Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

On Nov. 7, Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms unveiled its “Rates That Rule” board, a creative display honoring the contributions of enlisted rates beyond the Hospital Corpsman (HM) community.

The initiative was conceptualized by Lt. Angela Swint and brought to life by Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brian Johnson, who built the board. Together, they aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked impact of the eight non-Corpsman Navy rates serving at the hospital.

“It is a bulletin of information that shows what the other enlisted rates besides Hospital Corpsman do in the military and here at our hospital,” said Swint. “The Rates That Rule board highlights the history and pride of heritage and what their impact is to our Navy.”

Swint explained that the idea came from her desire to ensure these Sailors’ contributions received recognition.

“The amazing history and contribution to our mission that these Sailors embody often gets overlooked due to the focus we tend to have on the patient care that happens here,” she said. “The Rates That Rule board came about because I wanted to ensure that these Sailors are being recognized for their achievements.”

Johnson echoed the sentiment and emphasized his motivation to showcase the diverse roles within the command.

“This command is a hospital, and we have eight rates here that don’t often get recognized all the time because Corpsman are the forefront of the hospital,” said Johnson. “So I wanted to make sure — especially since I moved from working with just Corpsman to three other rates — that they got the recognition they deserved.”

The board features information on Culinary Specialist (CS), Yeoman (YN), Personnel Specialist (PS), Master-at-Arms (MA), Religious Program Specialist (RP), Information Systems Technician (IT), Electronics Technician (ET), and Logistics Specialist (LS).

Swint encouraged Sailors to learn more about the contributions of other rates.

“My advice would be to explore your command and see what things you can find,” she said. “Who works where? How does this get done? Asking interesting questions can often give you knowledge you never would have found.”

The Rates That Rule board now stands as a testament to the diverse skills and heritage of the sailors at NMRTC Twentynine Palms, promoting pride and understanding across the command.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) welcomed more than 160 service members, families, and veterans for the annual Wounded Warrior 5K Run/Walk, Nov. 22. The event, sponsored by Commander, Navy Region Southwest (NRSW) Navy Wounded Warrior and NMCSD’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) department, served as a tribute to the resilience and strength of wounded warriors while promoting physical fitness and community support.

The event drew a crowd of participants who ran, walked, and cheered along the slightly formidable course on NMCSD’s grounds. The event provided an opportunity to gather in honor of a cause most near and dear to the Navy family.

“This event represents the heart of what Navy Wounded Warrior stands for—building connections, fostering resilience, and celebrating the determination of our heroes,” said Regional Program Director for NRSW Navy Wounded Warrior, NRSW Wounded Warrior program director. “Our wounded warriors are the epitome of courage, and this run is one way we can show our support and gratitude for their sacrifices.”

The race concluded with a collective celebration for all participants. This gesture is also reflective of how Wounded Warriors are perceived – there are no losers, instead – all Wounded Warriors and those responsible for their care and healing are winners.

MWR contributed to the event by creating a welcoming atmosphere for participants. Activities included music, refreshments, alternative cardio options, a commemorative event t-shirt for participants, and opportunities to learn more about MWR’s mission of promoting the well-being of Navy personnel and their families.

“MWR events like this are vital for our community,” said Jeff Stuart, Director for NMCSD’s MWR. “The Wounded Warrior 5K Run/Walk not only promotes physical health but also strengthens the bond between service members and the community. We’re proud to support such a meaningful cause.”

Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Director of NMCSD, emphasized the significance of the event and its alignment with NMCSD’s mission. “At Naval Medical Center San Diego, we are committed to the recovery and resilience of our wounded warriors,” said Adriano. “The Wounded Warrior 5K reflects the spirit of perseverance and unity that drives our work every day. It’s a privilege to stand alongside our warriors and our community in their journey to healing.”

Observed annually in November during Warrior Care Month, the Wounded Warrior 5K is part of a broader effort to honor the courage and determination of wounded, ill, and injured service members. NMCSD plays a key role in supporting these service members by providing world-class care and resources to help them on their recovery journeys.

For more information about Warrior Care Month or the Navy Wounded Warrior program, visit Navy Wounded Warrior Program at: https://www.navywoundedwarrior.com.

The mission of NMCSD is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality health care services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training, and research. NMCSD employs more than 5,000 active-duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in southern California to provide patients with world-class care. Anchored in Excellence, Committed to Health!

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

An inspection of Military Training Network (MTN) affiliated life support programs was conducted Nov. 21 at Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville the results were “outstanding” according to the inspectors. The inspection is conducted biennially.
“Normally these inspections can take up to eight hours, but the inspectors stated we were so organized and detailed, it took less than one hour to complete,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brad Scoggins, department head of Staff Education and Training (SEAT) at NH Jacksonville.
The MTN oversees CPR/AED, Basic Lifesaving, Advanced Lifesaving and Pediatric Advanced Life Support courses and that they adhere to American Red Cross and MTN standards. According to Scoggins, NH Jacksonville SEAT has established memorandums of understanding with all training sites, which MTN is adopting as the standard. The inspectors’ reaction to hearing about the 21 affiliated commands supported by NH Jacksonville was one of bewilderment.

“The number of commands we support was simply unheard of by the inspectors and that further propels our reputation of excellence,” said Scoggins. “The success behind our programs are the people running them – Phonthip Eadens, HM2 Edward Velez and HM3 Manual Velasquez. Their contributions are what helped us uphold Capt. Craig Malloy’s philosophy to set the standard, be the standard!”
On the average, SEAT trains more than 500 personnel per quarter, constantly adding additional instructors and courses. Some courses are held outside of the military training facility.
“Our investment in training can be seen through the number of personnel receiving training each and every day. It is an integral part of our daily duties to provide high-quality care in all settings,” said Cmdr. Larry Middleton, director of Administration.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Bananas, needles and thread were crucial to improving Navy Corpsmen’s skills during a class held Friday, November 15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Sailors from Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point trained to suture wounds in a class that combined formal instruction and practical exercises using bananas as a substitute for flesh.

“Sutures are an effective way to close wounds and help reduce a risk of infection by mending layers of tissue together. This skill requires patience, precision and repetition.” said Hospitalman Jayla Spearman, one of the class instructors. “Rushed sutured can lead to infection or improper skin healing.”

Suturing, the skill of closing a wound by stitching it shut, is essential for proper healing and infection prevention.
Commonly known as stitches, the practice involves a needle and type of “thread” determined by the wound being closed. Success depends on the skill of the individual applying the sutures.

“The goal of this class is to provide a new skill for junior Corpsmen, as well as skill sustainment for those who have experience,” said Spearman.

Lt. Cmdr. Jake Wittenauer, DSc- PA-C, Deputy Director of the Clinic’s Medical Services and Spearman taught the class using a combination of formal instruction and practical exercises.

Corpsmen practiced their suturing skills on bananas, chosen for their thick and easy-to-pierce skin and the ability to distinguish the skin from the fruit. After a presentation and demonstration by Wittenauer, Corpsmen tested their skills as he and Spearman supervised and provided mentorship.

The class, said Spearman, served as an opportunity for Sailors in different departments to train together, learn a new skill and get to know one another.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Since 2005, the U.S. Navy has hosted Navy Weeks in cities around the country without a significant Navy presence to educate the American public on its capabilities and relevance to national security. It brings Sailors from all around the globe to conduct outreach and immerse themselves in these communities for a week.

For some of these Sailors, it could also be a type of homecoming.

“This is where I went to Dental School on the Health Professions Scholarship Program,” Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, commander of the Naval Medical Forces Development Command and chief of the Navy Dental Corps, said. “It’s great to be back and to share my experiences of all the things I’ve done in the Navy and the opportunities the Navy provides.”

During this year’s Navy Week, Brafford and a group of Naval Medicine officers and corpsmen visited several schools in the Kansas City area November 11 – 17, 2024, to make connections and share what it’s like to be a health care professional in the Navy.

One of the schools on the list was the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s School of Dentistry.

“I graduated from here in 1996 and joined the Navy as a dental officer shortly after on July 7,” he said. “It’s been an awesome ride. I’ve met a lot of great people, made some really good friends.

“The opportunities the Navy has given me, not only to grow as a person, but to develop in my profession are invaluable, and now I’m back here to share that with students who are in the same spot as I was back in the day.”

The faculty at UMKC said it was great to have a former student back and appreciated the visit to learn more about Navy Medicine.

“It was good to have the Navy here, specifically the Navy Medical professionals,” James Spence, Associate Dean of Academics for UMKC’s School of Nursing and Health Studies, said. “I had no idea the Navy had such a wide range of specialties in the medical field – like who knew there were Navy rheumatologists?”

It’s good to know that, because now we can share this information with students who are potentially looking for a career in the military, he added.

The Navy Medicine team also visited several high schools in the area to speak to students who are enrolled in health science programs.

“It’s awesome to interact with these young students, especially in areas that might not have a military presence, and to share what we do in the Navy,” Master Chief Phillip Jean-Gilles, command master chief of the Naval Medical Research Command, said. “When I was in their shoes, I never thought about joining the military. I believe that if I would have had an opportunity to interact with Sailors like this, I would have opened my eyes a little bit more and maybe it would have sparked my interest in the health care career field earlier.”

The high school students had great questions and it was an honor to represent Navy Medicine here this week and to showcase the impact we have, not only to the U.S. Navy but all of the DOD, he added.

Sailors from the USS Constitution, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid-America, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Two, Navy History and Heritage Command, The Strike Group, Fleet Outreach Ambassador Team, Office of Small Business Programs, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Naval Reserve Center Kansas City, and Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Kansas City (LCS 22) also represented the Navy this week and engaged in community celebrations at local museums and volunteered with local charities; and some residents enjoyed free live music by Navy Band Great Lakes.

“It was inspiring to see all of the different Navy commands here in full force, engaging with the local community and letting everyone know what we do,” Brafford said. “For me it was also insightful to exchange best practices with the local colleges and learn of the cutting-edge technology they are using to develop their medical professionals, which is in line with where we’re taking Navy Medicine at NMFDC.

“And, I even met a student who is enrolled in the Health Professions Scholarship Program at UMKC and joining the Navy, just like I did many years ago! Can’t wait for the next Navy Week,” he added.

The Naval Medical Forces Development Command is the designated training agent for Navy Medicine, and develops and delivers integrated education and training to all Maritime Medical Forces in order to force develop and force generate trained and certified medical forces that preserve the Naval human weapon system now and in the future. For more information visit: https://www.med.navy.mil/Naval-Medical-Forces-Development-Command/