SG’s Message – Just a Few of the Many Ways Navy Medicine Projects Medical Power for Naval Superiority
Shipmates,
This week FORCE and I are heading to the INDOPACOM AOR – a region vital to global stability, prosperity, and our national defense. China remains our most consequential strategic competitor across the high seas – and the U.S. Navy – forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power – deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. America cannot cede the competition for influence and access. This is a uniquely Naval mission, and one that requires an active role for Navy Medicine.
Last month we closed out a successful Pacific Partnership ’22 mission and this week USNS COMFORT is underway in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of operations as part of Continuing Promise ’22. These humanitarian assistance missions foster our relationships with our allies and partners in strategic areas of the world, and strengthens our ability to support integrated deterrence. COMFORT and MERCY remain marque platforms for projecting medical power.
Another critical capability we deliver is medical research. I recently attended a ceremony marking the 80th Anniversary of our Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), and with it, the Research & Development Global Enterprise. From Africa to Asia and beyond, our R&D shipmates play ever-crucial roles. Over the course of its history, NMRC and its world-class laboratories have leveraged the power of science to strengthen international partnerships and most importantly – protect the lives of our Sailors and Marines.
Our ability to find innovative ways to meet mission sets is reflective in the work Navy Medicine does with the Marine Corps. Recently FMF Hospital Corpsmen and medical officers with the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group tested a Role 2 light maneuver (R2LM) element organic in the coastal jungles of Brazil. Working in partnership with the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, the medical personnel tested an experimental Tactical Scalable Surgical System (TS3). This is an entirely portable system capable of bridging the gap between traditional Role 1 and Role 2 facilities. Being highly maneuverable, TS3 can be brought closer to troops in combat, providing casualties with life-saving surgery with a smaller logistical footprint. This proof of concept will complement our dedicated Role 2 capabilities like the Shock Trauma Platoon and Forward Resuscitative Surgical System, and serve as a bridge between Role 1 and Role 2 facilities.
As we prepare to honor the Marine Corps’ 247th Birthday and Veterans Day around the corner – I want to take this opportunity to emphasize that our PEOPLE serving across the many spheres of Navy Medicine remain our most valuable asset. Whether our actions are in support of humanitarian efforts, part of the R&D global enterprise, embedded with Devil Dogs, aboard ship or ashore; whether in uniform, or retired military serving as civilians or as contractors, our PEOPLE are the Heart of Navy Medicine.
THANK YOU for your dedication, your innovative efforts, and vital contributions to our warfighters. Each and every one of you make our Navy and Marine Forces stronger.
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG
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