Category: US Navy

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – The Naval Medical Forces Development Command welcomed Teresa Coon to the team as a regional security manager, Nov. 18, 2024.

The self-proclaimed tree hugger loves nature and all animals and grew up just north of San Antonio.

We recently asked Coon a few questions about her life, career and thoughts about joining the NMFDC team.

Q: What was your previous job?

A: I am coming from Naval Sea Systems Command headquarters, located at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC. Prior to that I was at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as the operations security program manager. I handled all security issues regarding OPSEC and information security programs. I’ve developed programs from the ground up and was recognized as having one of the best OPSEC programs in the Navy.

Q: Are you prior service?

A: I was active duty for 11 years as a Master at Arms for the Navy. And I was one of the lucky ones – a military working dog handler. In that role I had the opportunity to deploy multiple times, attached to the Army and in support of other branches.

Q: Describe what you’ll be doing at NMFDC as the regional security manager.

A: In my role I will be the point of contact for all matters regarding personnel and operations security. I will be developing security awareness products and helping keep the command apprised of trending topics in the security world.

Q: What about your new role are you most looking forward to?

A: I’m one of those weird people that love security. I’ve been working in security for the last 25 years. I enjoy educating people about the adversary and what their capabilities are. Security, especially OPSEC is something that you can practice in your daily life even when you’re not a work. There is always someone out there that wants to hurt you or wants your information. I enjoy teaching people how to make it harder for the adversary to be successful and how they can make their information more secure. I’m looking forward to sharing what I know with others.

Q: What do you want the NMFDC team to know about you?

A: I love to help people, if there’s something I can do to make your job easier or something you need help with don’t hesitate to ask. I am more than happy to assist.

Q: Can you share something interesting about yourself… hobbies, clubs, activities?

A: I’m a tree hugger, I love nature and all animals. If I see something that needs saving, I’m all about doing whatever I need to do to save it. I enjoy spending time outside in the yard, planting flowers or pulling weeds. I had a Koi Pond at my last house with 14 Koi, the smallest being 26 inches long. A lot of people do not know, but having Koi fish is very similar to having a dog. They are very intelligent. They know your voice and your vibrations from your steps when you walk. You can also train them to let you pet them. Whenever I wasn’t at work, I was outside with them.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: I’m married to my best friend, and we have a 15-year-old son. We love doing volunteer work and are looking forward to digging in.

Welcome aboard Teresa!

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Health Clinic Lemoore is taking an innovative approach to drunk driving education by combining video games with impairment simulation.

On Dec. 10, the clinic’s Health Promotions and Wellness committee organized an interactive demonstration using Nintendo’s Mario Kart racing game and special goggles that simulate various blood alcohol and illegal substances levels.

Participants competed against each other while wearing the impairment goggles, experiencing firsthand how alcohol affects coordination and reaction time. Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Steven Martsching conducted field sobriety tests with participants wearing the specialized eyewear.

The event was part of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) program. Along with the hands-on demonstrations, staff members received education about the financial implications of driving under the influence.

“This innovative approach combines entertainment with education to deliver a serious message about the dangers of impaired driving,” said Lt. Cecile Perez-Collantes, the health promotions department head.

The program represents part of the command’s broader initiative to promote responsible decision-making among all staff members.

Naval Health Clinic Lemoore, co-located with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Lemoore to ensure the readiness of its active-duty service members and improves the lives of military families through the delivery of high-quality healthcare to over 18,000 eligible beneficiaries at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada. The command also provides dental care and medical administrative support to Navy, Marine Corps, and international students at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Defense Language Institute and the Center for Information Dominance in Monterey, California. The command’s mission is to advance the readiness and health of our warfighters and beneficiaries and invest in our people and partnerships.
 

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

20 December 2024 Marine Corps Air station (MCAS) Futenma, Okinawa, Japan Navy and Marine Corps leadership cut the ribbon on the newly remodeled medical and dental clinics. Lt. Cmdr. Austin Haag Director for Branch Clinics and Capt. Donavon Yapshing, Director for Dental Services started the ceremony with a benediction from U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa’s Chaplain Lt. Zachary Juniper. After, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, (USNHO) Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Kathleen Cooperman gave opening remarks and introduced MCAS Futenma’s CO Col. William Pacatte.

The steady whir of helicopters taking off and landing just behind the formation set the stage for the importance of Navy Medicine providing medical readiness to the warfighters always ready to answer the call. Capt. Cooperman spoke about the collaborative efforts of many different organizations involved in the nearly four yearlong project. Cooperman explained that there was a major supply chain issue that left medical clinic without equipment, so they retrofitted the new dental space to accommodate the medical team while they finished renovations to the medical facility. This was no easy task and took careful consideration, teamwork, and thinking outside the box to make it all happen. The USNHO CO brought up Ms. Angelita Nobel Facilities lead architect to recognize her tremendous contribution to making the renovations happen. Col. Pacatte said “these two facilities contribute to the well-being and quality of life for his Marines by offering state-of-the-art health care. Pacatte spoke about the facilities environmental impact and the sustainable best practices used to create the smallest impact possible using the latest least environmentally impactful methods to create the space.

Capt. Kathleen Cooperman, Col. William Pacatte, Capt. Donavon Yapshing, and Lt. Cmdr. Austin Haag cut the ribbon and then officially opened the clinics for business. The guests toured the new facilities and met with the Sailors providing care.

Medical readiness is one of the main focuses of the clinic with medical screenings, booked immunization encounters, shot exercises, PHAs, hearing conservation, and overall duty status screenings drawing most of Marines to the clinic every day. BMC Futenma follows the Marine Center Medical Home Port model. The enrolled patient population is 2300-2400 active-duty service members mostly under the umbrella of IIIMEF and MCIPAC. Most of our patients are from the 1st MAW with some other units falling outside the Marine Air Wing.

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)

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII – Former U.S. Marine Corps master sergeant traded in her Marine green for Navy blue, commissioning as an officer into the U.S. Navy, marking a monumental turning point in her career, Dec. 6, 2024.

This event was not only a change in uniform, but symbolized the culmination of 16 years of service in the Marine Corps.

For Louisiana native – Chantise Robinson – this is the beginning of a new chapter, one where she not only transitions to a different branch of service but also to a new role as a medical officer – a path that requires a fresh start in her career in a new demanding field.

“When I initially joined the Marine Corps, I did not plan on staying more than four years,” said U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Robinson. “I wanted to be a pharmacist.”

In 2013, Robinson’s horizons expanded when she learned about the Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program, which offered a pathway into the medical field. She was faced with a critical choice – start training with the Navy and pursue a career in the medical field or complete her education on her own while continuing to serve in the Marine Corps and applying for the MSC-IPP.

Robinson earned her undergraduate degree in 2019 while continuing to serve in the Marine Corps and promoting to the rank of gunnery sergeant. By then, she had spent nearly a decade in the service, realizing her career was at a crossroads.

“When I was in high school, I saw the Marine Corps as a steppingstone to get my degree, but I’ve just grown to love it,” explained Robinson “However, I always did have that goal of being educated and trying to progress higher.”

As a part-time student attending Louisiana State University, Robinson earned her master’s degree in just 18 months. While attending her graduation ceremony, she eagerly awaited the results of her package for the MSC-IPP. But when the news came in, it was not the answer she had hoped for – she hadn’t made it into the program.

“I almost gave up,” Robinson admitted. “But my recruiter told me to keep trying.”

While debating the decision between staying in and getting promoted to master sergeant versus getting out and pursuing this career as a civilian, it was the encouragement from her leaders that kept her going.

In October 2024, Robinson’s perseverance paid off when she discovered she was accepted into the program. She prepared to transition out of her billet as the security chief of Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

Just two months later, she made the decision to transition out of the Marine Corps, stepping into a new role as a commissioned officer in the Navy at the rank of lieutenant junior grade.

“I’m excited, eager, and anxious,” Robinson admitted. “The Marine Corps is all I’ve known for the past 16 years, but I’m looking forward to it.”

For Robinson, this transition is more than a career change; it’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to serve in the medical field. Blending her passion for healthcare with her fidelity to serve the nation, her journey serves as a powerful reminder to never stop chasing your dreams.

“Don’t ever give up on your goals,” she said. “No matter how far-fetched or out of reach they may seem, let perseverance take you far, not only in your career but in life.”

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

SAN DIEGO – Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) marked another triumphant chapter in medical education and readiness as Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) students celebrated their residency match results during Match Day 2024.

Military Match Day, a momentous occasion for uniformed medical students nationwide, was particularly significant for NMCSD, a recognized powerhouse in medical force generation. “NMCSD’s consistent success on Match Day reflects our commitment to cultivating the next generation of military medical leaders,” said Capt. Elizabeth Adriano, Director of NMCSD. “Our trainees are well-prepared to excel in their residencies and contribute to the readiness and health of our force.”

This year, NMCSD-affiliated residents secured residencies in some of the most sought-after programs.

The list of matches includes:

2nd Lt. Bailey Schieve – ENT Surgery, Tripler
Ens. Ngun “Mimi” Chin – ENT Surgery, Civilian/FTOS
2nd Lt. Jackson Watkins – Internal Medicine, Tripler
Ens. Marina Weinberger – Neurology, NCC/Walter Reed
2nd Lt. William Brooks – Family Medicine, NCC/Belvoir
2nd Lt. Karly Steffens – General Surgery, Wright-Patterson
2nd Lt. Suzanna Del Rio – Radiology, Tripler
2nd Lt. John-Paulo Torre – Internal Medicine, NCC/Walter Reed
2nd Lt. Joseph Rhee – Emergency Medicine, Jackson Memorial

“These outstanding results reflect NMCSD’s commitment to excellence in medical training and readiness,” said Capt. (ret.) Natalie Burman, Associate Dean for Regional Education for USUHS. “The dedication of our staff and trainees ensures the highest level of care and readiness for our service members and their families.”

As one of the Navy’s premier medical facilities, NMCSD plays a critical role in shaping the future of military healthcare. Its robust programs, experienced faculty, and cutting-edge resources provide an unparalleled environment for medical education and clinical training.

The match achievements underscore NMCSD’s pivotal role in sustaining the Navy’s medical force and ensuring that military healthcare remains at the forefront of innovation and patient care. As the matched trainees begin their next phase of professional development, they carry with them the skills, values, and experiences that NMCSD instills, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve and lead in the demanding world of military medicine.

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 Pacific Fleet 1

by Courtesy Story

09 December 2024

“USS Green Bay has been the workhorse of Sasebo and the Seventh Fleet for nearly a decade. We are super proud of our reputation as the most ready well deck in the area of operations, and looking forward to continuing a tradition of excellence in our new home port of San Diego,” said Capt. Aaron DeMyer, commanding officer of Green Bay.

The Green Bay served as part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, operating in the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations. With a crew of 400 and the ability to embark 700 Marines, Green Bay’s mission is to transport and launch amphibious craft in support of amphibious warfare and humanitarian operations.

“We have a good crew that understands what needs to be done when it needs to be done. The team has been worked hard in Seventh Fleet and I’m proud of my time serving abroad but I am overjoyed to be heading home to see my wife and kids after a year away,” stated Electronics Technician 1st Class Blake Cross.

Green Bay participated in numerous operations and exercises across the Indo-Pacific to include Exercise Talisman Sabre, a bilateral military exercise between Australia and the United States, with multinational participation, enhancing collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns; Exercise Keen Sword 25, a joint bilateral exercise Japan designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance; Exercise Iron Fist, a bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force; Exercise Cobra Gold 2020, a Thailand and United States co-sponsored combined joint task force and joint theater security cooperation exercise in the Kingdom of Thailand; Exercise Garuda Shield 2022, a combined and joint exercise between the Indonesian National Armed Forces and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation; Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Exercise with ships and aircraft from Thailand for allied training, focused on building interoperability and strengthening relationships. Additionally, the Green Bay conducted several humanitarian assistance missions.

“While in Seventh Fleet, the Green Bay crew became my family while I was away from my own. With multiple forward deployed patrols together, I am thankful for my fellow Sailors. I am excited to go back to the states to see my family and for them to meet my Navy family too,” stated Operations Specialist 2nd Class Juana Cerriteno.

USS Green Bay was commissioned January 24, 2009. The ship is named in honor of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and serves to conduct prompt and sustained amphibious operations to support national defense and theater security cooperation.