Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Expeditionary Medical Unit 10 Golf (EMU 10G), Rotation 16 concluded an eight-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East with a homecoming celebration on November 16, 2024.

“EMU 16” is comprised of personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Lejeune and Naval Medical Forces Atlantic. EMU 16 augmented the EMU 10G deployment, building capabilities as a tactically proficient, combat-credible medical force in present-day military operations.

EMU 16 provided advanced trauma and surgical care – or Role II care – to U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian contractors, and multinational coalition forces in Iraq.

“I am incredibly blessed and beyond proud to have led this team,” said Captain Jamie Fitch, officer in charge. “They have cared for each other and for our patients with more dedication and motivation than I could have hoped for.”

NMRTC Camp Lejeune celebrated the safe return of the Sailors with a command-sponsored homecoming.

“Their mission was vitally important to ensuring Navy Medicine’s future, aligning strategic goals, and giving them the opportunity to test skills,” said NMRTC Commander Captain Anja Dabelić. “We are honored to have the return of EMU 16, and we welcome them home with open arms.”

NMRTC Camp Lejeune is the readiness platform attached to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. NMCCL has cared for warfighters and beneficiaries at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for more than 80 years.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 15, 2024) Naval Medical Center San Diego proudly received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2024, demonstrating NMCSD’s continued commitment to safe, high-quality care and transparency.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a letter grade program that rates a hospital’s patient safety measures through more than 30 national performance indicators. Each indicator reflects errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent patient harm. This enables all hospitals, including military, to publicly report their progress in quality and safety.

“Earning this recognition underscores our relentless commitment to the well-being of our patients and the exceptional care delivered by our dedicated staff,” said Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Commander of Naval Medical Center San Diego. “Patient safety is our top priority, and we are honored to be acknowledged for our efforts to uphold the highest standards in health care.”

Achieving an “A” places NMCSD among the safest hospitals nationwide, highlighting its effective protocols that prioritize patient safety and minimize adverse events.

“Our mission is to continuously elevate standards, ensuring that every service member and their family receives exceptional care,” said Dr. Paul Cordts, Deputy Assistant Director for Medical Affairs and DHA Chief Medical Officer. “We’re truly proud to see our military medical treatment facilities lead the way, setting a high benchmark in quality and safety assurance across health care today.”

While forward leaps are noticeable, impactful, and measurable, the task of obtaining quality and accurate data is vastly spread throughout the command.

“This is an achievement that is truly the work of so many of our staff who have upheld the basic tenant of complying with an enterprise program with nothing but completed dedication and professionalism that reflects the fabric that makes up NMCSD,” said Capt. Suzette Inzerillo, Lead for NMCSD’s Leapfrog.

The Leapfrog Group’s president and CEO, Leah Binder, commended NMCSD, saying, “Everyone who works at NMCSD should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade. It takes complete dedication at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank NMCSD, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

Naval Medical Center San Diego remains steadfast in its dedication to quality improvement, participating in the Leapfrog program as part of a broader commitment to transparency and patient-centered care. The survey allows NMCSD to measure its performance and ensure its alignment with national standards, fostering an environment where patient safety is the highest priority.

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)

HM1 Kenneth Compton’s journey to the Navy began in 2005 with a search for stability that quickly transformed into a commitment to serve and lead. Starting with a National Call of Service contract, he completed active and reserve duty before transitioning to Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) in 2015. Today, as LPO at Navy Reserve Center Corpus Christi, Compton plays a critical role in mission readiness by directing drill weekends, coordinating daily operations, and communicating key information between junior enlisted personnel and senior leadership.

Raised in Weatherford, Texas, Compton’s early years instilled in him a strong work ethic that he now channels into his service. His Navy journey began when he sought “three hots and a cot,” but soon he found himself on deployments worldwide, including Iraq, Kuwait, Morocco, and Kodiak Island, Alaska. Supporting Marines as a Green Side Corpsman, Compton says, “Eighteen of my nineteen years in the military, I wore the MARPAT Marine Corps uniform. It was a different experience than most blue-side Navy, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

His 19-year career includes diverse mission support roles, such as serving as an instructor at Field Medical Training Battalion, East, where he shaped corpsmen’s combat medicine skills and introduced them to Marine Corps operations. “We were teaching corpsmen to become green side corpsmen, showing them how to handle trauma in combat,” he reflects. “It was an incredible responsibility, knowing they’d be in the field with Marines.”

Compton’s skills extend beyond his Navy role; as a certified mechanic, he assists Sailors and his community in his spare time, embodying a commitment to service. “Anytime a Sailor has thanked me for helping them out of the goodness of my heart, doing something I know I can do for them,” he shares, considering these moments among his proudest.

HM1 Compton’s contributions highlight the Navy Reserve’s readiness and resilience, and his commitment to service strengthens his command’s ability to mobilize and support the active-duty component when called upon.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

In alignment with the Navy’s “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) has overhauled its chaplain referral system, transforming it from a cumbersome, inefficient process into a streamlined, user-friendly digital platform. The project was driven by Naval Medical Forces Atlantic’s (NMFL) Improvement Sciences team, aiming to inspire other commands to harness process improvement techniques to modernize their own chaplain referral programs.
The outdated system relied heavily on paper forms, scanning, and multiple emails, creating barriers for service members and staff seeking pastoral care. The inefficiencies were especially highlighted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when referrals dropped dramatically due to staff rotations and lost institutional knowledge.
Martin White, a project manager, along with Derek Murray, a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with NMFL Improvement Sciences, and Lt. Hyun Namkung, a Division Officer at Chaplain Spiritual Readiness Office (CSRO) were key members of the initiative.
“The old system was clunky and hard to use. People didn’t even know it existed, which made access to pastoral care difficult. We knew we had to get real about the challenges and take actionable steps to improve,” said White.
The NMFL Improvement Sciences team, leveraging Lean Six Sigma techniques, and the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management methodology took on the challenge. The team collaborated to train one of the facility’s chaplains and a Religious Program Specialist in process improvement methodologies. This effort empowered Namkung and the CSRO Religious Ministry Team to redesign the chaplain referral system. The new automated process now allows for real-time, self-referrals and peer or provider referrals through NMCP’s SharePoint site, significantly lowering the administrative burden and ensuring anyone seeking care does not slip through the cracks.
“This system exemplifies what it means to get better,” said Namkung. “Our administrative workload has decreased, and our response time has improved, making pastoral care more accessible than ever.”
The initiative also addresses a critical focus of both the Navy and the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA), which is access to care, a longstanding concern for service members. Capt. William Hlavin, a Chaplain for both NMFL and NMCP emphasized, “Chaplains are not mental health providers, but we offer crucial emotional and spiritual support through pastoral counseling. With the new referral system, we can better serve those who don’t need clinical intervention but still need someone to listen and help them process their challenges.” He added that by increasing access to pastoral care, the system complements mental health services and promotes overall resiliency among Sailors and staff.
The project didn’t stop at automating the process. NMCP Chaplains also launched a comprehensive awareness campaign, educating two subordinate commands about the new system and encouraging its use. “Raising awareness was just as important as updating the system,” said Namkung. “People need to know that these resources are available and easy to use. The increase in referrals since the campaign began shows that we’re making a real impact.”
According to Namkung, self-referrals, in particular, have skyrocketed, indicating that many service members appreciate the newfound ease of access. White, who worked closely with the chaplain team, noted, “The self-referral feature is a game changer. Previously, individuals felt they had to explain their need for pastoral care to their chain of command, which deterred many from seeking help. Now, they can reach out directly and confidentially, which has removed a significant barrier.”
Chaplain Hlavin explained, “Confidentiality and trust are at the heart of what we do as chaplains, and this system honors that.”
According to White, the success of this project has broader implications for other commands across Navy Medicine. “This was a collaborative effort involving NMFL Improvement Sciences, and it serves as a model for what other commands can achieve,” he said. “We encourage other units to reach out to their own improvement science teams to explore how they can update their processes, whether for chaplain referrals or other areas needing efficiency improvements.”
The “Get Real, Get Better” philosophy is embedded in every aspect of this initiative. White concluded, “We identified the gaps and inefficiencies, got real about the issues, and took steps to make meaningful improvements. This project isn’t just about pastoral care; it’s about using our resources wisely and continuously striving to improve how we support our Sailors and staff.”
By reducing administrative hurdles and fostering collaboration between pastoral and mental health services, NMCP is setting a new standard in healthcare delivery. The hope is that other commands will replicate this model, ensuring that service members and staff receive the timely, confidential care they need. Hlavin added, “This initiative demonstrates the power of process improvement and serves as a reminder that when we work smarter, we create a more resilient and prepared force.”
For NMCP, this project is just the beginning. The team is committed to ongoing improvements and sharing their success with other commands. “We’re proud of this accomplishment, but we’re even more excited about the potential for this to be adopted fleet-wide,” said Namkung. “It’s a testament to the impact of the ‘Get Real, Get Better’ initiative and what we can achieve when we invest in improvement sciences.”
NMFL, headquartered in Portsmouth, Virginia, delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crises. NMFL provides oversight for 21 NMRTCs, logistics, and public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Europe, and the Middle East.

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Domenic Nasuta, assigned to Center For Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment North Island, has a passion for the outdoors and a dedication to service that has defined his Navy career. From working as a hospital corpsman with the Marine Corps on deployment to his current role as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, Nasuta’s journey in the Navy reflects a commitment to supporting his fellow Sailors and Marines in some of the most demanding environments.

A Family Legacy of Service and a Path to the Navy

Growing up in New Jersey, Nasuta was influenced by a family history of military service. Both of his grandfathers served in the Army during World War II, with one supporting Operation Northern Torch in Africa and the other in the European campaign. His uncle also served as a combat camera in Vietnam. Inspired by this legacy, Nasuta enlisted in the Navy in 2011, choosing to join the medical field as a hospital corpsman to make a difference in others’ lives.

“Service runs deep in my family, and I knew I wanted to contribute in my own way,” Nasuta reflects. “Becoming a corpsman gave me the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable moments, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.”

A Career of Challenge and Transformation

After completing Hospital Corpsman “A” School, Nasuta embarked on a journey that took him across the globe. His early assignments included serving as a labor and delivery corpsman at Naval Hospital Bremerton and later as a line corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division, where he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Throughout his career, he quickly advanced, earning multiple honors, including Bluejacket of the Year and Junior Sailor of the Year, for his exceptional service and leadership.

In 2021, after assignments in Sigonella, Italy, and with Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Nasuta found himself at a crossroads. After attending SERE training at the Eastern schoolhouse, he was interested in the survival techniques he learned and began considering a new path as a SERE instructor.

“I have always loved the outdoors, and the survival skills I learned resonated with me,” Nasuta said. “I realized I could use my passion to teach and help enhance the survivability and lethality of the force.”

Joining NETC as a SERE Instructor

In 2023, Nasuta began his transition from fleet service to instructor duty at SERE West, part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), which oversees nearly all Navy training from basic to advanced technical schools. After a rigorous screening process and intensive training through the Naval Instructor Training Command and SERE Instructor Under Training (IUT) pipeline, Nasuta earned his qualification and joined the field department at SERE West on North Island, San Diego.

“The flexibility and passion of the instructors set NETC training apart,” Nasuta said. “Everyone here truly cares about what they are teaching. It is evident in the way they adapt to different students’ needs and ensure that standards are met, so students leave prepared for the challenges they will face in the field.”

Mentoring Students and Sharing a Love for the Outdoors

In his role as a SERE instructor, Nasuta finds immense fulfillment in guiding students through survival training, teaching them everything from land navigation with a compass to identifying edible plants. He recalls one student who struggled with land navigation but showed determination to improve. Over the weekend, with support from Nasuta and other students, the Sailor steadily built confidence and ended up mastering the skill.

“I always tell my students that if they meet me halfway, I’ll get them where they need to go,” Nasuta says. “It’s incredibly rewarding when I see their motivation and watch them grow.”

The Power of Transformation through Training

For Nasuta, the impact of NETC training goes beyond teaching survival tactics; it is about helping students face and overcome challenges that push them physically and mentally.

“Students come to SERE not fully aware of what they are capable of,” he shares. “The training teaches them resilience and the importance of taking care of their bodies under pressure. By the end, they have learned not just survival skills but a lot about themselves.”

As an instructor, Nasuta is constantly learning, striving to bring new skills and knowledge to his students. “My students drive me to keep improving,” he says. “Whether it is identifying wildlife or preparing edible plants, the outdoors is my passion, and it is amazing that I get to share it with others.”

Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Nasuta’s journey through NETC training has not only advanced his career but has also prepared him for his future aspirations. An aspiring wildlife biologist, he sees his role as a SERE instructor as an opportunity to align his love for the outdoors with his professional life. He encourages his students to keep an open mind and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.

Reflecting on his career, Nasuta notes the impact NETC has had on him personally. “Working as a corpsman and now as an instructor has allowed me to grow, not only as a service member but as a person,” he says. “The Navy has given me the chance to help people, learn from incredible mentors, and make a real difference.”

Nasuta’s story is one of transformation, resilience and the enduring power of mentorship. From his roots in New Jersey to his role as a SERE instructor at NETC’s SERE West schoolhouse, Nasuta exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to training Sailors who are prepared for any challenge. His passion for the outdoors and dedication to his students’ success continue to inspire those around him, showcasing the career-changing potential of NETC training.

For more information on NETC’s training programs and how they prepare Sailors for success in the fleet, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Nov. 13, 2024) – Leadership, research scientists, and support staff of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio attended the 10th Edition of Mission Possible, an information-sharing event, held at the Tri-Service Research Laboratory.

The purpose of Mission Possible is to better inform members of the command on the tactics, techniques, and procedures of the science directorates to include the resource acquisitions and administrative directorates.

This iteration of Mission Possible focused on “perspective” and how disruptive technologies are providing views of a previously unseeable world, opening windows of opportunity for military scientists to conduct extraordinary experiments that produce tools and technologies giving overmatch to warfighters.

Dr. Sakhrat Khizroev, a Victor Clarke Endowed Chair Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Miami, was invited, via video conference, to present research of using MagnetoElectric NanoParticles (MENPs) for revolutionizing medical applications.

“The MENPs created by Dr. Khizroev are one of those disruptive technologies that untethers the imagination, providing an incredible opportunity to listen to the individual cells of the brain as they do their bidding without disturbing, influencing, or estimating their actions,” said Dr. Darrin Frye, NAMRU San Antonio’s chief science director, who invited Khizroev to speak.

After the presentation, research scientists were afforded the opportunity to ask questions regarding Khizroev’s research 
NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) celebrated the holiday season with its annual Thanksgiving Special Meal, bringing together staff, patients, and their families for a festive occasion, Nov. 19.

Held in the medical facility’s galley, the event showcased an extensive menu of traditional Thanksgiving dishes prepared by the command’s galley staff.

The menu included roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and pumpkin pie, reflecting a commitment to providing a home-away-from-home experience for those serving and being cared for at NMCSD. Leadership actively participated in serving the meal, creating a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere.

Lt. Cmdr. Jason Asencio, Department Head for NMCSD Food Services and a native of Long Island, N.Y., shared his thoughts on the importance of the event, saying, “Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, and today’s meal is our way of saying thank you to everyone who contributes to the mission of NMCSD. Whether you’re in uniform or receiving care, this meal is about coming together as a family.”

NMCSD’s Thanksgiving celebration aligns with similar initiatives at military treatment facilities across the Defense Health Agency enterprise, emphasizing camaraderie and community during the holiday season. Such events not only honor the traditions of Thanksgiving but also boost morale and highlight the teamwork that defines military medicine.

NMCSD’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality health care services, and advance military medicine through education, training, and research. The center employs more than 5,000 active-duty personnel, civilians, and contractors across Southern California, delivering world-class patient care to service members, veterans, and their families.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

In continuing its reign of military health excellence, Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville proudly announces it retained its letter “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for Fall 2024. NH Jacksonville is one of 15 hospitals within the Defense Health Agency (DHA) who received the rating.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is a letter grade program that rates a hospital’s patient safety measures through more than 30 national performance indicators. Each indicator reflects errors, accidents, injuries, and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent patient harm. This enables all hospitals, including military, to publicly report their progress in quality and safety.

“Our commitment is to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff in the best environment possible,” said Capt. Craig Malloy, director for NH Jacksonville. “This rating is a testament to the diligence and discipline of our personnel. It reflects our dedication to high standards, which is a shared belief that safety is the foundation of mission readiness and success.”

According to DHA, the 15 hospitals that received an “A” grade for Fall 2024 are:
• 673d Medical Group, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson • 81st Medical Group – Keesler AFB • Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center • Blanchfield Army Community Hospital • Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center • Evans Army Community Hospital • Martin Army Community Hospital • Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune • Naval Hospital Jacksonville • Naval Medical Center Portsmouth • Naval Medical Center San Diego • Walter Reed National Military Medical Center • William Beaumont Army Medical Center • Womack Army Medical Center • Wright-Patterson Medical Center.

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade program is run by the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that advocates for improved patient safety in health care. The program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.

NH Jacksonville has provided safe, high-quality care for warfighters and beneficiaries aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville for more than 80 years.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville deliver health care and readiness. NH Jacksonville (which includes five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia) serves 175,000 active duty, active duty family members, and retired service members, including 54,000 patients enrolled with a primary care manager. NMRTC Jacksonville (which includes five units across Florida and Georgia) ensures warfighters’ medical readiness to deploy and clinicians’ readiness to save lives. To find out more, visit https://jacksonville.tricare.mil.