Photos

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Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific, and director, Defense Health Network Pacific Rim, presents a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Chief Petty Officer Harold Tran for his achievements as the commander’s flag writer during Tran’s commissioning ceremony at the NMFP headquarters, June 21. Tran, a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, took a significant step forward in his Naval career as he was commissioned as a Naval officer, marking the culmination of years of dedication, service, and relentless pursuit of a dream born out of desire for adventure and commitment to family. “I understand the dynamics on the deck plates,” Tran said. “Ever since I joined the Navy, I’ve always imagined myself as an officer. I thought becoming a chief was an unnecessary step to become an officer. But being on the deck plates, being that person that junior Sailors come to for guidance, setting the example for others to emulate, providing sound counsel to today’s division officers or tomorrow’s commanding officers, I am proud to have become a chief petty officer of the United States Navy.” (U.S. Navy photo by Arsenio R. Cortez Jr.)