Navy and Marine Corps Medical News January 2012

0.81 MB·English

by  U.S. Navy. Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

A Public Affairs Publication of the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
January 2012
MEDNEWS Items of Interest
From Navy Medicine Support har Airfi eld in Afghanistan, represents
Command Public Affairs the fi rst U.S. Navy-led course eff ort to
January marks National Volunteer
integrate NEMTI in the pre-deployment
Blood Donor Month. To locate a blood CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Nearly 200
training pipeline for medical personnel,
donation center near you go to the Armed active-duty and reserve Sailors scheduled
something NEMTI Offi cer-in-Charge
Services Blood Program website: http:// to deploy to the world’s busiest military
Capt. Th omas Sawyer said is impera-
www.militaryblood.dod.mil/Donors/ trauma hospital began the fi rst train-
tive for the continued success medical
where_to_give.aspx ing session designed to fully integrate
personnel have employed in contingency
them as a medical team at the Naval
operations around the world.
Navy Weeks 2012 - Navy Medicine will be Expeditionary Medical Training Institute
“We are having the highest success
participating in the following 2012 Navy (NEMTI) Jan. 9, marking the fi rst time
of battlefi eld casualty survival,” he said.
Weeks: New Orleans (April 16-23), Nash- the entire staff of a forward-deployed
“Training such as this can only serve to
ville (May 7-13), Baltimore (June 13-19), medical facility began pre-deployment
ensure that more of our Sailors, Soldiers,
Boston (June 29-July 6), Chicago (Aug. training together.
Airmen and Marines return home aft er
13-20) and Buff alo (Sept. 10-17) Th e NEMTI-sponsored Kandahar
serving in some of the most hostile envi-
Role 3 Hospital course, a two-week eff ort
ronments in the world.”
Th e annual 2012 MHS Conference is designed to foster teamwork and build
Th e term “Role” describes the tiers
scheduled to take place at the Gaylord Na- and hone medical skills specifi c to what
in which medical support is organized,
tional Hotel and Convention Center at the U.S. military medical professionals might
with Role 3 describing the capabilities of
National Harbor, Md. Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2012. expect while on a nine-month deploy-
ment to the Role 3 Hospital at Kanda-
See TRAINING, Page 3
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Did You Know?
Because of its isolation,
U.S Naval Hospital
Guantanamo Bay is
the only Naval medical
facility which off ers Navy
corpsmen the opportunity Photo by Petty Offi cer 1st Class Bruce Cummins/Released
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Robert Colson and Hospital
to train to become EMTs Corpsman 1st Class Cedric Gaines transport a patient during the tactical combat
casualty care portion of the inaugural Kandahar Role 3 Operational Medical Training
through the hospital.
Progam. The program is designed to provide necessary current professional skills
training before the nearly 200 service members participating in the course deploy
to Kandahar’s Role 3 Hospital.
Surgeon General’s Corner
Th e continuing assessment of the one-third of those killed in action during
global demand signals coupled with fi scal these confl icts have been Navy Medicine,
realities has allowed both renewal and whether corpsmen or other medical per-
reshaping of strategic directions. I am sonnel. Th ese are staggering numbers and
confi dent that Navy Medicine is strong ones that I want to highlight and honor
and is ready for the numerous challenges as these Sailors represent the very best of
and opportunities ahead of us in the New what we do—service and sacrifi ce.
Year. My goal as your new Navy surgeon Th e ability to be prepared to respond
general is to foster a culture of leader- to the needs of our nation is inher-
ship at our headquarters in Washington, ent in our ethos. We need to maintain
D.C., that leads and is responsive to your a persistent state of high readiness to
Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan
issues whether you serve at an MTF, on support everything from kinetic action
U.S. Navy Surgeon General
the deckplates of our warships or the to humanitarian missions. One key to
battlefi elds around the world to maintain enhanced readiness as we move forward and our research units with our resi-
our ability to provide world class care, will be to fi nd new ways to export lessons dent scientists providing a global health
anytime, anywhere. learned and best practices from our larger benefi t around the world. Our personnel
We live in dynamic times but we must medical centers to our smaller healthcare serve as ambassadors worldwide and
remember that support to the warfi ghter facilities throughout the Navy Medi- are the heart and soul of the U.S. Navy
and their families is our top priority. As cine global enterprise. Navy Medicine’s as a “Global Force for Good.” Our work
such, it is even more vital that we align hallmark has always been we are already is also a key enabler of the maritime
our medical capability with the strategic there or we get there soonest! When the strategy in terms of direct support to the
imperatives and direction of the Chief of world dials 911, it is not to schedule an warfi ghter and our role in humanitarian
Naval Operations and the Commandant appointment, and I am proud of the Navy assistance / disaster response missions.
of the Marine Corps. It is the responsi- and Marine Corps team and our role in When our naval forces go forward into
bility of our leaders, myself included, to leaning forward in this eff ort. harm’s way, we will be beside them as we
take their direction and vision and imple- Th e future is indeed bright for Navy have always done and be ready to care
ment it into what we do each day around Medicine. We have a international for all on- scene and when they return.
the world. footprint which is an important part of I am encouraged by the opportunities
As we move forward, it is paramount our nation’s diplomatic presence around and the shaping that will occur as Navy
that we also take a moment to look back the world. Navy Medicine is forward Medicine moves forward through 2012
and remember the sacrifi ces of the brave deployed with our warfi ghters overseas and beyond.
men and women of Navy Medicine have
made during the past decade of com-
bat operations. More than half of Navy
personnel wounded in action and nearly

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WWaasshhiinnggttoonn,, DDCC 2200337722-55330000 CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - U.S. Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Matthew L.
Nathan shoots a course of fi re at the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Insti-
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tute’s Fire Arms Training System small arms simulator, Jan. 19. Nathan visited
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FFaaxx:: 220022-776622-11770055 ing the fi rst time the entire staff of a forward-deployed hospital engaged in pre-
deployment training together.
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd
Class (SW) Anna Arndt, Naval Medical
Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Naval Medical
Center Portsmouth awarded a Purple
Heart to a Marine during a ceremony
Dec. 29.
Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander,
U.S. Fleet Forces Command, presented
Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Berube
the award before a group that included
Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander,
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command;
Berube's wife, Lori; and fellow Marines
and Sailors.
Berube, a rifl eman squad leader with
1st Battalion, 6th Marines based at Camp
Lejeune, N.C., was already a veteran of
two combat deployments in Iraq when
he deployed to Afghanistan in July. He
was on a security patrol in the southern
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Anna Arndt/Released
Sangin district of Helmand Province Sept.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Marine Sgt. Matthew Berube is congratulated by Lt. Gen. Den-
17. Berube was walking behind three Ma- nis J. Hejlik, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, after being awarded
rines, with others behind him, linking up the Purple Heart Dec. 29.
with another squad in his platoon. While Treatment Facility and then medevaced Berube is now staying at NMCP's
crossing a tree line infested with impro- to NMCP, arriving Sept. 22. Despite Fisher House and looks forward to re-
vised explosive devices, Berube stepped multiple eff orts to save his leg, it was suming his hobbies as soon as he gets his
on a pressure plate IED. amputated due to complications and prosthetic. A native of Florida, he likes
Two Marines near him suff ered tissue death. the water.
concussions. Aft er stepping on the IED, "It's nothing that you ever want to get," "I started surfi ng when I was 11, and
Berube had to continue leading his said Berube of the Purple Heart. "But I'm it's something I've been doing ever since,"
squad, making sure no secondary IEDs proud of it; I've gone through a lot. I'm said Berube, a seven year veteran. "When
were detonated while calling in his own just happy I lived to receive it." I get my prosthetic, it's something I plan
medevac. "It's been hard. It's been long," Lori to try out again and see if it works."
Th e explosion shattered Berube's heel said of the 75 days he spent in NMCP's "He's pretty adamant about getting
bone and another bone in his foot. His Orthopedics ward. "You can't change it; back in the water," Lori said. "With pros-
ankle was fractured and shrapnel in- you just have to roll with the punches. thetics now, there's really no limit to what
jured his leg. He immediately underwent I'm just so glad he made it home. It could you can do. It's something I can defi nitely
surgery at the Camp Bastion Medical have been a lot worse." see him doing."
TRAINING training concentrated on IAs (Individual Augmentees) and
the Kuwait-specifi c mission, but this will integrate all mem-
From page 1
bers of the next staff of the Kandahar Role 3 hospital together
a theater-level hospital. for training.”
Th e course, designed by Navy Medicine Support Command Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, NMSC commander, said,
(NMSC) in response to feedback received from previously “U.S. military personnel are experiencing the lowest battle
deployed personnel including past and current commanding mortality rates in history. Th is is due largely to advanced
offi cers of the North American Treaty Organization-run Role 3 medical personnel and the training they receive. Th e revital-
Kandahar Medical Facility, includes a variety of medical train- ized NEMTI training is designed to continue building on Navy
ing courses. Th ese courses include Trauma Combat Casualty Medicine’s successes that have saved the lives of those injured
Care (TCCC) and the Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) as in combat situations.”
well as other specifi c trauma team training and courses on the Service members completing the Kandahar Role 3 Hospital
clinical computer systems used in theater. Sawyer said these course will next complete military requirements at training sites
courses - along with the opportunity for these service mem- such as Fort Dix, N.J., or Fort Jackson, S.C.
bers to work alongside one another from the beginning of their NEMTI, the premier U.S. Navy training facility for expe-
training - represents a shift in expeditionary medicine training. ditionary medicine, reports to the Navy Medicine Operational
“Th is type of training is a return to the EMF medical train- Training Center (NMOTC) in Pensacola, Fla., and NMSC,
ing specifi c for the Role 3 mission,” he said. “Previous years headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla..
3
January 2012 MEDNEWS
Navy Medicine announces new eyeglass

From U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public
Affairs
WASHINGTON - Naval Medicine Logistics Command
(NMLC) announced Jan. 19 that all active duty and Reserve
personnel, including recruits will soon have a new standard
issue eyeglass frame available.
Since 1990, military personnel and recruits have received
standard issue S9 eyeglass frames, oft en jokingly referred to as
“birth control glasses” or simply “BCGs.” Not any longer.
“We are happy to announce that the New Year brings with it a
new frame option for all personnel serving on active duty and in Courtesy photo
the Reserves,” said Capt. Matt Newton, commanding offi cer of WASHINGTON - Naval Medicine Logistics Command (NMLC)
announced Jan. 19 that all active duty and Reserve person-
Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) in
nel, including recruits will soon have a new standard issue
Yorktown, Va. “Service members have told us that they like the eyeglass frame available.
appearance of the new frame. We are confi dent this frame will service members with full implementation expected to be com-
increase the likelihood that military personnel will continue to pleted over a two-year period.
utilize their eyeglasses beyond boot camp.” Retirees are currently eligible to receive standard issue S9,
Eff ective Jan. 1, the current cellulose acetate spectacle frame S91A and Half-Eye frames, and there will be no change to this
provided at all Armed Forces initial entry training sites began authorization. However, over the next two years, the OFE will
the transition from male and female, brown “S9” spectacles to a study the feasibility of providing 5A frames to retirees.
new, unisex, black “5A” frame. Th e OFE was established by Congressional mandate in 1996,
Th e change stems from a study which was directed by the with the U.S. Navy Surgeon General charged with managing
Military Health System’s Optical Fabrication Enterprise (OFE) the program. Upon the closure of the Army Optical Fabrication
and coordinated by NOSTRA in order to fi nd a suitable frame Laboratory at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center, NOSTRA
to add to the standard issue inventory. Selected samples were became a joint production lab with Army opticians augment-
submitted to U.S. Army Public Health Command for review, ing Navy and civilian production staff . Th e OFE is guided by
and three frames were identifi ed for user tests. Tests were con- the Optical Fabrication Advisory Board which represents the
ducted at Recruit Training Center Great Lakes, Ill.; Advanced Surgeons General of the Army, Navy and Air Force. A sam-
Infantry Training, Camp Geiger, N.C.; Fort Sam Houston, pling of OFE initiatives includes managing the military Frames
Texas; Fort Knox, Ky. and U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training of Choice program, standardization of military combat eye
Center, Cape May, N.J. protection inserts, introduction of a new submariner frame, and
Surveys assessed functionality, durability and cosmetic ap- operational support with the deployment of the new M50 gas
pearance and the 5A frame was selected as the best option. mask insert. For the last several years, the OFE has produced
Initial deployment of the 5A frame will occur at all Armed approximately 1.5 million pairs of spectacles and optical inserts
Forces initial entry training sites. Within six months, the 5A annually for authorized military personnel.
frame will be made available to all active duty and Reserve
Navy Medicine EMT Training
GUANTANAMO BAY - Emergency
Technician (EMT) trainees Hospitalmen
Paul Boss and Kevin Corcoran carry
simulated fall victim Hospitalman
William Jennings during a fi eld training
exercise at Guantanamo Bay Jan.19.
The trainees are halfway through a
month-long course that will qualify
them as nationally registered EMTs.
d Because of its isolation, U.S Naval
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MEDNEWS January 2012
during the nearly three-week course.
From Navy Bureau of Medicine and military medical personnel and their
Day-long clinical skill station practical
Surgery Public Affairs training. Our training is also realistic.
scenarios encompassing the variety of
Naval Expeditionary Medical Training
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Th e U.S. injuries deploying personnel could see,
Institute provides an environment and
Navy’s highest-ranking medical offi cer classroom lectures on ethics, and other
realistic training programs that help
visited students at the Kandahar Role 3 medical-related hands-on and classroom
medical personnel prepare to deploy to
Hospital course at Naval Expeditionary material were taught by NEMTI staff .
save lives.”
Medical Training Institute (NEMTI) Jan. Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, com-
Service members completing the
19 at Camp Pendleton. mander, Navy Medicine Support Com-
Kandahar Role 3 Hospital course, which
Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. mand, who has oversight of Navy Medi-
began Jan. 7 and is scheduled to con-
Navy surgeon general and several se- cine education and training including
clude Jan. 21, will next complete military
nior Navy Medicine fl ag offi cers met the NEMTI, said eff orts such as the Kandahar
requirements at training sites such as Fort
nearly 200 Sailors and offi cers undergoing Role 3 Hospital course continue to prove
Dix, N.J., or Fort Jackson, S.C.
the fi rst pre-deployment training session integral to the overall success of sup-
Also observing this unique train-
for the entire staff of a forward-deployed porting ongoing contingency operations
ing program were Rear Adm. C. Forrest
medical facility, and discussed the impor- around the world.
Faison, III, commander, Navy Medicine
tant role the service members would play “Th is training was designed, foremost,
West and Naval Medical Center San Di-
by staffi ng the world’s busiest military to save lives,” she said. “Lifesaving train-
ego; Rear Adm. Colin G. Chinn, MC, di-
trauma hospital in Afghanistan. ing has been and will continue to be the
rector, TRICARE Regional Offi ce - West;
Th ey visited the Navy’s expeditionary cornerstone of Navy Medicine Support
Rear Adm. Michael H. Anderson, MC,
medicine training facility and observed Command’s education and training
the medical offi cer to the Marine Corps;
the NEMTI Role 3 Kandahar course’s mission. You can see the results of these
and Rear Adm. Charles Harr, deputy to
fi nal exercise. During the exercise, eff orts on the battlefi eld. U.S. military
the medical offi cer of the Marine Corps/
students implemented the clinical skills personnel in Afghanistan are experienc-
deputy director, Medical Corps, Reserve
they honed during the two-week course. ing the lowest battle mortality rates in
Component.
Kandahar Role 3 students participated history, due in large part to exceptional
in a scenario-driven series of exer-
cises, including staffi ng a fully equipped
hospital receiving patients with traumatic
injuries, implementing triage procedures,
a simulated air strike, simulated impro-
vised explosive device scenarios, MOPP
level-4 drills, and a mass casualty drill,
all designed to foster the teamwork the
next staff at the Kandahar Role 3 hospital
will employ.
Th e NEMTI-sponsored Kandahar Role
3 course - the fi rst U.S. Navy-led eff ort to
integrate NEMTI in the pre-deployment
training pipeline for medical personnel -
is designed to allow members of the next
rotation of service members deploying
to the world’s busiest trauma hospital the
opportunity to train together, something
Nathan said is imperative.
“Care for the warfi ghter is why we
exist,” he said. “Th is is our top prior-
ity. Our combat casualty care capability
Photo by Mass Communications 1st Class Bruce Cummins/Released
represents a continuum of training from CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - U.S. Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Matthew L. Na-
battlefi eld to bedside to rehabilitative care than speaks during an Admiral’s Call to staff and students at the Naval Expedition-
ary Medical Training Institute Jan. 19 at Camp Pendleton. Nathan and several se-
and support.”
nior Navy Medicine fl ag offi cers met the nearly 200 Sailors and offi cers undergoing
Kandahar Role 3 Hospital course stu- the fi rst pre-deployment training session for the entire staff of a forward-deployed
dents were exposed to numerous classes medical facility, and discussed the important role the service members would play
by staffi ng the world’s busiest military trauma hospital in Afghanistan.
View more Navy Medicine photos online at:
www.fl ickr.com/photos/navymedicine/
5
January 2012 MEDNEWS
By Mass Communication Specialist (SW) 3rd Class Anna
Arndt, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held
to offi cially open the Warrior Transition Unit at Naval Medical
Center Portsmouth (NMCP) Jan. 6.
Rear Adm. Elaine Wagner, NMCP commander and Capt.
Daniel Unger, Wounded Warrior Program manager cut the
ribbon.
Th e unit takes advantage of an “overfl ow” inpatient area in
the medical center that is used only when other wards are full.
Now, when a Wounded Warrior is medevaced from overseas -
oft en from the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany
- the unit is activated and becomes the service member’s fi rst
stop instead of the emergency room (ER).
Th e unit is a more subdued and less chaotic environment
than the ER, and provides privacy for family members to re-
unite with their injured service member.
“In many instances, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is the
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist (SW) 3rd Class Anna Arndt/Released
fi rst place where family members are able to see their loved ones
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Rear Adm. Elaine Wagner, Naval Medi-
aft er an injury or illness suff ered during a deployment or other
cal Center Portsmouth commander, and Capt. Daniel Unger,
overseas duty,” said Wagner. “Th is area is far more conducive to Wounded Warrior Project Manager, left, cut the ribbon to
those private emotionally charged reunions than an open bay in offi cially open the new Warrior Transition Unit Jan. 6. Lt.
Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces
the Emergency Department.”
Command, third from left, and Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., com-
Many of the patients in the unit have been wounded by mander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, right, also attended the
improvised explosive devices. Th e most common injuries are ribbon cutting.
orthopedic, thoracic, mental health and vascular. Medevac lasted about six hours; now the longest stay we have had was
patients who need pain medication typically receive low dose one hour and 44 minutes,” said Craig. “Now they come straight
during the fl ight. Th eir pain is addressed immediately upon ar- up here where it is calm and quiet and they each have their own
rival to the unit. individual room.”
“Th is is a full-service Warrior Transition Unit,” said Capt. Aft er patients are evaluated in the transition unit, they will
Th omas Craig, Operational Forces medical liaison, who came either be admitted to one of the inpatient units, or, depending
up with the idea for the unit. “Th e whole idea is that whatever on their individual medical needs, transition to the Patriots’ Inn,
needs the warriors have are met when they come here. Th e the Medical Hold Barracks or even their own homes for outpa-
beauty of it is that [the unit] is completely fl exible. tient services.
“We know four to fi ve days out from when the patient arrives “Th is unit is very much focused on the Wounded Warrior
what they need. We have at least three days to prepare so we can to meet all their needs and their families’ needs,” said Unger,
custom tailor it to their needs,” Craig said. the program manager. “I think it’s awesome. I think it’s the fi rst
Before the creation of the Warrior Transition Unit, Wounded step in developing a world-class wounded warrior care program
Warriors who were being evaluated could spend several hours here.”
waiting in the Emergency Department. Th e unit has served 23 Wounded Warriors since it opened
“When they were being treated in the ER their stays usually Oct. 15, 2011.
CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class
Matthew Hawkins from the Ridgecrest, Calif., based
2515th Air Ambulance Detachment receives the hand-
off of a simulated patient from St. Cloud, Minn., native
Spc. Tyler Sparks, a combat medic from the Brainerd,
Minn. based 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor,
d
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hael Little Falls, Minn. Soldiers were able to practice treating
Mic a patient, coordinating with a Navy SH-60 Sea Hawk air
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MEDNEWS January 2012
Navy Medicine Research
By Dr. Rick Arnold, Naval Medical
Research Unit-Dayton
DAYTON, Ohio - Recently researchers at
the Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton
(NAMRU-Dayton) have positioned the
laboratory to take a leading role in Navy
and Department of Defense unmanned
systems human factors research.
In the late 1990s, the Naval Aerospace
Medical Research Laboratory (NAMRL)
conducted early research on selection
testing of RQ-2 Pioneer Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators. Aft er
moving to Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base last year to become the Aeromedical
Directorate of NAMRU-Dayton, the lab
continues to be a leading force in Navy
and DOD UAS human factors research.
NAMRU-Dayton hosted a tri-service
Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain/Released
workshop on UAS human factors re-
DAYTON, Ohio - Two Sailors assigned to the “Firebees” of Fleet Composite Squad-
search, development, test, and engineer-
ron Six (VC-6), wait for the signal to release an RQ-2B Pioneer Unmanned Aerial
ing (RDT&E), Nov. 7-8, 2011. A range Vehicle prior to its fl ight demonstration.
of critical research topics were identifi ed
tive previously may no longer be relevant and others.
over the course of the workshop. Among
for selecting operators of such advanced Th e project has recently concluded,
the most pressing issues identifi ed was
systems as AACUS, BAMS, Fire Scout or and preliminary results suggest that
the need for new research on UAS opera-
UCLASS. operators of these newer systems are
tor and crew selection.
To address this uncertainty, NAMRU- required to possess a very diff erent skill
Th ough the previous NAMRL re-
Dayton researchers, in collaboration set from their Pioneer predecessors.
search was quite successful in develop-
with researchers at the Naval Air Warfare Preliminary analyses suggest that UAS
ing eff ective tests to select qualifi ed
Center (Aircraft and Training System operator knowledge, skills, abilities and
Pioneer UAS operator candidates, the
Divisions), recently conducted a large- other personal characteristics (KSAOs)
signifi cant changes that have occurred in
scale job-task analysis spanning multiple related to communication, teamwork and
UAS vehicles, interfaces and concepts of
unmanned air vehicles and crew posi- decision making play the most signifi cant
operations during the intervening decade,
tions, including BAMS, BAMS-D, Fire roles in cur-rent UAS operations. Across
coupled with the retirement of Pioneer
Scout, Raven-B, Shadow, Scan Eagle, all platforms studied, the top-rated
in 2007, suggest the tests proven eff ec-
operator KSAOs included such traits as
oral comprehension, oral expression,
team-work skills, written comprehension,
dependability, accountability, self-disci-
pline, critical thinking and task priori-
tization. In contrast to critical Pioneer
KSAOs, physical and psychomotor skills
were found to be relatively less important.
For example, hand-eye coordination, a
skill critical for operation of the Pioneer
vehicle, ranked only 59th of 66 KSAOs
rated in this recent study of advanced and
highly automated unmanned systems.
In the late 1990s, the Naval Aerospace
Medical Research Laborator developed
an operator selection test for the RQ-2
Pioneer.
Courtesy photo
7
January 2012 MEDNEWS
By Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service “We put our best in the Western Pacifi c,” he said. Th is in-
cludes not only “the most advanced air wing we have, the most
WASHINGTON - Th e Navy is working to bolster existing part-
advanced cruisers and destroyers, ordnance [and] anti-subma-
nerships and forge new ones in Asia and the Pacifi c, an initia-
rine warfare,” he said, but also carefully screened commanders
tive that supports U.S. Pacifi c Command’s overarching goals in
and Sailors.
implementing the new defense strategic guidance, the service’s
Emphasizing the need for the U.S. Navy to be “tangibly
top offi cer said here yesterday.
present out there,” Greenert said it enhances that presence by
Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, chief of naval operations, told
continuing to nurture partnerships and potential partners.
a forum at the Center for a New American Security that the
“Th ere are many out there, and they are growing, through a
Navy will focus largely on relationships
range of missions that we will have to
-- rather than a naval buildup in the “But my fi rst assessment
foster,” he said, some through closely
region -- to support President Barack
is we’re in good shape in integrated operations and some in a
Obama’s strategic guidance.
more ad hoc manner.
Th e new strategic guidance, an- the Navy where we stand
Greenert also expressed a need to
nounced last week to guide the mili-
in the Western Pacifi c.” continue dialogue and work toward a
tary through 2020, underscores the
relationship with China.
growing strategic importance of Asia
-Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard, U.S.
and the Pacifi c. Chief of Naval Operations
Pacifi c Command commander, struck
Greenert noted that the Navy will need to review its
these same notes earlier this week during an address to the Ha-
numbers of ships, aircraft and equipment and how they are dis-
waii Military Partnership Conference.
tributed around the world in light of the new guidance.
U.S. relationships with Asian allies and key partners will re-
“But my fi rst assessment is we’re in good shape in the Navy
main critical to the region’s future stability and growth, he said.
where we stand in the Western Pacifi c,” he said.
So while strengthening existing alliances that have provided a
He noted the strong naval presence already there. “On any
vital foundation for regional security, Willard said, the United
given day, ... we have 50 ships underway in the Western Pacifi c,”
States also will strive to forge closer ties with emerging regional
he said, with about half of those forward-deployed naval forces
partners.
in and around Japan.
By Mass Communication Specialist move a patient more than 7,000 miles
2nd Class (SW) Alan Gragg, Amphibi- without clinically compromising the
ous Squadron 5 Public Affairs patient’s condition.”
Levenson used a variety of training
USS MAKIN ISLAND, At sea - Medi-
materials to educate the pilots.
cal personnel assigned to Fleet Surgical
“I like to show the pilots some unedit-
Team (FST) 5 briefed Marine Corps pilots
ed pictures of what is under the bandages
about medical evacuation procedures
of our most critical patients they trans-
aboard amphibious assault ship USS Ma-
port, to help emphasize this point,” added
kin Island (LHD 8), Jan. 6.
Levenson.
Personnel from FST-5, a key unit as-
Cmdr. Eric Stedje-Larsen, FST-5’s
signed to the Makin Island Amphibious
offi cer-in-charge and commander, Am-
Ready Group (ARG), demonstrated how
phibious Task Force surgeon, said lending
casualties are handled in fl ight when be-
a hand during evolutions like this is noth-
ing fl own to the ship on a medical evacu-
ing new for his team.
ation for treatment or fl own off the ship
“Th e robust training we have done
as part of a casualty evacuation.
with the Marines and the rest of the ARG
Lt. Jonathan Levenson, FST-5’s criti-
has created a cohesive system to care for
cal care nurse, led the training for pilots
injured patients,” said Stedje-Larsen. “It
assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter
takes a team to care and move patients
Squadron (HMM) 268 (Reinforced), and
throughout all our areas of operation.”
also gave them a tour of the ship’s medical
Stedje-Larsen said that testing and Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alan Gragg/Released
facilities.
GULF OF ADEN - Medical personnel
demonstrating FST-5 capabilities with
“I believe it is important to let the pi- evaluate a simulated patient during
lots and crew chiefs know how important the other units that make up the Makin a medical evacuation drill aboard the
Island ARG enhance function ability and amphibious assault ship USS Makin
they are within the entire medical evacu-
Island (LHD 8), Jan. 5. Makin Island
ultimately leads to better care.
ation process,” said Levenson. “Th ey are a and embarked Marines assigned to the
big reason why we are able to maintain a “In our business, the 90 percent solu- 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th
tion is not enough,” said Stedje-Larsen. MEU) are deployed supporting maritime
high survival rate throughout the con-
security operations and theater security
tinuum of care that has the potential to See TEAM, Page 9 cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet
area of responsibility.
8
MEDNEWS January 2012
By Lance Cpl. Michelle S. Mattei, Marine Corps Base Camp
Pendleton
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — For an NFL player, a multi-mil-
lion dollar contract may seem like it takes care of everything in
comparison to the average Marine’s daily lifestyle and pay check.
What some may not realize, however, is that the lifestyle of
a professional football player and a service member are not as
diff erent as they seem.
“Being an [NFL player] is a very structured environment;
kind of like the military,” said Skip Kicks, a former running back
for the Washington Redskins. “You never have to think about
things like health insurance, in case you get hurt or sick. Th e
transition [from the NFL] was a huge culture shock.”
Hicks, along with other former players from the NFL Play-
ers Association came to Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club to
discuss common reintegration challenges service members are
Photo by Lance Cpl. Michelle Mattei/Released
faced with as well as the tools and resources available to address
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - A marine plays pool during a
them, Jan. 15. “Game Day” event hosted by the Real Warriors Campaign
Th e “Game Day” event was hosted by the Real Warriors at Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club, Jan. 15. Former
players from the NFL Players Association came to base to
Campaign, an initiative of the Defense Centers of Excellence for
discuss common reintegration challenges service members
Psychological Health and traumatic brain injury, to help former are faced with as well as the tools and resources available to
NFL players join Marines, sailors and their families to watch address them.
football, socialize and discuss the importance of reaching out “Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Th e [Real Warriors Campaign]
for support during life transitions. helps with all types of issues, not just PTSD. Any type of daily
“Th e NFL Players Association fi nds local players or play- stressor can impact and Marine at any time, and we’re here to
ers who are interested, that want to help,” said Cmdr. George help them recover.”
Durgin, resilience division chief of the Defense Centers of Lance Cpl. Clark Sabo, a telephone and computer system
Excellence. “Th ey come here because they want to share what repairman with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, suff ered from a
happens to them and encourage Marines to seek help if they nerve disease in June 2011 that attacked his back and shoulder
need it.” nerves.
Hicks explained how pride can oft en times get in the way of “I can’t lift my arm above my shoulder and I have to walk
seeking out help or guidance during stressful times. with crutches,” Sabo explained. “You can’t repair nerve damage.”
“Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help,” Hicks said. “It’s okay to Sabo said that aft er attending the event he’s now more aware
ask; if you don’t, your pride will kill you. Always listen to your of the programs available to service members to help with
family members and the people around you because they will their life transitions as well as recovery for any type of injury
tell you the truth. If they are telling you there is a problem, listen or illness.
to them.” “Th e important part about today was just knowing that we
Durgin, who served in Desert Storm, said he was faced can reach out to [service members] and encourage them to talk
with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder when he returned from about their problems,” said Hicks. “I’ll feel fulfi lled knowing that
deployment. I at least made an impression on one person and hopefully from
“I reached out for help because I knew I needed it,” he said. there it will have the domino eff ect.”
TEAM Makin Island’s medical department with In addition to Makin Island, FST-5 has
medical specialists, said Stedje-Larsen. detachments aboard the other two ships
From page 8
Members consist of a medical regu- assigned to Amphibious Squadron (PHI-
“We need 100 percent, every time.” lating and coordinating offi cer, senior BRON) 5, amphibious transport dock
Th e mission of a fl eet surgical team is enlisted leader, general surgeon, family ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and
to deploy with medical and surgical capa- practice physician, anesthesia provider, amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl
bilities in support of the ARG, as well as critical care nurse, operating room nurse, Harbor (LSD 52).
supporting contingency operations. two surgical technicians, two laboratory PHIBRON 5 elements, along with the
FST-5 is comprised of medical and sur- technicians, one respiratory technician, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, make
gical professionals with mission critical two general corpsman, and one radiology up the Makin Island ARG.
specializations designed to supplement technician.
Got News?
If you’d like to submit an article or have an idea for one, contact
MEDNEWS at 202-762-3160 or [email protected]
9
January 2012 MEDNEWS
Voices from the Field
competitive the Navy’s match is for family percentage of graduating seniors choos-
medicine residency positions each year. ing to become family physicians, the only
With only six months of residency specialty solely dedicated to providing
training, I can already tell how much primary care. With implementation of
the Navy appreciates family medicine as Medical Home Port, a concept that is be-
a specialty as well as primary care as a ing implemented as the patient-centered
whole. Look no further than the Medical medical home in the civilian world, those
Home Port program to justify how much choosing family medicine in the Navy
the Navy is devoted to providing up-to- can be confi dent that their training for
date, evidence-based, cost-eff ective care practice will allow them for smooth tran-
to our sailors. In order to off er high-level sition to civilian practice when and if they
care, it is imperative that the Navy invests decide to leave the military.
in producing a highly-functioning and Here at my family medicine residency
capable primary care workforce. In com- program at Naval Hospital Pensacola, we
parison to medical training within the had a very successful match, selecting
civilian community, the Navy produces candidates to fi ll all of our GME-1 and
an optimal primary care and specialty 2 slots with highly talented naval medi-
workforce ratio for our active duty, retir- cal offi cers, including several graduating
ees, and dependents. Th is allows for the medical students, several current resi-
Courtesy photo
By Lt. Kevin Bernstein, M.D., M.M.S., optimization of primary care access with- dents continuing through with residency
Family Medicine Resident at Naval out the fragmentation and over-reliance training as well as those coming back
Hospital Pensacola, Fla. of specialty care that is currently occur- from the fl eet to continue their training
ring in the civilian and eventual board
Now that the holidays are over, the “In the military, we
world. certifi cation in the
excitement of winter cheer is exchanged
Young medical are blessed to have specialty of Family
for a diff erent kind of excitement for all of
offi cers choosing their Medicine. As one
those waiting for the results of the Gradu- a community that
specialties are taking of several sites in
ate Medical Education (GME) Selection
Board (aka “military match”). notice to the practice truly recognizes the entire military
redesign occurring by with Level 3 NCQA
Th e GME Selection Board is used to
the importance of
those involved with recognition as a
determine where senior medical students
and Navy physicians currently in residen- Medical Home Port primary care.” Medical Home
implementation. In (the gold stan-
cy training or out in the fl eet will con-
fact, the Uniformed dard for medical
tinue with their medical training within - LT. Kevin Bernstein
internships, residency programs, fellow- Services University of Family Medicine Resident home certifi cation
the Health Sciences (USUHS) Naval Hosoital Pensacola and highest level
ships, fl ight/dive medicine, or in the fl eet
is consistently honored by the American functioning medical home rating), our
as general medical offi cers.
Academy of Family Physicians as be- residency program is highly attractive to
As someone highly involved in pro-
ing ranked in the top 10 of all medical those seeking medical training within a
moting primary care, this time of year is
schools throughout our country in its transformed practice setting performing
also very exciting for me because of how
at the highest level achievable for prepa-
ration to practice family medicine in the
fl eet as well as in the community. We are
Have you checked out the
looking forward to their arrival aboard!
Navy Medicine 2012 Owners’ In the military, we are truly blessed to
have a community that truly recognizes
and Operators’ Manual?
the importance of primary care. Th is is
refl ected in the choices that our Naval
Medical Offi cers make when select-
View it on Issuu: http://issuu.
ing family medicine as their profession
and career. Bravo Zulu to all those who
com/navymedicine/docs/o_o
matched!
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