News

by Navy Medicine | 30 December 2015

Throughout the year, Navy Medicine maintained its ability and capability to deploy whenever, wherever, to meet the needs of our Navy and Marine Corps. We deployed with the Navy?s two hospital ships to build trust and cooperation with partner nations. Navy Medicine ambassadors made an impact across the United States, engaging with citizens of local communities. Throughout the year, we did what we do best - enabling readiness, wellness, and health care for Sailors, Marines, their families, and all others entrusted to us worldwide by providing critical mission support on the sea, above the sea, below the sea and on the battlefield. We ended the year with the 38th surgeon general assuming the watch.

Here?s a look back at?a few?memorable blogs from 2015: 1. : The Navy mobile laboratory at Island Clinic processed its last sample late January 2015. [caption id="attachment_9900" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Expediting Ebola test results to health care providers led to improved patient triage, more efficient ETU operations, safe burial practices, and a significant decrease in the spread of EVD. [caption id="attachment_9901" align="aligncenter" width="799"] After Island Clinic Lab closed, samples were effectively transported to other nearby laboratories for testing as result of coordinated communication between the lab, the sample couriers, and the various ETUs. 3. : Naval Medical Center San Diego partnered with the San Diego Natural History MuseumPaleo Services Department to create X-rays and CT scans of a 500,000-year-old mammoth skull fragment to learn more about the species. [caption id="attachment_9903" align="aligncenter" width="574"] Naval Medical Center San Diego staff and San Diego Natural History Museum staff transport a 500,000-year-old mammoth skull to the radiology department. [caption id="attachment_9904" align="aligncenter" width="549"] A 500,000-year-old mammoth skull fragment is placed on to the bed of a CT scanner. [caption id="attachment_9905" align="aligncenter" width="588"] Ancient mammoth skull fragment receives a CT scan. 5. : A hospital corpsman and public health ?guru? describes force health protection and public health education while deployed aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15). [caption id="attachment_9909" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Luke Peet teaches Belizean children about mosquitoes. [caption id="attachment_9910" align="aligncenter" width="835"] An entomologist looks for mosquito larvae during Continuing Promise 2015 7. : During November, we celebrated military families around the world by recognizing the sacrifices and commitment families they make and highlighting the critical role they play in the success and readiness of our Sailors and Marines. In his own heartfelt words, a Chief Hospital Corpsman writes a thank you letter to his family.   [caption id="attachment_9913" align="aligncenter" width="900"] It?s a joyous occasion for family and friends when a Sailor returns from deployment.   9. The War on Tobacco is an All Hands Fight: Navy Medicine?s top enlisted leader discusses the health risks associated with tobacco use. He is certain a tobacco-free force is vital to the readiness and well-being of the entire Navy and Marine Corps team because tobacco reduces the capability of our service members and detracts from overall resiliency.   10. Message from the Navy Surgeon General: Assuming the Watch: The 38th surgeon general assumed the watch, ready to lead more than 63,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and contract Navy Medicine personnel. ?Our Navy Medicine motto is to provide world-class care, anytime, anywhere. We?ve kept that commitment for over two hundred years and you can rest assured we will continue to keep it well into the future.? [caption id="attachment_9916" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson presides over Rear Adm. C. Forrest Faison?s promotion to vice admiral. Faison is the Navy?s 38th surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.