Photos

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BRIDGEPORT, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2026) Rebecca Weller of Naval Health Research Center’s (NHRC) Environmental & Thermal Physiology team briefs planning details prior to a cold-water immersion data collection event. NHRC is using a cold-water immersion lab to observe students in the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center’s Mountain Medicine course, measuring their cold-water shock response, changes to core body temperature, cognitive functions, dexterity, breathing patterns, and ability to rewarm after cold-water immersion. Through its cold-water immersion studies, NHRC develops life-saving strategies that enable the warfighter to overcome the initial, lethal shock of entering frigid water. This vital research provides U.S. Naval, Marine Corps, and joint forces with the tools to maintain cognitive function and enhance survivability in the most extreme maritime environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Matthew Reyes/released)