Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) announced the launch of the Android version of its mobile application on Dec. 13, 2024, expanding accessibility for service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative bridges warfighter readiness with superior customer service by providing a streamlined digital tool for managing healthcare on the go.

The NMCSD app offers users convenient access to features such as appointment scheduling (MHS GENESIS), prescription refill requests, directions to the facility, and information on available services.  Originally available only on iOS, the addition of an Android platform ensures the app’s utility reaches a broader audience.

“NMCSD is committed to delivering world-class healthcare while meeting the demands of a technologically connected world,” said Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Director of NMCSD. “This mobile app is another step in ensuring our patients receive exceptional care, whether at home or in preparation for deployment.”

In addition to offering a real-time experience, the app supports operational readiness by enabling service members to manage their medical needs efficiently. This ensures they remain mission-ready, reducing disruptions to training and operational schedules.

“This app aligns with our need to provide superior customer service while fostering readiness,” Adriano added. “It demonstrates how innovation can directly enhance the lives of our patients and support the operational needs of the Navy.”

With its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, the NMCSD mobile app exemplifies how modern technology can transform healthcare delivery in the military, creating a seamless experience for patients and staff alike.
The NMCSD mobile app is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, both for free.

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)

Hospitalman Ma. Angeline Viernes finds meaning in her Navy Medicine career through the direct impact she and her peers have on the well-being of patients visiting Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point.

Viernes serves as a General Duty Corpsman at the clinic and recently earned the title of “Blue Jacket of the Year” for 2024.

“There is something deeply fulfilling about helping someone…being able to listen to their stories or simply offer comfort can mean the world to them,” said Viernes.

Viernes, a native of Oak Harbor, Washington, serves aboard Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point as a General Duty Corpsman in the facility’s Patient Centered Medical Home. Her daily duties and responsibilities include greeting patients, taking their vital signs and assisting medical providers during the encounter. Patients range in age from newborn babies to retired service members, requiring her to be flexible in her approach while sometimes easing patients’ anxiety about their care.

The “Blue Jacket of the Year” award recognizes junior Sailors at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point who excelled in their clinic duties while demonstrating motivation to grow in their professional knowledge and personal lives.

“I felt it was an opportunity to represent my team and showcase my work as an individual,” said Viernes about being nominated for the recognition. “Preparation involved a combination of studying Navy knowledge, understanding leadership principles, and staying current on the news and clinic operations. I also leaned on the mentorship of my peers and senior leaders, who helped me with my presentation skills.”

Viernes was formally named the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point Blue Jacket of the Year for 2024 at a ceremony held Wednesday, November 27, 2024 aboard the facility where she was presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in recognition of her accomplishment.

“My advice is to stay committed to excellence in everything you do, big or small,” said Viernes. “Recognition like ‘Blue Jacket of the Year’ comes not from seeking it, but from consistently going above and beyond. Most importantly, be genuine and let your actions speak for themselves.”

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

17 December Naha-City, Okinawa, Japan Staff from USNHO comprised active-duty civilians and MLCs joined Capt. Kathleen Cooperman will deliver toys to the Okinawan children. Community Relations Specialist Sachiko Medoruma coordinated a toy drive benefiting local Okinawan children in the Nambu Children’s Hospital and the Rehabilitation Hospital for Children with Special Needs for the second year in a row. Sailors, civilians, and MLCs contributed the toys to be distributed to the children and Dr. Dinh Ngo, Chair of the Japanese Fellowship Program, Lt. Cdr. Amy Aparicio, Department Head for Obstetrics, Dr. Tatsunori Shizuku, and Dr. Hiroka Yoshikawa Japanese Fellows helped spread the holiday cheer.

The first stop was the Nambu Children’s Center, where the Director, Dr. Fukuzato, and Administrative Officer, Mr. Oshiro, led the group on a tour that ultimately ended with a presentation of toys for the sick children who were in-patients at the hospital. The children, some hooked up to IVs, others in bandages, all unable to live the carefree lives children their age should be doing, were shy and reluctant at first to point out a toy they would like. Eventually, all the kids had smiles on their faces and a new toy to occupy and pull them away from the realities they were facing. The children were so thankful.

Nambu Hospital is an incredible partner to USNHO and often cares for sick children who need specialized care not found at the Naval Hospital. The hospital also cares for adults and patients from Okinawa’s smaller, more remote islands. With 120 pediatric beds and 440 beds total cared for by 500 nurses, this hospital is extremely busy and important to not just the Okinawan population but also the patients from USNHO. That is why it is important to nurture these important relationships that ultimately lead to the best care for our patients.

The day’s second stop was the Okinawa Association for the Physically Challenged Children, Okinawa Dr. Jun Toyama, Director of the center and Chief of Staff. Mr. Asahiko Ikeda hosted the party from USNHO and brought in a group of disabled children who were very excited to see the visitors and receive a toy. The kids then sang “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” in Japanese and thanked the group for the toys. The facility takes care of many patients ranging in age and disability. The facility was remodeled ten years ago and was bright, happy, and well-maintained. The staff were all very attentive to their patients. They seemed so genuinely nice and caring for such a vulnerable segment of our society. The services provided were so beneficial to the patients and their families. Services ranged from helping one young, physically disabled high school student navigate his education to speech therapy, as well as physical and occupational therapy for other patients.

The visit ended, and the toys were distributed. Everyone involved was touched by many emotions and likely will recount the day in a positive light. In a world filled with politics and opposing agendas, it is nice to set aside all the differences between each other to just share some happiness and love and spread some Christmas cheer!

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 Medicine 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

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Courtesy story by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Jose MendezAmbriz, a native of Fresno, California, was recently selected as Junior Officer of the Quarter (JOQ), third quarter, while serving with U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
JOQ recognizes high-performing junior officers who exemplify the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.

“I’m incredibly honored to be selected as Junior Officer of the Quarter for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024,” said MendezAmbriz. “It’s humbling to be recognized for the work I do every day and I’m grateful to my leadership for this honor.”

MendezAmbriz, a 2008 Central Unified East Campus graduate, joined the Navy 13 years ago. Additionally, MendezAmbriz earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from National University.

“I enlisted in the Navy inspired by the opportunity to serve my country, pay for my education and embark on a journey of global discovery that would set the stage for a fulfilling career and a better future,” said MendezAmbriz.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fresno.

“My early experiences as a dishwasher at one of the local favorites, California Wok, and as a server at the local staple, Yosemite Falls Cafe, instilled a strong work ethic within me,” said MendezAmbriz. “Inspired by my father’s vision, unwavering belief in me and his own strong work ethic, I’ve built upon this foundation to excel in my Naval career.”

Today, MendezAmbriz serves as a nurse corps officer responsible for providing medical care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families.

NMRTC focuses on three critical mission priorities: warfighter readiness, medical force generation and supporting the delivery of high-quality health care.

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.

MendezAmbriz 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.”

MendezAmbriz has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“Commissioning as a nurse corps officer and serving aboard the USNS Mercy, both as a hospital corpsman in 2015 and as a nurse corps officer in 2022, has been a privilege,” said MendezAmbriz. “I am proud to have contributed to such an incredible mission and to have experienced both sides of the coin as an enlisted member and a naval officer.”

MendezAmbriz can take pride in serving America through military service.

“Serving in the Navy has been a life-changing experience, allowing me to explore diverse cultures and challenge myself in countless ways,” said MendezAmbriz. “From the historic sites of Europe to the Indo-Pacific, and from my home state of California to the intriguing island of Cuba, my journey has been remarkable. The friends and family I’ve made along the way have made it all worthwhile.”

MendezAmbriz is grateful to others for making a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my parents, Nicandro and Maria Mendez, for their unwavering support and belief in me,” added MendezAmbriz. “I also want to thank my brothers and nephews for their understanding and support during my absences. And to my friends, I appreciate your continued efforts to stay connected, whether through visits or reaching out.”