Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

United States Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella is honored to recognize Beth Archer as the Fiscal Year 2024 Command Civilian of the Year. Originally from York, United Kingdom, Beth has dedicated the past five years to serving as a Local National within the Defense Health Agency. She holds a master’s degree in Psychological Studies from Brunel University and bachelor’s degrees in both Music and Voice from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. When asked about Ms. Archer’s contributions within the Human Resources Department, USNMRTC Sigonella’s Executive Officer, Capt. Michael Mercado said, “Ms. Archer has made substantial contributions to our Command in her role within the Human Resources team. She consistently and willingly goes above and beyond to assist the team, from facilitating an Awards Board to assisting a member with pay issues, she understands the importance of taking care of our staff so that they can take of our patients.”

In her current position as an Administrative Support Assistant in the Human Resources Department (HRD), Beth is responsible for managing and processing correspondence for over 500 local national and government civilian staff members across three geographical command locations. Her contributions resulted in a 95% increase in updating staff Position Descriptions and she accelerated the completion of the project ahead of the fiscal year-end deadline. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Beth is an engaged member of the Naval Hospital Sigonella Choir, where she regularly performs at various instillation events. She has performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Navy Ball, the Tactical Operations Center Commissioning Ceremony, the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) Calibration Lab Retirement Ceremony, the Navy Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Change of Command, the USNMRTC Sigonella Change of Command, the Task Force 67 Change of Command, the Chief’s Pinning Ceremony, and the USNMRTC Sigonella Holiday Party.
When asked about her hobbies, Ms. Archer expressed, “I love spending as much time as possible outdoors, engaging in activities such as hiking, surfing, skiing, and paddleboarding. At home, I enjoy singing and drawing or painting.” Regarding her decision to pursue a career within the Defense Health Agency, she shared, “I applied for a job at USNMRTC Sigonella because I wanted to continue working in an English-speaking environment that mirrored the work ethic I was accustomed to back home in the UK. Additionally, my grandfather, LT John Archer, was a British Navy veteran, which inspired my interest in serving in this capacity.”

Beth embodies the hallmarks of a consummate professional and serves as an impeccable ambassador for the country. The Director for Administration, Cdr. Joseph Fromknecht said this about working with Beth, “I have had the pleasure to work with Beth for the last 2+ years. Her dedicated commitment to both the staff and mission is second to none. She successfully navigated the Commands Human Resources functions through the DHA transition, she is a staunch advocate to ensure that Civilian staff are submitted for the Quarterly and Yearly awards, and she truly cares about her Sailors in HRD. Beth is the heartbeat within HRD! I am very excited to see what the future holds for her! Keep up the strong work!”

US NMRTC Sigonella is one of The Defense Health Agency’s Overseas Military Treatment Facilities (MTF). The staff are comprised of active duty service members, General Service (GS), contractors, and Local Nationals. It ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

Written by: LT Julius C. Wiseman III, MSC, USN

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class John Thompson, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, was recently named Sailor of the Year (SOY), for fiscal year 2024, while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Beaufort.

SOY is an award given to an enlisted sailor in the Navy who is in the pay grade of E-6. The award recognizes sailors who demonstrate sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.

Thompson, a 2002 Whites Creek High School graduate, joined the Navy 20 years ago.

“I was originally in Air Force Junior ROTC in high school and was almost talked into joining the Army or the National Guard, but I decided not to pursue it,” said Thompson. “After a year of balancing college and working at UPS, the U.S. Navy began pursuing me. I was drawn to the obvious benefits since I wanted to take care of my family one day. I’ve been married for 18 years now and we have three beautiful girls. It feels good knowing that they are taken care of.”

The skills and values needed to succeed are similar to those found in Nashville.

“The biggest thing that I had leaving home was my faith in Christ,” said Thompson. “I grew up in what is normally called the ‘Bible Belt.’ Most of the disciplinary requirements of the U.S. Navy align with what I had been taught growing up in the scripture.”

Today, Thompson serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Thompson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Thompson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m humbled to admit that I was happy just to make it to first class in 2020, right at the edge of the 16-year higher tenure limit,” said Thompson. “I am now able to get to the 20-year retirement mark because of it.”

Thompson can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy is a privilege,” said Thompson. “I speak to many who wish to serve but weren’t able to. It’s an opportunity to fight evil and aid the weak and it’s a blessing because of the wide range of resources for military families.”

Thompson offered some words of advice for those who may be seeking a career in the Navy.

“Surviving in the U.S. Navy is as simple as breathing A.I.R. (Accountability, Integrity and Respect),” added Thompson. “We shouldn’t tolerate things that are wrong, and we should hold ourselves and others accountable for their actions. We also must have the integrity to do right at all times as ambassadors of the U.S. Navy. Lastly, we give everyone around respect. ‘And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them’- Luke 6:31.”

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

The Tri-Service Optician School (TOPS), a directorate of the Naval Medical Leader and Professional Development Command (NMLPDC), held its graduation ceremony for class 24010 in Yorktown, Virginia on Dec. 13th, 2024.

The graduating class was comprised of 13 Sailors and Soldiers from both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.

“It was a great experience getting to know all of them and working with them,” said Cmdr. Joshua Keil, Dean, TOPS. “They were an exceptionally talented and disciplined group”

The ceremony included opening remarks from Capt. Katharine Shobe, commanding officer of NMLPDC, followed by closing remarks from Keil, as this was his first graduating class as the dean.

“My first class as Dean was a real treat,” said Keil. “Class 24-010 performed exceptionally well.”

Keil, Shobe and NMLPDC Command Master Chief Owen Hondorf presented each graduate with their certificates of completion as Opticians.

Hospitalman Apprentice Kevin Sadler
U.S. Army Specialist Jean Tobanda-Barragan
Hospitalman Andrew Boylan
Hospitalman Arthur Kim
Hospitalman Natalee Solis
Hospital Corpsman Third Class Lamartia Thompson
Hospitalman Apprentice Lukas Torres-Zawistowski
U.S. Army Private Second Class Clarence Brown
Hospitalman Apprentice Zack Hudson
U.S. Army Private Second Class Dani Lopez-Gomez
Hospitalman LaTavia Miller
U.S. Army Private Second Class Christopher Msezane
U.S. Army Private Elizabeth Saunders

“For the students, it wasn’t just about learning to fabricate and dispense eyewear or assist in treating ocular disorders,” said Shobe. “It was about sharpening skills that will save lives, boost mission readiness, and enhance the human weapon system. They now hold 29 of the 30 credit hours required for an Associate’s Degree from the Uniformed Services University’s College of Allied Health Sciences, a testament to the invaluable partnership between NMLPDC and USU, ensuring that their training is recognized both within the military and in the civilian world.”

Since its founding in 1995, TOPS has developed opticians to support clinics on sea and shore as well as the force preservation mission by supplying eyewear to the fleet as they bring sight to the fight. TOPS trains U.S. Army and Navy servicemembers in a rigorous 24-week program, ensuring the respective services have the technical expertise gained through optician studies.

TOPS is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupation Education and the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation and holds two iterations of training per year with a maximum of 30 students per class who earn degree credits through the Uniformed Services University.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

On January 6, 2025 U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella celebrated the birth of the first baby of the New Year. Baby girl Lisalei was born to parents Cecilia and Alexander, both active-duty members attached to a tenant command of NAS Sigonella.

This is the couple’s first child, and they are excited for the years ahead. Baby Lisalei came before her due date and the family feels lucky to share this extra time with her. They would like to thank their care team—through the beginning of the pregnancy to the day of delivery. U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella congratulates the family and thanks them for allowing us to be a part of this special moment in their family history.

We would also like to extend a warm thank you to the USNMRTC Sigonella Wardroom, USO Sigonella, and Fleet and Family Service Center Sigonella for their generous donations to gift our first baby of 2025.

U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named the future Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ship (EMS 3) USNS Portsmouth during a ship naming ceremony at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jan. 8.
The decision to select Portsmouth was made to honor the legacy and commitment of the Navy doctors, nurses, corpsmen and staff of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and the city of Portsmouth, Virgina.

“As Secretary of the Navy, I remain committed to the readiness of our Sailors and Marines and that readiness includes the crucial work to ensure the healthcare and vitality of our people,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am proud to honor the city of Portsmouth and the Navy’s first operating hospital, Navy Medical Center Portsmouth, by naming the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3).”

The naming selection of the future USNS Portsmouth (EMS 3) follows the tradition of naming expeditionary medical ships after prominent military hospitals. Secretary Del Toro previously named USNS Bethesda (EMS 1) and USNS Balboa (EMS 2).

EMS 3 will be the fifth Navy vessel named Portsmouth. The four previous vessels were a full-rigged ship (1798–1801), a sloop-of-war (1844–1915), a light cruiser (1945–1970), and a nuclear-powered submarine (1983–2005).

Rear Adm. Darin Via, the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, who spent the majority of his professional military and medical life at the medical center, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to military readiness and healthcare support.

“USNS Portsmouth, a symbol of our Navy’s progress, also carries the weight of our history. It represents a significant advancement in our Navy’s warfighting capability and will provide essential medical support across the maritime environment,” said Via. “Together with USNS Bethesda and USNS Balboa, USNS Portsmouth will deliver agile and responsive medical care, advanced trauma management, and support to naval operations and humanitarian and disaster relief missions.”

Representing the city of Portsmouth, Mayor and Navy Veteran Shannon Glover spoke about the honor and meaning behind the naming of the Navy’s newest expeditionary medical ship.

“Today, we stand united in pride and gratitude as we honor the incredible contributions of the dedicated medical professionals at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. For generations, they have provided compassionate care and unwavering commitment to our military families, veterans, and the Portsmouth community,” said Shannon Glover, Mayor of Portsmouth. “The USNS Portsmouth represents more than just a ship – it is a testament to the resilience, care, and service that define the heart of Portsmouth. And this is an appropriate and fitting tribute to the selfless men and women who serve at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Located along the banks of the Elizabeth River in Virginia, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is a nationally acclaimed, state-of-the art Defense Health Agency military treatment facility (MTF), where 5,000 medical professionals provide quality healthcare to warfighters, veterans, and their families in the Hampton Roads area.

Originally established in 1830 as the Navy’s first and oldest continuously operating hospital, today it is home to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth, which provides a skilled and combat-ready medical force to support warfighting requirements and enables the Department’s highly skilled personnel to maintain mission critical proficiencies through valuable training in a military treatment facility. Navy medical personnel lead pioneering research and teaching programs to prepare new doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and hospital corpsmen for combat operations and public health crises.

In addition to the medical center, the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the Navy’s oldest shipyard (est. 1767) and one of its key facilities for overhauling and repairing its largest ships.

For every Navy ship named, a sponsor is chosen to advocate for both the ship and crew. Sponsors participate in key milestones in the life of their ship and form lifelong relationships that contribute to the well-being of the ship and her crew members. For the future USNS Portsmouth, Mrs. Terri Ann Via, spouse of Rear Adm. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy, was hand-selected for this important role.

“Portsmouth is more than just a name to me; it has been the cornerstone of my family’s life in the Navy. Portsmouth has been our home for as long as I can remember,” said Mrs. Via. “As the sponsor of the Portsmouth, I am committed to upholding the values of service, courage, and compassion that define both the Navy and Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. Having had the honor and opportunity to stand alongside my husband throughout his Navy career and now as the Surgeon General of the Navy, I look forward to sharing in the adventures, triumphs, and challenges that lie ahead for this ship and crew. May this ship always be a source of pride for our nation, a symbol of our strength and resolve, and a living tribute to the heroes of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.”

Bethesda-class expeditionary medical ships are designed as a dedicated medical ship that optimizes hospital-level medical care in support of distributed maritime operations (DMO). EMS will feature a shallow draft enabling greater reach and allowing direct access to shallow austere ports, while also providing a flight deck that accommodates military helicopters. This design provides a full range of medical capabilities including triage/critical care, three operating rooms, medical laboratory, radiological capability, blood bank, dental, mental health, OB/GYN and primary care, rapid stabilization and follow-on evacuation of multiple casualties and combat search and rescue including recovery at sea.

The primary mission of the EMS as a high-speed forward-deployed medical ship is to provide rapid responsive sea-based and near-shore hospital level critical care, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, non-combatant evacuation operations and special operations. The EMS is designed to respond and provide care at a more rapid pace than their predecessors, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort, sailing at speeds of at least 30 knots with a range of 5,500 nautical miles at 24 knots.

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)

Healthy of mind, body and soul are at the top of New Year resolutions for Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton staff members.

NMRTC Bremerton’s Health Promotion and Wellness department is helping to foster awareness for the stated ambitions of improved nutrition, enhanced physical fitness and increased mental health.

“We don’t really do resolutions. We do goals,” advocated Patricia “Trish” Skinner, Health Promotion and Wellness coordinator.

With the annual holiday standdown wrapped up, there are a number of program and initiatives to help all those seeking assistance for their objectives.

“Start meal prepping,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Zoe Fuleki

January is designated as [National] Healthy Weight Awareness Month and Skinner is reminding all those assigned to NMRTC Bremerton that maintaining a healthy weight is critical for the military mission and resilience.

“Meet my fitness goals,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Theodore Hospodar

“For Sailors and Marines, exceeding body composition assessment standards can negatively affect one’s career if [they are] unable to pass annual physical fitness benchmarks such as the Navy Physical Readiness Test and the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test,” stated Skinner, noting that exceeding BCA can also be an impediment to readiness because extra pounds can decrease physical performance, reduce quality of life, and increase health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer.

“More outdoors travel,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Hunter McGill

“To make healthy eating, active living, and psychological and emotional well-being practices part of your daily routine, set a specific goal, make a plan, and stick to it until your new routines become second nature,” Skinner added. “Just one, small incremental step a day will guide you in developing habits that allow you to achieve or maintain a healthy weight for a lifetime.”

“Be more mindful,” said Hospitalman Isabelle Leiner

Health Promotion offers two courses to help advance through the new year with making healthy lifestyle changes.

The ShipShape Program is the official Navy weight management program specifically designed for active duty and reserve service members who exceed or are at risk of exceeding Navy body composition assessment standards. It’s intended to help servicemembers make healthy behavior changes in order to lose weight. The program consists of six sessions which concentrate on four overlapping fundamentals of weight loss to improve BAC, Navy and Marine Corps physical readiness tests; physical activity, nutrition, sleep and mindset.

“Read 50 books this year,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Quiana Sims

MOVE! is a weight management program tailored for eligible patients and civil service staff which is also offered by Health Promotion.

“Meditate more,” said Amylisa Myers

“MOVE! is much better for those who are not on active duty,” remarked Skinner. “The multiple week self-guided program is a virtual group class format that provides those enrolled everything they need to set, track and help achieve their diet, physical activity and weight goals.”

“Be healthier,” said Marquita Hooks

MOVE! offers 16 weekly sessions. The emphasis is on health and wellness through nutrition, physical activity and behavior modifications. It is tailored to each enrollee with regular follow-up and support. Topics include the basics of weight loss/weight control, eating wisely, dining out successfully, maintaining motivation, managing stress, overcoming weight plateaus and more.

“Take more time for myself,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Christopher Bennett

Health Promotion is also expanding its popular monthly run series by offering virtual options in 24 different virtual runs of varying distances from 5K (3.1 miles) to a full marathon (26.2). All command staff are eligible to participate on their own time, own pace, at any location.

There are donated medals for finishers.

“Once the virtual run has been completed, participants must provide visual tracking proof, such as from a smart watch or phone or snap an image of accumulated statistics from a treadmill to receive their medal or bib. Due to the limited number of donated medals, this fitness option is just for command staff and unfortunately not open to dependents or the public,” explained Skinner.

With user-friendly programs in place, supportive specialists available, and an entire new year featuring 365 days of opportunities to improve body, mind, and soul, Skinner still reminds others to take each day one step at a time.

“The new year often comes with pressure to set big resolutions but remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. It’s okay to take things one step at a time. Whether you’re focusing on small goals or choosing not to set any, your well-being is what matters most,” stressed Skinner.

For those interested in ShipShape, MOVE!, and the virtual runs can contact Health Promotions, 360-475-5588.