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 ABOUT US
 
Located within the grounds of Balboa Park in San Diego, the U.S. Navy’s largest West Coast hospital has played a role in the city’s history for more than 100 years. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego focuses on three critical mission priorities: warfighter readiness, medical force generation, and supporting the delivery of high quality health care at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
 
Mission:
 
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego is comprised predominantly of military members that support Naval Medical Center San Diego. The command supports overall Navy and Marine Corps readiness by training military command members to ensure they are ready to deploy and provide medical support to various operational Navy and Marine units deployed, ashore or at sea.
 
History:
 
As the United States entered World War I, San Diegans offered the nearly empty Balboa Park after the 1915 Panama–California Exposition to be used by various branches of the U.S. military for barracks and training purposes. During this time, a hospital tent was set up at the present location of the San Diego Natural History Museum. In September 1919, city leaders set aside a 17-acre parcel at Inspiration Point in Balboa Park for use in constructing a permanent Naval hospital.
 
During World War II, due to large numbers of casualties coming from the Pacific Theater of Operations, the hospital expanded to include most of the buildings in present-day Balboa Park.
 
During the Vietnam War-era, the complex was the largest military hospital in the world and since then the hospital has established itself as a leader in the field of medicine. That reputation for excellence continues today as the staff propels Naval Medical Center San Diego and the staff from NMRTC San Diego who support it into the 21st century.
 
COMMAND SPONSORSHIP / WELCOME ABOARD
 
NMRTC Sponsorship Program Coordinators:       
 
Enlisted
 
HMC Mariacencepcion, Bucao
  • Phone: 619-532-7172
  • Email: mariaconcepcion.g.bucao.mil@mail.mil
HM1 Rachel, Kuebler USN
  • Phone: 619-532-6752
  • Email: rachel.l.kuebler.mil@mail.mil
 
HM2 Charmaine, Rabina USN
  • Com: 619-532-7297
  • Email: charmaine.e.rabina.mil@mail.mil
 
Officer
 
2900 LCDR Lisa Hill, NC, USN
  • 619-871-5144
  • lisa.h.hill.mil@mail.mil
 
2100 HM1 Rimando
  • 619-532-8815
 
2200 CIV Judith Neuman
  • 619-524-8150
  • judith.a.neuman4.civ@mail.mil
 
4100 LCDR Shane Freiberg
  • shane.m.freiberg.mil@mail.miL
 
COMMAND OMBUDSMAN
 
If you need to reach a command ombudsman, please contact our quarterdeck at 619-532-6400.
 
What is an Ombudsman?   
 
Ombudsmen are volunteers appointed by the commanding officer to serve as an information link between the command leadership and command families. Ombudsmen are trained to disseminate information, including official Department of the Navy and command information, command climate issue and local quality of life improvement opportunities around the community. They also provide resource referrals when needed and can be instrumental in resolving family issues before they require extensive command attention.
 
Command ombudsmen are part of the command support team. The roles and responsibilities of the command ombudsman include:
 
  • Serve as a liaison between command families and the command.
  • Keep the command leadership informed regarding the morale, health and welfare of command families.
  • Communicate regularly with the command and command families.
  • Contact families upon arrival to introduce themselves and explain how they can be of help to the family.
  • Develop and distribute command-approved monthly newsletter.
  • Maintain an up-to-date list of resources and support organizations available to Navy families.
  • Serve as a source of emergency and crisis information.
  • Represent the command at local Ombudsman Assembly meetings.
  • Avoid conflict of interest.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Coordinate services for command families during mobilization or geographic separation.
 
It is the ultimate goal of the command ombudsman to empower family members to help themselves. Ombudsmen responsibilities DO NOT include:
 
  • Providing child care.
  • Transporting people.
  • Lending money.
  • Allowing people to stay with them in their home.
  • Doing for others what they must learn to do for themselves. 
 
Confidential Information vs. Non-Confidential Information   
 
Confidential information is sensitive information about a service member or family member. It is kept within the commanding officer’s designated network and is for official use only. Command ombudsmen are required to adhere to the strictest code of confidentiality to protect the privacy of individuals. Types of confidential information ombudsmen may hear include:
 
  • Marital problems
  • Substance abuse issues
  • Financial difficulties
  • Parenting challenges
  • Work performance issues
  • Infidelity
  • Violations of law
  • Mental health disorders
  • Medical issues
  • Domestic issues
  • Suicidal or homicidal behaviors
 
Family members may contact the command ombudsman to ask for information, guidance, and referrals, or they may just want to discuss their concerns with a caring person. An ombudsman does not share these private concerns with anyone – including their spouse, other members of the command support team, or assistance agencies – without the approval of their commanding officer (CO) or the caller.
 
It is important to understand that not all communication with an ombudsman is confidential, and some information is required to be disclosed to the proper authority. This information is called “reportable”. Reportable information involves situations in which someone’s safety and well-being are at stake. All Department of the Navy personnel, including ombudsmen (with the exception of chaplains and attorneys who have privileged communication), are MANDATED reporters. Navy instruction requires ombudsmen to report:
 
  •  All suspected or known child abuse/neglect.
  • Alleged domestic abuse.
  • Suspected or potential homicides, violence, or life-endangering situations.
  • All suspected or potential suicidal risks. 
 
Ombudsman Code of Ethics    
 
The Code of Ethics is the essential foundation upon which an ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained. Ombudsmen are committed to strict adherence to the code, which includes:
 
  • Maintaining confidentiality.
  • Supporting the command’s mission.
  • Working within the chain of command as directed.
  • Maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
 
 
CONTACT US
 
Naval Medical Center San Diego
34800 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego CA, 92134
NMRTC San Diego Logo

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