for medical emergencies during deployments and provides essential aid in case of casualties.” – MA2 Ketch

A: “CPR training is also a prerequisite for warfare pins and many other qualifications here aboard Stennis.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What common choking hazards should we be aware of, and how do you respond to them?
A: “Mostly food. You want to start with five blows to the back, then transition into the Heimlich maneuver, followed by jaw thrusts and sweeps.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What are some of the more common injuries you have seen on the ship?
A: “Heat stress is a significant issue. I know many people are not hydrating enough, and often, it can lead to other injuries. People might get dizzy and then fall down a ladder well, rolling their ankles and severely injuring themselves.” – MA2 Ketch

Q: Can you go through administering CPR with me in a step-by-step process?
A: “First, you want to start with scene safety. Then, you want to look, listen, and feel the patient. Look to see the rise and fall of the chest. Try to feel for the breath on your face and then for a pulse. Only then should you move into administering CPR, where you will do 30 compressions followed by two breaths and then repeat, maintaining a rate of 120 compressions per minute.” – HM2 Hooper

A: “In the meantime, you want to direct somebody to get first aid, contact medical, and find an AED if they can. If the patient remains unconscious, the AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm and then deliver an electrical shock to help restore a normal rhythm. Following AED use, you should continue to perform CPR until medical professionals arrive.” – MA2 Ketch

Q: How did you first get interested in teaching the CPR course on Stennis?
A: “I wanted to teach people [CPR] because we have many casualties throughout the year, and with only two corpsmen on the ship during duty, it helps us out a lot when people are qualified. We want everyone to know the basics; that way, if something does happen, any Sailor can step up.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What are your plans after the Navy? Do you plan to continue in any healthcare vocation?
A: “My first choice is to stay in for a bit, but if I were to get out, I definitely would like to further my education and become a Physician’s Assistant, but that is pretty far down the road.” – HM2 Hooper

A: “I would like to continue my career here as well, but afterward, I plan to be a fishing, gaming, and wildlife officer.” -MA2 Ketch

The Stennis CPR course, taught by HM2 Hooper and MA2 Ketch, is offered multiple times each month to ensure Stennis crewmembers are ready to respond in any emergency. For those interested, the course schedule is posted outside HM2 Hooper’s office in room 200 on the FAF.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Micaela Wittgow, of Tigard, Oregon, meritoriously advanced to the rank of 2nd class petty officer in recognition for her outstanding performance and dedication.

“Being meritoriously promoted to petty officer 2nd class is a very significant achievement in my career,” said Wittgow. “It reflects my hard work and recognizes my dedication and commitment to my role.”

Wittgow enlisted in the U.S. Navy reserves after graduating from Tigard High School in 2021 and has 3 years of service. She is currently deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti with Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 1B.

MSRON 1B provides round-the-clock security for transiting U.S. ships and provides maritime security for assets operating in coastal waters.

“I take great pride in what I do,” said Wittgow. “I have seen everything from the common cold to a fractured spine and I have to find the best course of action to ensure our Sailors are taken care of.”

Sailors assigned to MSRON units are often called to perform tasks and take on responsibilities outside of their usual scope of work. Despite being a hospital corpsman, Wittgow has worn many different hats to ensure mission readiness.

“When we go on mission, I am qualified to take the role of either crewman or engineer of the vessel but I am always a corpsman first,” said Wittgow. “I frequently check in with my peers and will be the first to respond if there is an injury while underway.”

Wittgow and her fellow corpsmen ensure that MSRON Sailors are able to receive and administer expeditionary medical aid whether on land or at sea.

“I was given the opportunity to train both our MSRON Sailors and Djiboutian service members on basic trauma care while underway; ensuring everyone can respond appropriately to various injuries,” said Wittgow.

As a corpsman, she has been granted numerous opportunities to learn, teach and gain invaluable experience in challenging environments. Wittgow aims to pursue a career in the medical field in her civilian career.

“I have gained a lot of experience and have grown both personally and professionally since joining MSRON 1B and since being deployed,” said Wittgow. “I have had incredible opportunities to further my education and will soon be attending a Navy c-school to become an x-ray technician. That opens a lot of doors for both my Navy and civilian careers.”

Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed to ensure security and protect U.S. interests. The installation provides world-class support for service members, transient U.S. assets and 36 local tenant commands.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

When Capt. Karli Lepore was approached the previous week by Jean Hallmark, Naval Hospital Bremerton safety specialist, to provide opening remarks for the annual Holiday Safety Brief, there was a moment of hesitation.

“I told Jean I really had nothing to talk about,” said Lepore, Naval Hospital Bremerton director and Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton commanding officer.

Then tragedy struck.

Lepore shared that Navy Captain David Collins, Medical Service Corps officer and former executive officer of NHB from 2014 to 2016, was killed by a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver the day after Thanksgiving, November 29, 2024.

“It’s important to have this talk before the holiday season,” stressed Lepore. “Please listen to these reminders.”

For the past 11 years, Candace Cardinal, Sexual Assault Prevention Response program, has been sharing guidance and advice to eliminate sexual assault.

“We’re always doing this. Why is it still happening? What can we all do to keep us all safe?” Cardinal openly questioned NHB’s crowded Ross Auditorium.

“Preventing sexual assault is a safety issue. It’s one way to live the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. We can all help with active intervention,” continued Cardinal, noting that there are six steps involved in active intervention which anyone can apply; pay attention, identify events as problems, feel motivated and capable of finding a solution, know what to do, act safely, and evaluate and revise.

Motivation is key, Cardinal emphasized, in finding solutions to prevent sexual assault. Several mock scenarios were provided, with audience participation overwhelmingly choosing active bystander intervention as the best way to directly respond. There are six active intervention strategies which anyone can use, such as direct invention by addressing the person(s) involved; indirect intervention by defusing the situation; distraction by creating an interruption; protocol by bringing in an authority figure or leader to help diffuse the situation; separation by making sure each person leaves safely; and calling for help by getting others involved.

“Help us with the mission of intervention,” implored Cardinal. “Drinking, having fun, can go south quickly at times. Do what you can to keep others safe from sexual assault.”

Marsha Masters, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving – MADD – and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, addressed the audience by rhetorically asking them why some old gray-haired retired schoolteacher, who could be your mother, was telling them how to operate their motor vehicle.

“My advice? It’s simple. Don’t do stupid sh!t,” exclaimed Masters, who is also the sheriff’s office Target Zero Manager.

“One life lost is one too many,” said Masters, citing statistical evidence for Kitsap County that there have been 55 total fatalities over the past three years associated with driving. There were 16 in 2021, 19 in 2002 and 20 in 2023. In Washington state last year, there were 733 total crashes resulting in 810 deaths.

“I always wish that we don’t have to do these presentations,” Masters said.

Yet the trend of traffic fatalities continues. There have been 14 total collisions in Kitsap for 2024 which have caused 16 deaths. Impaired driving was the cause of eight. Speeding was involved in ten. No seatbelt worn happened in five. Most took place on county roadways with the vehicle running off the road.

“Zero is our goal. To reach that, I’m asking everyone to do four things to help towards that goal. Buckle up. Pay attention. Slow down. Drive sober,” stated Masters.

Trooper Katerine Weatherwax from Washington State Patrol addressed five overlapping topics during her presentation: Washington traffic laws, distracted driving, winter driving tips, collisions, and driving under the influence.

“There’s area of concern here in Kitsap County. The morning commuters to and from [Naval Base Kitsap] Bangor on State Route 3 and 308. There’s SR 16 in Port Orchard. There’s the bottleneck on SR3 from Loxie through Gorst. There’s the Warren Avenue Bridge where the speed limit is 35 but there are those who drive much faster. There’s SR 303 where the speed limit changes from 30 to 55 miles per hour and SR 16 county line area,” said Weatherwax, adding that for Friday, December 13, 2024, Kitsap County will be part of the statewide, “Night of 1,000 stars,” a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies to take impaired drivers off the roadways.

Speeding, distracted driving and not wearing a seat belt are some of the noticeable indicators which can get any motorist pulled over.

“If you see another drive all over the road, call it in. Dial 911. Give as many details as you can. Help us help others,” said Weatherwax.

As guest speaker Ashley Bonus, a DUI victim advocate stepped before the crowd, she began her planned speech impromptu.

“MADD is a program you don’t really know until you need it. It’s a program you don’t want to join,” Bonus remarked.

Compiled data notes that every 79 seconds someone is killed or injured in a drunk driving crash. Drunk driving deaths are up 31 percent since 2019. Two out of three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.

“I joined MADD after my sister Stacey was killed by an impaired driver in 2012. She was a stones throw from her front door. At 10 a.m. She was only 28 years old. She was a teacher who had just returned from picking up school supplies for her class,” related Bonus. “I do this not out of anger or bitterness but to remember by sister. She was amazing. Too many die every year on our roads.”

MADD provides supportive service every four minutes. Since its inception in 1980, MADD has helped lessen drunk driving deaths by approximately 40 percent and helped save 475,000 lives in that time. As of December 2023, MADD has helped nearly one million victims with emotional support, advocacy services, guidance, and how to navigate the criminal and justice process.

NMRTC Bremerton Command Master Chief William P. Eickhoff provided closing remarks, candidly noting that the Holiday Safety Standdown is an annual affair which many hear. But is the message retained?

“Let’s be honest with ourselves and each other. Don’t forget [what was shared here today]. Just take one second. Think about others who our behaviors and decisions can impact,” said Eickhoff.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Logistics Specialist Seaman (LSSN) Christelle V. Abrego, a San Antonio, Texas, native and graduate of Madison High School, has achieved a milestone, earning the Blue Jacket of the Year award for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego. This recognition, awarded annually to the most exceptional junior enlisted Sailor, highlights Abrego’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to her duties.

Currently serving with Naval Medical Forces Pacific’s (NMFP) Unit Deployment Cell (UDC), Abrego plays a pivotal role as an operations action officer and primary medical supply purchaser for the NMFP region. Her responsibilities include logistical support, administrative processing, and deployment coordination for critical missions. In Fiscal Year 2024, Abrego successfully oversaw six Individual Augmentee (IA) missions, four requests for support, and a special psychiatric Rapid Intervention Team, ensuring that 33 service members met 720 pre-deployment administrative requirements.

“LSSN Abrego has set the standard for excellence in her role,” said NMFP’s Command Master Chief Jerry Cantorna. “Her dedication to the mission and her team reflects the very essence of what it means to be a Navy professional. This award is a testament to her hard work and commitment.”

Abrego’s Navy journey is deeply personal. Inspired by her family’s rich military history—her brother, uncles, and cousin all served in the Marine Corps and Navy. She joined the Navy to continue this legacy and became the first female in her family to do so.

“My dad, Raul Abrego, taught me to never give up and chase what I want in life,” Abrego shared. “He’s my biggest support, and this achievement is as much his as it is mine.”

Her decision to pursue a career in logistics came after researching Navy rates. “I liked how logistics combines physical and administrative work and how versatile the field is,” Abrego explained. “Logistics is essential everywhere, and I enjoy the challenge it brings.”

Rear Admiral Guido Valdes, Commander of Naval Medical Forces Pacific, praised Abrego for her contributions. “LSSN Abrego exemplifies the values we hold dear in Navy Medicine—commitment, teamwork, and a drive to excel,” Valdes said. “Her work ensures that our personnel are ready to support missions across the Indo-Pacific, and this recognition is well-deserved.”

Abrego credits her mentors, including her father, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael Seymour, and Logistics Specialist 1st Class Albrian Crisostomo for their guidance and support. She also highlighted the importance of teamwork. “Without your team, nothing is possible,” she said. “My experiences here have taught me courage and the value of asking for help—traits that have been key to my growth as a Sailor.”

Chief Hospital Corpsman Christopher Aquino, who worked closely with Abrego, described her as “motivated and hard charging Sailor who is a very valuable part the UDC and the command.”

“She brings energy, focus, and an incredible work ethic to everything she does,” Aquino said. “Her recognition as Blue Jacket of the Year is a proud moment for all of us.”

Earning this award is meaningful for Abrego. “It’s an honor to show my family and leadership how far I’ve come,” she said. “It’s proof that hard work pays off, and it’s my way of giving back to those who’ve supported me every step of the way.”

Looking ahead, Abrego hopes to continue growing both personally and professionally.

“My dream is to become the best leader I can be and inspire others the way my leaders have inspired me,” she said. While she hasn’t deployed yet, she hopes to serve in Japan to experience its culture and traditions.

Abrego’s advice to her peers is simple yet powerful: “Take things day-by-day and focus on becoming better. Listen to your leaders—they have wisdom to share that can guide you.”

As she reflects on her achievements and the road ahead, Abrego’s story serves as an inspiration to Sailors across Navy Medicine. Her dedication, resilience, and drive embody the spirit of the Blue Jacket of the Year.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

A routine cycling ride for a U.S. naval officer unexpectantly became a harrowing injury which threatened both his life and limb.

Recovering from the gruesome ordeal was fraught with unknowns and uncertainties for Lt. Lyman Woollens, family medicine physician assigned to Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Urgent Care Clinic.

He was unexpectantly hammered by a vehicle, which also pulverized a lower limb. After being emergency airlifted to Harborview Medical Center for level one trauma care, there were umpteen surgeries, multiple weeks confined to a wheelchair, and the distinct possibility of having his leg amputated.

Until collaboration between Navy Medicine, Submarine Group Nine and the Navy diver community teamed up to provide Woollens with extensive rehabilitation treatment to help him along the road to recovery.

“My duty as a Navy physician is to provide necessary medical care and treatment so our active duty personnel like Lt. Woollens are ready to deploy,” said Capt. Juan Dapena, Submarine Group Nine Undersea Medical Officer, who was contacted by NHB’s orthopedic surgeons Cmdr. Kenneth Needham and Lt. Cmdr. Clarence Steele for assistance.

Dapena in turn reached out to the Navy divers assigned to Naval Undersea Warfare Center Keyport Dive Locker for their support in using the Navy’s oldest certified dive chamber, affectionally known as ‘The Whale,’ for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to improve Woollens recuperation process.

“There has been an amazing amount of support. We are very thankful. All the post-traumatic care is such a testament to the Navy’s commitment to do as much as possible for a servicemember in need,” shared Woollens.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – a specialty of Navy undersea medicine – can help with treatment for a host of ailments, illnesses and medical conditions. Research has shown that it is a well-established treatment for fighting infections and wounds that haven’t been able to heal from severe injuries.

According to Dapena, Woollens was a prime candidate.

“The wound sustained, and multiple subsequent surgeries, resulted in the loss of a major arterial supply to the affected area. This area required skin grafts, two of which previously failed due to decreased arterial supply of oxygen-rich blood. While on his third graft he also shows delayed wound healing at the lower aspect of the graft where it attaches to normal and scarred tissue and a pressure ulcer on the posterior aspect of the heel of the same leg secondary to prolonged prostration,” explained Dapena, noting that Woollens surgical and medical care, nutritional status, and physical therapy were being maximized.

“This is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes into play as an adjuvant to standard medical care,” Dapena continued. “HBOT increases the partial pressure of oxygen ten-fold throughout all tissues of the body. This increase in oxygen promotes the growth of new blood vessels, maintains viability of oxygen deprived tissues, promotes fibrinogen – protein which helps form blood clots to heal a wound – production and deposition, and reduces edema (swelling caused by fluid buildup) through vasoconstriction of arteries (reduction of blood flow due to a wound).

The complex workings of The Whale are manually controlled by the Navy diver team. They simulate setting to a depth of 45 feet of sea water pressure with the air pressure increased higher than normal, with Woollens entire body receiving 100 percent oxygen through a mask – instead of the normal 17 to 19 percent – for three 30 minute sessions. There’s a five minute break between the sessions to prevent side effects such as oxygen toxicity, lung tissue damage and seizures.

The treatment plan has him receiving 20 such treatments.

Before actually entering the chamber, a complete medical assessment was done to ensure he was capable to be in such a decompression chamber.

“Once in there, Woollens is immersed in a setting that he’s not accustomed, which is why someone is always in there with him and the UMO always present,” Dapena said, noting that the use of HBOT is covered as adjunctive therapy only after there are no measurable signs of healing after at least 30 days of treatment with standard wound therapy. Even then, it must be used in addition to the standard wound care.

The U.S. Navy has recompression chambers located throughout the world, assigned to Navy Dive Lockers and other operational units at risk for barotrauma or decompression injuries. The availability for the treatment depends on the current and future operational requirements of that unit, and the availability of an undersea medical officer like Dapena on site during the treatment sessions.

“Lyman is fortunate to have all requirements lined up to be able to take advantage of this treatment option,” added Dapena, stressing that the planned treatment is like giving him a prescription for pure oxygen along with having a well-disciplined group of cross-trained Navy divers there to provide constant support.

“Evolutions like these are extremely beneficial for maintaining our proficiency in using our chamber for emergency, diving-related treatments. While we do drills regularly, having an actual patient to care for gives supervisors, tenders, and medical personnel really good experience in these hyperbaric operations without having an actual emergency occurring. We’re able to find out areas for improvement in our training and equipment that might not be apparent during the shorter duration of a drill,” said Navy Diver 1st Class Gregory Murphy (Diving Warfare Specialist qualified), assigned to Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport Range Support Operations and Dive Locker.

“The predive checks are vital. When you put someone under that much pressure, it’s no joke. We rely on the Navy diver community to help us provide the treatment. Their support is incredibly critical,” added Dapena.

Murphy shared that providing treatments in the chamber requires qualified divers for specific positions.

“While doing a series of treatments over weeks like we’re doing now, our dive locker still has to support the command’s primary mission, our own maintenance, and other scheduling challenges. We have to stay flexible with personnel to be able to support all of these operations,” Murphy said.

Yet despite being stretched thin in balancing manpower with current operational responsibilities, the Navy Divers take great pride in adhering to their Latin motto, “Aut Viam Inveniam, Aut Faciam,” which translates to, “I will either find a way or make one.”

“I’ve been involved on hyperbaric treatments following a surgery for similar injuries in the past and the improvement over the course of treatment is significant. We train to do treatments for diving-related casualties and are fortunate that we rarely need to put those skills to use in a real-life scenario. Being able to take those skills and use them for therapeutic purposes gives us a lot of pride,” stated Murphy.

“The dive team has been upbeat and very professional in assisting with the treatment,” remarked Woollens, noting that the swelling on his injured leg has already improved.

HBOT is regulated by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medical Services for such medical indications as acute carbon monoxide intoxication; crush injuries and suturing of severed limbs where the therapy would be an adjunctive treatment when loss of function, limb, or life is threatened.

Woollens continues to augment his recovery process with physical therapy and occupational therapy to also help improve mobility and function. He also squeezes in fitness center strength and flexibility exercise on his own. He’s even advocated on his own behalf to return to work.

“I’ve been cleared to work a full shift,” declared Woollens, deflecting attention from his own mental and physical challenge over the past months to lauding his wife, Lt. Cmdr. Karli Woollens, also a Navy physician. “She’s been carrying the load for us. She’s had to literally handle work, our baby and Navy Medicine responsibilities. The hyperbaric oxygen therapy is all for her and family.”

Once considered a quaint and outdated product, The Whale – 94 years and counting – under the capable guidance of the Navy dive community with Navy undersea medicine, continues to help restore broken bodies to deployable status.

As Lt. Lyman Woollens can attest, one session at a time.

Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

by LTJG Benjamin Tripp

04 December 2024

SAN DIEGO – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) hosted 70 family members, 26 students and 4 teachers from Morse High School, along with Navy League outreach partners, for a day at sea to give guests a firsthand look at daily life aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer.

“This family day cruise meant a lot to our Sailors and families, especially after returning from deployment five weeks ago,” said Cmdr. Mike McInerney, commanding officer of Russell. “It was great hosting teachers and students from Morse High School and showing them what a day at sea looks like. This was a huge win for our team and community. I’m exceptionally proud of our Sailors.”

The day began with an outbound San Diego harbor transit, followed by a damage control demonstration to show visitors how Sailors respond to emergencies on the flight deck. Students from Morse High School got hands-on experience with firefighting equipment under the guidance of Russell’s damage controlmen.
“These students are potentially future Sailors,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Johnson. “Seeing their enthusiasm reminds us why we love what we do.”

Following the damage control drill, families gathered on the bridge wings to witness the ship’s MK45 5-inch gun in action, with USS Pinckney (DDG 91) close astern. The sounds of the guns firing from both ships drew excited reactions from students, teachers and family members.

The afternoon featured a “steel beach” picnic on the flight deck, where crew members and their families enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, and games. The ship’s Chiefs Mess, first class petty officers, MWR, and culinary specialists prepared meals for more than 300 visitors and crewmembers.

For family members, the day provided valuable insight into their loved ones’ naval service. The crew showcased various aspects of their daily duties, from navigation exercises on the bridge to radar operations in the combat information center.

The day concluded with a golden hour transit into Naval Base San Diego, leaving great memories and smiling faces.

Russell, homeported in San Diego, is part of Naval Surface Group Southwest and Destroyer Squadron 23.

 

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

11 October 2024, Himeji, Japan Commander Angela M. Jordan, Nurse Corps, USN, and Ms. Sachiko Medoruma, USNH Okinawa Community Relations Specialist from U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, visited Himeji University School of Nursing as a guest lecturer and interpreter for the university’s second year nursing students. Earlier this year, Himeji University School of Nursing Specialty Appointed Associate Professor of Global Health Nursing, Takayo Maeda, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Japanese Self Defense Force, requested a Navy Nurse provide insight on disaster management to her 80 nursing school students. CDR Jordan provided a unique perspective from a deployed operational nursing environment. Navy Nurses participate in many unique global nursing operations. USNH Okinawa was honored to engage with the Himeji University School of Nursing through an intercultural nursing exchange on global health nursing.

Cultural, professional, medical, and educational community engagement is crucial to creating partnerships with Japanese counterparts. Bilateral military medical training missions and working and meeting with civilian medical organizations allow each to learn and fine-tune their roles and capabilities. This allows for lightning-fast responses and better outcomes in the event of emergencies, weather disasters, and real-world contingencies.

The U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Okinawa (USNMRTCO) supports the Defense Health Agency’s U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa (USNHO) as the largest OCONUS Navy medical treatment facility and stands at the ready to respond to contingency operations to support the INDOPACOM region. It is a critical regional asset for direct care delivery, regional referrals, and medical contingency operations. The staff of USNHO understands their vital role as pre-positioned, forward-deployed naval forces within the first island chain, aligned and in support of the joint military commands and operations.

Trey Savitz, Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan
Comm: 011-81-971-7024
DSN: (315) 646-7024
isaac.s.savitz.civ@health.mil