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Navy Lt. j.g. Drew Murray, a nurse assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam, recently earned recognition as a recipient of the 2025 Military health System (MHS) Nursing Leadership Excellence Award in the junior military category.
The MHS Nursing Leadership Excellence Award honors military nurses who demonstrate outstanding leadership, clinical expertise, and dedication to advancing healthcare delivery across the Department of War. In the junior category, the award distinguishes those who consistently exceed standards, drive innovation in patient care, and serve as role models within the nursing profession. Murray's selection reflects a sustained commitment to excellence, both in patient outcomes and in leading fellow healthcare professionals in a high-tempo operational environment.
“Murray embodies the best of Navy Nursing” said Cdr. William Westbrook, chief nursing officer for both U.S. Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command (USNMRTC) Guam and USNH Guam. “His unconventional path to the profession shaped a unique perspective that consistently challenged the status quo and improved care for patients and families. He led through action, not rank, earning trust through hard work, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. During some of our most challenging staffing periods, his positivity, initiative, and dedication strengthened both patient care and the team around him.”
Murray, who was also assigned to U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Guam and worked at the hospital, departed the command in March 2026 to peruse advanced training as a Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. As a nurse at USNH Guam, Murray contributed directly to the readiness and well-being of service members, their families, and the local community. Through strong leadership and clinical proficiency, Murray supported mission readiness while fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high-quality care. Murray’s ability to lead by example and maintain composure in dynamic clinical settings strengthened both team performance and patient trust.
This recognition underscores the critical role Navy nurses play in advancing military medicine and ensuring operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific region. Murray's achievement brings distinction to USNH Guam and reinforces the command's commitment to excellence in patient care and professional development. Navy Medicine personnel operate in diverse and often challenging environments, where adaptability and leadership are essential to mission success. This achievement reflects these qualities and reinforces the importance of professional excellence in supporting force health protection.
Murray's recognition also highlights the broader commitment of USNH Guam to developing skilled and capable healthcare professionals. By investing in training, mentorship, and leadership development, the command ensures its staff remain prepared to meet evolving medical and operational demands. This accomplishment brings distinction to USNH Guam and reinforces the command's commitment to excellence in patient care, readiness, and professional growth.
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U.S. Naval Hospital Guam is a 282,000 square foot military treatment facility (MTF) that supports the joint forces and strengthens the island by projecting forward-deployed medical power, delivering high-quality care, and forging strategic partnerships. The MTF and its staff of nearly 700 offers a broad range of primary and specialty medical services in support of more than 27,000 beneficiaries.
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113 This is an official U.S. Navy website This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system. General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@health.mil