Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

BETHESDA, Md. – Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC)’s Clinical Trials Center (CTC) is seeking volunteers to participate in a phase 1 clinical trial for a vaccine aimed at reducing frequency and severity of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections.

The study, beginning in December and funded by LimmaTech Biologics, is seeking 129 participants to help evaluate the safety of the vaccine, called LTB-SA7. Participants will receive two injections, four weeks apart.

According to the Center for Disease Control, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of germ that about 30% of people carry on their skin or in their noses. In some cases, staph can cause infections, which can lead to serious or fatal outcomes. Staph can cause serious infections with significant morbidity that includes pain, scarring and time lost from school and work.

Staph is a leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections in U.S. military populations, and a leading pathogen of concern, due to the antimicrobial resistance of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

“Between January 2016 and September 2020, over 200,000 cases of skin and soft tissue infections affected 174,893 service members,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jaqueline Clerk, deputy director of the CTC. “Our junior service members are the ones most likely to be affected and are at highest risk of infection during training and deployments. A safe and effect vaccine to reduce the burden of Staph infections would significantly improve the lives of service members and reduce the amount of antibiotics used.”

The LTB-SA7 vaccine consists of five components, including seven toxoids. The use of inactive toxins, or toxoids, allows for the controlled introduction of products that will trigger an immune response without causing the toxin-induced disease. The toxoids in the LTB-SA7 are from three families of staphylococcal toxins.

“First-in-human clinical trials provide the first look at how a product will act in people,” said Dr. Chad Porter, director of the CTC. “They also represent the first step in a long clinical development process. It is exciting to be a part of the earliest clinical evaluation for a product that could have such significant benefit for the military and other populations.”

The CTC study is open to the public for all healthy people between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Participants must have a body mass index (BMI) between 19-35 and be able to complete at least seven in-person visits over one year. Active-duty personnel must complete a supervisor’s approval form as part of the study. Participants may be eligible for compensation.

NMRC CTC is located at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Building 17B (2nd floor). If you would like to participate or have any questions, please contact the center at 301-295-4735 (call) or 301-233-9640 (text), or via e-mail at usn.nmrc.ctc@health.mil to schedule an appointment.

The NMRC CTC evaluates vaccines, therapeutics, prophylactics in human subjects to advance products from the laboratory to the front line and maximize the medical readiness of the warfighter. NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

For most anticipating a feast at a command’s galley, the holidays are a time to gather, eat, and celebrate, but for the Nutrition Management Department at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), it’s the culmination of months of meticulous planning, teamwork, and dedication. On Dec. 12, 2024, the team served over 1,000 meals in just two and a half hours, offering a festive dining experience to patients, staff, and visitors. However, the event was far more than just a meal—it was a demonstration of precision logistics and culinary artistry.

“We start planning for the December Holiday Special Meal in early October,” explained Lt. Cmdr. Jason Asencio, Department Head for NMCSD Nutrition Management, who oversees the operation. “This happens while we’re simultaneously managing the Navy Birthday meal and Thanksgiving meal.”

The process begins with crafting a menu based on vendor availability, followed by forecasting the precise quantities of every ingredient. The team reviews sales data from past events, calculates costs, and determines serving sizes to balance quality with efficiency. Weekly production meetings refine the plan over several weeks.

“Forecasting is one of the most comprehensive steps,” said Asencio. “We account for every detail—equipment availability, storage space, delivery schedules, and even how much oven capacity we’ll need on the big day.  Not to mention, we also had to contend with staff rightfully on leave and another major dynamic that pulled staff away from NMCSD.”

This year’s preparations were particularly challenging, as the Mercy Exercise (MERCEX 25-1) drew away many NMCSD team members until Dec. 11. MERCEX, a quarterly training event conducted aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), requires significant participation from NMCSD staff who are cross-assigned to Mercy. The exercise hones the readiness of more than 500 Sailors, preparing them for disaster relief, casualty care, and operational deployments.

Despite this operational commitment, the Nutrition Management culinary team at NMCSD ensured the holiday meal was executed flawlessly.

The day before the meal, many menu items were prepped to ensure smooth execution. On Dec. 12, staff arrived as early as 5:00 a.m. to begin cooking and decorating. The kitchen buzzed with activity—meats were expertly carved, desserts packaged, vegetables and fruits sculpted for garnish, and temperatures checked meticulously.

By the time the doors opened, the three service lines were adorned with holiday-themed decorations and perfectly plated dishes.

“This event requires full collaboration from both our administrative and culinary teams,” said Asencio. “From planning to execution, every team member plays a critical role in delivering an exceptional experience.”

Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Director of NMCSD, praised the effort, saying, “This meal is a testament to the dedication of our Food Services team. Their hard work ensures that even during the busy holiday season, we create moments of joy and connection for our patients, staff, and visitors. It’s a reflection of our commitment to care and the talent of our Food Services team.  And, the food was delicious!”

NMCSD’s Holiday Special Meal reflects the command’s commitment to excellence, not just in healthcare but in every aspect of service. Behind the scenes, it’s a story of careful planning, hard work, and a shared mission to bring joy during the holiday season.

For media with any follow-up interest or questions, contact NMCSD Public Affairs at 619-380-3004.

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)

Navy Medical Research Command (NMRC) is currently wrapping up decade-long efforts into studying potential health threats and solutions that face U.S. service members in Australia.

In November 2011, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and President Barack Obama announced two new force posture initiatives intended to significantly enhance defense cooperation between Australia and the United States. The first involved the U.S. Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force, increasing rotations of U.S. aircraft through northern Australia. The second initiative created the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), a U.S. Marine Air Ground Task Force that trains with the Australian Defense Force in the Northern Territories during a six-month deployment.

These activities involve regular and ongoing exposure to soil, dust, surface water and arthropods; all potential sources of infectious diseases that are otherwise rarely encountered by U.S. forces.
This exposure necessitated proactive efforts to evaluate these new health threats.

“As soon as we became aware of the permanent six-month rotation of Marines in Northern Australia, our scientists recognized the need and opportunity to provide biosurveillance support against infectious diseases to those Marines units deploying to a truly austere environment,” explained Capt. Guillermo Pimentel, Director of the NMRC’s Biological Disease Research Directorate’s (BDRD),

In the absence of a Department of Defense team dedicated to Severe Sepsis Syndrome in operational environments, BDRD has worked in partnership with the Austere environments Consortium for Enhanced Sepsis Outcomes (ACESO) team on a series of research studies focused on MRF-D over the past decade.

“Having a research team co-located with our service members during training and operational exercises helps ensure our ability to understand and quantify infectious disease threats in theater,” said Dr. Chad Porter, head of NMRC’s Translational and Clinical Research Department.

The NMRC-ACESO team assessed the risk to service members of Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, a bacterial infection in people and animals that is spread through contact with contaminated soil, air, or water. Researchers also developed and refined methods for diagnosing B. pseudomallei, with the goal of more rapidly detecting and managing outbreaks of the pathogen, something particularly important for infections with non-specific symptoms.

In addition to B. pseudomallei, NMRC-ACESO researchers studied Coxiella burnetii, which causes Q fever, a bacteria that naturally infect some animals, such as goats, sheep, and cows; and Ross River virus, which is primarily spread by mosquitoes and can cause swollen or painful joints, fever, rash, and fatigue. By establishing studies with service members in MFR-D, NMRC and ACESO have made initial estimates of the risk of these infectious disease threats to U.S. Marines in Australia.

ACESO focuses on the generation of knowledge that can rapidly translate into preventing and improving the outcome of severe infections in the austere setting. This consortium consists of investigators from military medical research institutes and world-class civilian research entities to execute a coordinated program of research aimed at improving prevention, early recognition, diagnosis, and effective treatment of severe infections from all causes in austere environments.

NMRC is engaged in a broad spectrum of activities, from basic science in the laboratory to field studies in austere and remote areas of the world to investigations in operational environments. In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (Dec. 13, 2024) – To ring in the holiday season, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio held an All Hands and Holiday Social at the Fort Sam Houston Community Center.

Activities included lunch, recognition of December birthdays, presentation of awards for Civilians of the Half Year and Year, awarding of Time-off Awards, Holiday Sweater & Best Dessert Contests, and concluding with the White Elephant Gift Exchange.

Burrell Parmer, of Monroe, La., the command public affairs officer, was recognized by Commanding Officer Capt. Jennifer Buechel, Nurse Corps, as the command’s Fiscal Year 2024 “Support Staff” Civilian of the Year and Dr. Clifford Morgan, of Washington D.C., a research cell biologist assigned to the Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorate, was recognized as the FY 2024 “Science Staff” Civilian of the Year.

Additionally, Parmer and Morgan received FY 2024 “Support Staff” and “Science Staff” Civilians of the Half Year honors.

NAMRU San Antonio is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the Department of Defense (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.

Its mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of DoD personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

SAN DIEGO – From the lecture halls of academia to the decks of naval ships, Lt. Matthew Peterson has embarked on an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth as a researcher and a naval officer.

A former professor of exercise science with a PhD, Peterson entered military service open to the challenge of how his academic background would translate. Now, just a few years later, he is the recipient of Navy Medicine’s Research Physiologist of the Year, his career has been filled with travels, groundbreaking research, and opportunities to support the health and performance of service members in demanding environments.

“When I joined, I knew there was human performance research in the Navy,” Peterson said. “But I didn’t realize the breadth and depth of it—or how much field experience I would gain. I’ve even spent time aboard ships, which is something I never expected as a researcher.”

It all began in May 2019, when Peterson first reached out to a recruiter. After earning his PhD from Baylor University in 2020, Peterson worked as a professor of exercise science. The opportunity to join the Navy arose in November 2021, and after completing the academic year, he shipped off to Officer Development School, aboard Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. From supporting international operations and presenting cutting edge research, the timeline of Peterson’s Navy career is filled with notable milestones:

In 2022, Peterson checked in to the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego and conducted research aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20).

Just two months after checking in to NHRC, Peterson was assigned to the Command Readiness, Endurance and Watchstanding (CREW) program and to go onboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort while deployed on a humanitarian mission to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Two NHRC research teams would be onboard conducting separate studies, a team from Operational Infectious Diseases directorate, and the CREW team from the Warfighter Performance department, both collaborating on a unique mission where shipmates wore a smart ring in order to collect biometric data for fatigue risk management and to detect early presence of illness. “This was the CREW study team’s first involvement on a hospital ship and was the longest duration of data collection within an underway environment since our research program began two years ago,” explained Dr. Rachel Markwald, senior research physiologist with the Warfighter Performance Department and Principal Investigator for the CREW program.

The CREW program mission is to provide actionable, data-driven solutions to assist military leadership with the assessment and management of physiological stress, sleep loss, and fatigue in operational settings.

Then in 2023, Peterson participated in the cold-weather performance studies at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), supported multinational exercises like Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, and observed Navy SEAL Hell Week in San Diego.

While at MCMWTC, Peterson and the NHRC Warfighter Performance Department have conducted a variety of studies. One experience that stands out is the “hypothermia lab” where students enrolled in the cold weather medicine course are immersed in a frozen pond. The team has investigated the ability accurately triage a mass casualty event while near hypothermic, examined the effect of exercise intensity on rewarming from cold-water immersion, and assessed group cognitive abilities during this training exercise. “While these are not heartwarming projects in the literal sense, I was impressed by the resolve and teamwork as the students and instructors in the course worked together to create a safe and effective training exercise for all involved,” remarked Peterson.

In 2024, Peterson focused on nutritional studies for Explosive Ordnance Disposal candidates, presented at international conferences, and contributed to research aboard the USS CURTIS WILBUR during RIMPAC 2024.

Through these experiences, Peterson has traveled across four continents, visited five countries, and conducted research in seven U.S. states, demonstrating a commitment to advancing human performance across a variety of military settings.

Reflecting on the past two years, Peterson remarked on the Navy’s exceptional ability to conduct complex and dangerous training with precision and safety. “How robust our military training is and how good they are at doing dangerous things safely” has been among the most fascinating discoveries during his service.

Beyond the lab, Peterson has developed a profound appreciation for the Navy’s global impact and the close connection between research and fleet operations. “As a researcher, I didn’t realize how close I would be able to get to the fleet,” he shared, citing time spent aboard ships and observing operational training as career highlights.

Work in the Navy has been intellectually and administratively challenging. Writing grants and research papers, learning military protocols, and stepping up to the challenge to conduct cold-weather research are just a few examples. “I feel a sense of pride being a Naval officer and an even greater appreciation for the difficult jobs our military service members perform,” Peterson said.

When asked about the future, Peterson emphasized a desire to continue finding meaning in his work. “As long as I continue to enjoy the work I do and find it impactful, I’ll make the Navy a career. I had a grandfather and great uncle who served in the Navy around the time of the Korean War. Whether it is due to their service or other factors, I was raised to have a strong appreciation for the military,” said Peterson.

Peterson’s journey is a testament to the possibilities that await those who choose to serve. “His work exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to innovation, performance readiness and safety, of service members worldwide,” remarked Dr. Kenneth Earhart, NHRC Chief Science Executive.

Regardless of your academic background, the Navy has opportunities for you. For more information on opportunities with Navy research, visit https://www.med.navy.mil/.

NHRC’s mission is to optimize the operational readiness and health of our armed forces and families by conducting research, development, testing, and evaluation informing Department of Defense policy. NHRC supports military mission readiness with research and development that delivers high-value, high-impact solutions to the health and readiness challenges our military population faces on the battlefield, at sea, on foreign shores and at home. NHRC’s team of distinguished scientists and researchers consists of active duty service members, federal civil service employees and contractors, whose expertise includes physiology, microbiology, psychology, operations research and data science, epidemiology, and biomedical engineering.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

SAN DIEGO — Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of Naval Medical Forces Pacific, honored Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) 150-Bravo Sailors for their exceptional contributions to Exercise Keen Sword 25 during a recognition ceremony at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Dec. 11. The event highlighted the vital role Navy Medicine plays in strengthening interoperability with allies and preparing for crisis response.

“This exercise was about building the muscle memory we need to respond in a crisis,” said Valdes. “When the time comes, you’ll already have that exposure, working with our partners. I appreciate your efforts to try new things and accomplish what hasn’t been done before.”

Capt. Ian Fowler, commanding officer for EMF 150-Bravo, praised the team’s dedication and adaptability during the exercise.

“Our success in Keen Sword 25 was the result of an incredible team effort,” Fowler said. “Each Sailor contributed their expertise to overcome challenges and strengthen our readiness and partnerships with the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF). I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and commitment.”

Recognized Sailors included:
• Lt. Chelaya Bartlett, EMF 150-Bravo San Diego, for leading planning and training efforts and coordinating travel for 62 EMF 150-Bravo personnel.
• Lt. Christine Cooper, EMF 150-Bravo San Diego, for establishing casualty receiving area operations and integrating JSDF medical assets.
• Lt. j.g. David Morris, EMF 150-Bravo San Diego, for managing setup, sustainment, and deconstruction support for the EMF exercise.
• Lt. Emmanuel Dadzie, EMF 150-Bravo Detachment Twentynine Palms, EMF’s chief information officer, for working with 7th Communications Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and JSDF to configure communications networks, implement cybersecurity controls, and ensure mission success.
• Hospitalman Apprentice (HA) Trinity Berlin, EMF 150-Bravo San Diego, for developing a bilingual patient tracking system to enhance interoperability with JSDF.
• Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (HM2) Joevannoliver Ledres, EMF 150-Bravo San Diego, for collaborating with JSDF operating room teams, showcasing the critical role of enlisted personnel in interoperability efforts.
• Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (IT2) Christopher Logan, EMF 150-Bravo Detachment Twentynine Palms, for configuring command networks and implementing cybersecurity controls for the EMF.

“Communications and logistics will always be challenges, but through this exercise, we identified areas for improvement and lessons learned,” Valdes said. “The work you’ve done here not only showcases Expeditionary Medicine’s capabilities but also reinforces the importance of collaboration with our allies.”

Exercise Keen Sword 25 demonstrated the Navy’s ability to deliver healthcare in austere environments while enhancing interoperability with allied forces, further solidifying partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) provides oversight for 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTC), on the West Coast and Pacific Rim that train, man, and equip medical forces, primarily in military treatment facilities. Globally, NMFP oversees eight research laboratories that deliver research expertise in support of warfighter health and readiness. Additionally, NMFP manages the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center (NEMWDC), which plays a critical role in preparing medical teams for expeditionary and operational environments.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Integration between military branches allows for greater strategic and tactical advantages which is why cooperation is key to military success. Four U.S. Army 68W combat medics and two 68C license practical nurses (LPN), from Joint Base Lewis-McChord 29th Hospital Center 28th Detachment, went underway onboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan to provide medical training and learn from the ship’s medical department in an inter-branch exchange of knowledge.

“We are here to see how Navy corpsmen conduct medical operations and learn from it,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Monserrat Hernandez-Rodriguez, an LPN. “We would work with Sailors if we got deployed. We wanted to see how other branches perform and trade knowledge regarding medical operations.”

The Army medics also provided their version of Tactical Causality Combat Care (TCCC) training to the ship’s crew. During their time onboard, the Soldiers noticed large differences between shipboard TCCC and field TCCC. While the Army primarily focuses on care-under-fire, in which lifesaving care is performed on service members during an active conflict, the Navy primarily focuses on head, fire, and radiation injuries unique to nuclear-powered vessels. Nonetheless, a training opportunity like this was meant to teach Sailors and Soldiers new approaches to TCCC and benefit both the Army and Navy.

“Training opportunities like these are critical to mission readiness,” said Cmdr. Yummy Nguyen, senior medical officer. “Joint medical training opportunities are a chance to exchange key knowledge between branches that could potentially save the lives of service members. Future operations may require a more in-depth understanding of the nuance in specialization between branches.”

In addition to differences in how TCCC is conducted, Soldiers contrasted between the field and shipboard medical capabilities. Along with the difference in environment, topics such as space and resources meant the difference in medical capabilities and was something the Soldiers were surprised by.

“Layout wise it is similar to our field hospitals except that it is more compact due to it being on a ship,” said Hernandez. “The field hospital has more resources compared to a ship.”

The medical center onboard the ship is a role-two hospital. This allows the ship to handle trauma care, surgery, dental, and support services such as x-ray and anesthesia. The Army medics are trained and work with a role three hospital, which allows for intensive trauma care and surgeries. On the other hand, the ship performs more treatment and clinical work compared to their field hospital at a non-stop rate. After working and learning with the Army medics on this underway, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Malcom Davis enjoyed their company and gained insight on how they ran their medical practices.

“They are really nice people who have much to show us,” said Davis. “They have a different setup where the nurses and providers are split up in a way that I like.”

Another difference in medical practices that separate the branches are that corpsmen work under their provider’s license. The Army however, has its combat medics work under both their provider’s license and their personal license. This alone does not sound like a large difference, but in the medical field, it allows for care to be done at different rates. The corpsman are allowed to get vital data and have to get approved by the ship’s nurse before performing certain procedures, while the medics with their own licenses are allowed to perform the procedures themselves. The Navy allows corpsmen to get their own LPN license through a Navy program, while the Army provides the program itself.

The training between these two branches will not end when the Soldiers disembark the ship. Navy corpsmen will soon spend time on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, gaining valuable knowledge on field hospital procedures. A unique aspect of the corpsman rate is that they can also work with the Marine Corps as field medics, known as greenside corpsmen. These corpsmen will be embedded with Marines, performing work similar to the Army medics.

“We intend to send some of our corpsmen to their training facilities as well,” said Nguyen. “It is important to recognize the differences in how the Army and Navy work in an operational environment and train to these differences so we can become more well-rounded.”

“We are excited for the corpsmen to come to our base,” Hernandez added. “They can get experience with boots on ground for the corpsmen who haven’t gone greenside yet.”

In a world of conflict, confidence between military branches is what will ensure the U.S. military remains up-to-date through the exchange of key lifesaving knowledge. Although each branch of the U.S. military specializes in specific roles, training exercises like these allow Ronald Reagan to gain more hands-on experience that could save Sailors and Army personnel, alike.

“In the event of a conflict, we as Soldiers could be assigned to Navy warships and we want to create confidence between us so that we can maintain a professional environment,” said Hernandez. “After all it is one team, one fight.”