Inside this Issue:

Admiral’s Call by the SurgeonGeneral of the U.S. NavyVice Admiral Adam M.Robinson, Jr.

2

Bremerton Team Aboard BataanSupports Haiti Relief Effort

3

Navy Surgeon GeneralDiscusses Support Availableto Wounded Warriors at Hiring,Support Conference

4

24th MEU Builds 400 PatientMedical Facility in Port-au-Prince

5

Compassion Satisfaction BuffersBurn Out in Haiti

6

USS Bataan Medical Team DeliversEarthquake Miracle

7

Haitians Find Comfort andInspiration Aboard Hospital Ship

7

Navy Medicine OmbudsmanProgram Opens Hearts and Minds

8

February 2010

USNS COMFORT - U.S. Navy Lt. Alayana Schwartz, Hospitalman Keith Recabo and Cmdr.

Shawn Safford operate on a one-year-old Haitian boy aboard the Military Sealift Command

hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) off the coast of Haiti Jan. 25, 2010. The boy sustained

a knee laceration when concrete fell on his leg during the earthquake that struck the country

Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chelsea

Kennedy/Released)

Comfort Remains Beacon of Hope in Haiti

By Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class (AW) Chelsea Kennedy,USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) Public Affairs

USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), AtAnchor - After eight days in supportof Operation Unified Response, theMilitary Sealift Command hospitalship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) hasmade a significant impact inhumanitarian aid and relief missionin Haiti.

Comfort departed Baltimore Jan.16 following a presidential orderto provide humanitarian aid to theCaribbean nation in response to theJan. 12 earthquake which devas-tated the country.

In the short time Comfort hasbeen on station, Sailors andcivilians aboard the ship haveprovided much needed medical careto the Haitian people as part of amultinational effort.

"It was very encouraging to seepeople who came to us broken andreally desperate leaving the shipsmiling and chatting with eachother," Destroyer Squadron 40(DESRON 40) Operations OfficerLt. Cmdr. Anthony Mortimer.Destroyer Squadron 40 is embarkedaboard Comfort.

There have been more than 372medical evacuations to Comfort,and the hospital ship's medical pro-fessionals are also helping establishpatient triage sites ashore.

"It's a hope and a chance forpeople who don't really have muchright now," said Comfort MedicalOperations Officer Lt. Cmdr. JefferyStancil. "[Our contributions] areabsolutely being felt out there and

See COMFORT, Page 3

USNS Comfortmedical personnelhave completed over700 surgeries sinceFeb. 5, 2010 in supportof Operation UnifiedResponse.

A Public Affairs Publication of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Did you know?

Admiral’s Call by the Surgeon General of the U.S. NavyVice Admiral Adam M. Robinson, Jr.

February 2010 Page 2

On January 15, I stood on thedeck of the USNS Comfort the nightbefore she deployed to Haiti speak-ing to 550 of the most talented andprofessional medical team in theworld. I talked about what theywere about to see once they arrivedin Haiti. My message was simple.You will see tragedy of unimagin-able proportions and that ourhumanitarian mission there will bea life-defining assignment for themin many ways.

On the best days, Haiti is a poorcountry. It is, in fact, the poorestcountry in the Western Hemisphere,and it suffers from poverty, defor-estation and political uncertainty.Of the 5 million to 6 million peoplewho live in Haiti, roughly 2 millionlive in and around Port-au-Prince.Before the earthquake struck, Haitihad recently been hit by hurricanesand floods and the quake destroyedwhatever infrastructure existed.The country's need is greater todayby an order of magnitude and Iexpect us to be there providing careand helping get the country back onits feet for some time to come.

We now have more than 1000members of Navy Medicine per-forming incredible work in supportof Haitian relief. They are gettingfirst-hand experience in a veryintense and a very critical situationthere. They are saving lives andmaking a difference in people’slives. This is the meaning ofhumanitarian assistance- protectingothers even when it places us inharm’s way, extending ourselvesfor the benefit of those in need.

The devastation in Haiti hasbeen terrible and the COMFORT hasbeen a shining beacon of hope sinceshe arrived there on Jan 20. Ourteam on COMFORT and on USSVinson, USS Bataan and the othermedical departments providingsupport has seen devastation,injuries, and death beyond theirimagination. They have performed

admirably in an intense anddynamic situation. I am proud ofthe professionals who cametogether on short notice to makethe deployment happen. I amequally proud of the teams that hadto work harder back here at ourmedical centers to ensure wemaintained the same level of careto our patients despite surging somany of our medical teams almostovernight. Medicine is a commonlanguage that all people under-stand, and it is a way to bridgedifferences.

I emphasize that while thesituation in Haiti is an extremeexample of working in stressfulconditions, we all face stress in ourjobs whether it is at a MTF, as partof a deployed Marine unit or any ofthe important roles we fill aroundthe world providing world class care

for our military forces and theirfamilies. If you feel overwhelmedand feel the need to talk, pleasedon't hesitate to do that. There isno shame in raising your hand andtaking a timeout. There is no shamein asking for help. As health careproviders we must recognize thatwe are not immune to physical andmental fatigue. We are human. Aswe strive to preserve the psycho-logical health of service membersand their families the stressors ofour operation tempos missions

abroad and at home it is importantfor us to be mindful of this andwatch for signs that someone mayneed some help.

We must remain mindful of thestress in our lives as we deployworld wide in support of our nationand as we care for the family’s ourwarriors at home. We must carefor them and we must care foreach other.

The most important resource inthe US military is not a ship, a tankor a plane: it is our people. Thephysical, mental, emotional, andspiritual health and fitness of eachindividual is critical to maintainingan effective fighting force. We havethe ultimate responsibility inensuring the medical readiness ofour war fighters; to make sure thatour medical forces are prepared,trained, and deployed with the rightcapabilities and the right supportthey need.

Medical leaders should use thestress continuum, combat andoperational stress first-aid (COSFA)models, as assessment tools fortheir commands. The COSFAframework of the five C’s – COVER,CALM, CONNECT, COMPETENCE,and CONFIDENCE – forms the basis

Navy Medicine’s Mission in Haiti

“There is no shame inraising your hand andtaking a timeout. There isno shame in asking forhelp. As health care pro-viders we must recognizethat we are not immune tophysical and mentalfatigue. We are human”

See SURGEON GENERAL, Page 4

Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr.,

U.S. Navy Surgeon General

February 2010 Page 3

Bremerton Team Aboard Bataan Supports Haiti Relief EffortBy Douglas H. Stutz, Naval HospitalBremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. - Doctors,nurses and hospital corpsmenfrom Naval Hospital Bremerton(NHB) have been embarked onboard multipurpose amphibiousassault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5)since Jan. 17.

Bataan is currently off the coastof Haiti operating in support ofOperation Unified Response.

"I only have great things to sayabout each and every staffmember. In times of chaos andcrises, they have responded withcare, calm and confident profession-alism," said Chief HospitalCorpsman Rena Shockey, regardingthe NHB team made up of doctors,nurses and hospital corpsmen onboard Bataan. "We have taken careof a full variety of injuries andillnesses, though some hit us a littleharder than others."

The NHB team immediatelyfound themselves responding tothe medical needs of Haitianquake victims.

"All of us, as well as the FleetSurgical Team already there andthe ship's crew, pulled together andacted as a well rehearsed team tocare for each and every patient,"said Shockey. "I found this amazingas most of us had never met, letalone worked together."

Patients arrived on board Bataanvia helicopter and air cushionlanding craft.

"Both are effective platforms for

transporting patients and allow forgreater triage and continuous careby the physicians, nurses andhospital corpsmen who are ashore,"explained Shockey. "Once here onthe ship, all move into action as acohesive team to best treat thepatients who have arrived. It is anamazing sight to see."

NHB staff members are alsostriving to do as much as they canto assist the relief effort ashore.

"We have had a number of staffashore for Sailor Ashore Missions(SAM's) doing a variety of tasks tohelp the Haitians," said Shockey."Some have been more of scoutingmissions. Others gone to the localclinic where we help coordinate thetransport of appropriate patientsand still others have been on work-ing parties for leveling dangerousstructures or moving rubble."

The days have been long foreveryone, especially for those inneed. The 7.0 magnitude earth-quake caused severe damage andhas leveled much of the islandnation's infrastructure.

"I think we all agree that themost difficult parts of this assign-ment are sending the patients backafter treating them to Haiti, espe-cially the kids," said Shockey. "It isa bittersweet moment for all of us."

According to Shockey, themilitary response on board Bataanalso includes a group of MarineCorps linguists who have been veryhelpful in the treatment ofcasualties. They have been effectivein bridging communication and

cultural differences betweenprovider and patient.

"Cultural differences have beenconsidered in treating each patientas part of the overall process and

USS BATAAN - Medical personnel from the

amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD

5) and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

tend to an injured Haitian on board the ship

while off the coast of Haiti, Jan. 20, 2010.

The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and

the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are

providing humanitarian assistance and

disaster relief to Haitians in the wake of

a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck

the country Jan. 12, 2010. (U.S. Marine

Corps photo by Cpl. Bobbie A. Curtis/

Released)

we are making a huge difference."The Comfort surgical team has performed more

than 260 procedures, ranging from resetting crushedlimbs to amputations in an effort to save lives. Theship's medical professionals have also assisted in thebirth of a baby girl.

"I am very proud of the work that we are doing,"said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Ray, an oral/maxillofacialsurgeon aboard Comfort. "There are so many verybadly injured people that need surgery, and we are the

most equipped to handle those needs. We have 11 fullyfunctioning operating rooms, a wide variety of surgicalspecialties available, and a large support staff."

Comfort is a state-of-the-art medical facility with a1,000 bed capacity that is filling quickly.

"We just got here,” said Comfort Ship's Master RobertHolley, who is responsible for the operation of the ship."The job that we have done in this short period of timewith everybody here coming together is very impressive."

To date, there have been 926 patients admitted onboard and 798 patients discharged (as of Feb. 15).

As the mission progresses, Comfort is working todevelop follow-up plans for patient care and treatmentand providing aid to local civilian medical facilities.

COMFORTFrom Page 1

See BREMERTON, Page 5

February 2010 Page 4

Navy Surgeon General Discusses Support AvailableTo Wounded Warriors at Hiring, Support ConferenceBy Cmdr. Cappy Surette, Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery Public Affairs

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Navy SurgeonGeneral discussed support availableto Wounded Warriors Feb. 2 at thefirst Wounded Warrior Hiring andSupport Conference held in theNational Capital Region.

Vice Adm. Adam Robinson, thesurgeon general, spoke at theconference which was hosted byNavy Sea Systems Command at theHilton Alexandria Mark Center.

The conference focused on fed-eral employment opportunities fordisabled veterans.

Speaking to an audience ofapproximately 400 people,Robinson emphasized the Navy'scommitment to providing worldclass medical care for militarypersonnel and their families.

"The Navy has a long history oftaking care of its own and ourcommitment to our injured Sailors,Marines and their families do notend with their arrival at a medicalunit or hospital. It continuesthrough their entire road torecovery," said Robinson. "Whenour people who are in the fightare hurt, we apply all on ourtraining and resources to providerapid care in partnership with oursister services."

The goal of the conference wasto improve the Department of theNavy's overall approach andeffectiveness in hiring wounded

warriors. The conference presenta-tions explored best practices andpolicies for helping injured veteransfind employment, as well asexploring barriers to hiring themwhile also discussing ways toovercome them.

According to the Department ofVeterans Affairs, several federalauthorities apply to 30 percent ormore disabled, yet unemploymentis double the national average forWounded Warriors. Careeremployment is the final step inre-integration into society.

"We work hard to find postmilitary service employment oppor-tunities and help employersunderstand that they need torecognize that there may be physi-cal, as well as, cognitive limitationsif an employee has moderate tosevere TBI (tramatic brain injury),"said Robinson. "Generally peoplewho sustain a concussion willrecover with time but that limitedwork hours and other accommoda-tions may be necessary."

Robinson emphasized that whileemployers may have to make someaccommodations, their return oninvestment would be high.

"As long as you invest in them,they will do their jobs," saidRobinson. "All around the world,our men and women in the militaryguarantee their work with theirlives. They won't quit because thatis who they are."

Robinson provided an overview

of significant health challengesassociated with returning woundedwarriors including standard andinnovative treatments for TBI andpost traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and what the Navy is doingto assist them throughout theirentire healing process and transi-tion back into civilian life.

"We've been exploring alloptions to help treat PTSD," saidRobinson. "One very successfulprogram we've implemented atNaval Medical Center San Diego is avirtual reality simulator that adds atechnological twist to a commonPTSD treatment called prolonged-exposure therapy in which patientsrecall in graphic detail the traumaticevents that set off their illness. Formany sufferers, retelling anddiscussing the bad memories with atherapist can take away the sting."

Navy Surgeon General alsoshared his views on the long-termcare that will be needed for manywounded veterans and emphasizedthe Navy's commitment to workwith numerous partners to ensurethey receive enduring care.

"Care doesn't stop when the warstops," said Robinson. "Care for ourwounded warriors today will con-tinue for the better part of this cen-tury, but we won't be able to do italone. We have to blend a set ofcare across multiple federal andcivilian agencies to provide the bestcare for those who have sacrificedso much for this great nation."

for understanding core issues that impact individualsand the command as a whole. Military leaders andtheir leadership teams should perform the five corefunctions of Combat and Operational Stress Control(COSC) - STRENGTHEN, IDENTIFY, MITIGATE, TREAT,and REINTEGRATE – that are essential for the preven-tion, identification, and care of our staff to prevent

adverse stress outcomes across the combat and opera-tional stress continuum.

Our humanitarian assistance mission in Haiti will be amarathon and we must pace ourselves and watch out forone another. We must ensure that we have each others'backs and make sure we are there for one another whenneeded. This will be especially important when our teamshave been deployed for months.

You are all working hard and doing great work. Besafe, be smart and take care of one another. It is myhonor to represent you as your Surgeon General.

SURGEON GENERALFrom Page 2

Got News? If you’d like to submit an article or have an idea for one,contact MEDNEWS at 202-762-3160, fax 202-762-1705 or Valerie.Kremer@med.navy.mil.

“A lot of these people need after care not just initialcare, this facility will send them back to their homes fullyrehabilitated and ready to get back into their dailyroutines,” said, Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick R. Richards,hospital corpsman, USNS Comfort.

24th MEU Marines and Sailors transferred all theirresponsibility for security of the area Feb. 8 and broughtall their troops and equipment back to USS Mesa Verdeand USS Nassau and departed Haiti for future missions inthe Central Command area of operations.

“I have every confidence that they will continue to do agood job maintaining this facility and the people of Haitiwill receive the best care available,” said Owens.

Initially this facility will ease the strain on the USNSComfort and other naval vessels that are at capacity formedical patients. Rotating those no longer in need ofcritical care on U.S. ships to an interim facility makesspace for those still in need. The goal is for sites like thisto replace ships and allow Haitian locals to return home.

February 2010 Page 5

24th MEU Builds 400 Patient Medical Facility in Port-au-Prince

By Lance Cpl. David Beall, 24th MEU

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Marines and Sailors withCombat Logistics Battalion 24 arrived at an emptysoccer field Jan. 31 with a mission – transform thisrecreation area into an interim medical after-carefacility capable of treating up to 250 patients.

Within 48 hours the Marines and their Navy coun-terparts completed setting up a small tent city of large,green military tents neatly aligned across a field ownedby car dealership owner Daniel Wozier. By Saturdaythere were 43 tents, capable of holding 400 patientsand far exceeding the initial requirement, erected andthe first three patients arrived from USNS Comfort.

The facility was set up on land loaned to the U.S.Government for free by local national Daniel Wozier,owner of the General Motors and Honda dealershipacross from the site that includes a helicopterlanding zone and 400 bed spaces, giving patientspresently on USNS Comfort a place to rehabilitatebefore going home.

“Our sole purpose here was to build a viablesystem so that the USNS Comfort is able to dischargestable patients and bring them here so in turn they willbe able to take on more critical patients,” said Maj.Keith E. Owens, executive officer, CLB-24, 24th MarineExpeditionary Unit.

Approximately 100 Marines and Sailors withCLB-24, with help from U.S. Army soldiers of 3rdExpeditionary Sustainment Command who transportedtents, food and water to the site, worked together insetting up this facility. Once completed and ready forpatients, medical staffers from USNS Comfort, USSBataan, USS Ashland, USS Normandy, USS Ft.McHenry and Desron 14 arrived and set up medicaltreatment equipment inside the tents.

“This is truly a joint effort, we’ve got the Navymedical staff caring for the patients, Army convoysbringing in supplies and Marines providing logisticalsupport as well as security,” said Owens, a Jackson,Mich. native.

These patients received their initial care aboardUSNS Comfort but that is not enough. Before returninghome they must be completely rehabilitated and thisfacility provides them the space and care they need toget back to their lives.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - Marines and Sailors of Combat Logistics

Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, off-load three Haitian

patients from a MH-60, Feb. 5. The patients were transported from

the USNS Comfort and received immediate medical care upon arrival

at the interim aftercare facility in Port au Prince, Haiti. CLB-24 set up

and currently maintain a medical facility for Haitians returning from

USNS Comfort to their homes in Haiti. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by

Lance Cpl. David J. Beall)

haven't been an issue," noted Shockey, citing theculinary needs of each recovering patient as a primeexample.

Shockey also attests that good, old Americaningenuity has also played a part in the NHB team'ssupport of Operation Unified Response.

"Improvisation and flexibility have allowed us not

BREMERTONFrom page 3

just to care for more patients but to improve the qualityof care given to each patient as well," she said. "As timeprogresses everyone is maturing and growing to fulfill aneed with limited resources. Our hospital corpsmen arefinding out and amazing themselves at what they can do.They are seeing their boundaries extended and are mak-ing timely decisions often reserved for nurses and doc-tors. I would love to name one or two who have steppedout above the others as top performers, but I cannot, asall are answering the call with courage and dedicationthey did not know existed."

February 2010 Page 6

Adm. Adam M. Robinson spoke tothe crew of the Comfort the nightbefore the ship deployed, Jan. 15and advised them on some of thestresses they may experience.

“Operational and humanitarianmissions - like Haiti - have manyidentifiable stressors ranging fromdaily hassles to extreme trauma,”said Robinson. “If you feel over-whelmed and feel the need to talk,please don't hesitate to do that.There is no shame in raising yourhand and taking a timeout. There isno shame in asking for help."

According to Hammer,leadership and leadership teamsshould perform the five corefunctions of Combat and Opera-tional Stress Control (COSC) -strengthen, identify, mitigate, treat,and reintegrate.

“These are essential for theprevention, identification, and careof staff to prevent adverse stressoutcomes across the combat andoperational stress continuum,” saidHammer. “Sleep, hydration,rotating shifts, and nutrition, arealso important in mitigatingoperational stress.”

For more information on theNaval Center for Combat andOperational Stress Control, visit:http://www.nccosc.navy.mil.

WASHINGTON - Immediately uponarrival off Haiti, the medical teamonboard USNS Comfort beganaround the clock surgical proce-dures and a host of other medicalcare for the victims of the Jan. 12earthquake that killed more than230,000 people. While the crewsettled in for sustained operationscaring for the people of Haiti, shipleadership worked to ensure thatoperational stress controls were putinto place to take care of the medi-cal team who would see muchtragedy while providing neededmedical services to Haitiansaffected by the earthquake.

“People getting burned out isthe greatest issue,” said Capt. PaulS. Hammer, MC, director, NavalCenter for Combat and OperationalStress Control.

Possessing the most robustmedical capabilities in the region,the Comfort’s medical personneland crew saw the most challengingcases from the 7.0 magnitudeearthquake that devastated theHaitian capital, Port-au-Prince, Jan.12 but Hammer suggests that thestress involved in disaster reliefoperations is different than what

military personnel would experiencein combat operations.

“A humanitarian assistance mis-sion will not have quite the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)mark, unless maybe the person hasfamily there,” Hammer said. “A hu-manitarian assistance mission isvery rewarding, constructive, and agreat thing to do.”

Hammer was quick to empha-size that while humanitarianassistance missions have greatrewards, leadership must beattuned to mitigate the stress thatcan manifest itself. Being separatedfrom family, emotional stress,physical stress, and the day to daystress of an overwhelming missionmake up operational stress whenon any deployment.

“Compassion satisfaction bufferscompassion fatigue and burn out,”said Capt. Richard Westphal, NC,Mental Health Wellness ProgramsCoordinator, Deployment Health,Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.“They know they are helpingpeople, they can see it on theirfaces. It is helping them as well.”

To avoid burn out, the staff andcrew are working hard to take careof one another while ensuringmission completion.

Navy Surgeon General Vice

Compassion Satisfaction Buffers Burn Out in HaitiBy Valerie A. Kremer, Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery Public Affairs

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti—Hospitalman

Christopher R. Brossard, assigned to the

Military Sealift Command hospital ship

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), prepares to give

a patient aboard Comfort a shot to prevent

blood clotting, Feb. 3, 2010. Brossard, who

was born in New York, spent 17 years in

Haiti where he learned to speak Creole

before joining the Navy. In addition to

providing medical care for patients aboard

Comfort, Brossard is also working as a

translator between care providers and

patients. Brossard is deployed aboard

Comfort supporting Operation Unified

Response, a multinational effort to provide

medical care and humanitarian aid to the

people of Haiti in the aftermath of a 7.0

magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti

Jan. 12. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass

Communication Specialist 2nd Class

Shannon Warner/Released)

singing led by Haitian patients andtheir escorts.

"It really motivated and inspiredme," said Hospital Corpsman 3rdClass Rasheda Anderson, a surgicaltechnician in the operating roomaboard Comfort. "It really gaveme hope and made me believe inthe mission even more. It reallytouched me inside and seemedto bring up everyone's moraleand spirits."

Comfort chaplains, several RedCross workers and patients felt aservice conveying a feeling of hopewould be beneficial to everyoneaboard the hospital ship.

"This service was important foreveryone who has been through somuch," said Comfort CommandChaplain David Oravec.

The memorial was attendedby service members, civilianvolunteers and Haitian patientswho were well enough to

Would you like to share your deployment story with MEDNEWS? Contact Lt. Holly Lee at202-762-3773 or holly.lee@med.navy.mil.

February 2010 Page 7

By USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS Bataan Medical Team Delivers Earthquake Miracle

USS BATAAN, At Sea - Medical professionals aboardmultipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD5) successfully delivered 8 lb. 3 oz. Theo Joe, a baby boy,at approximately 4:40 p.m., Jan. 30 in the ship's hospi-tal, following a medial evacuation to Bataan from GrandGoave, Haiti.

A team of doctors and corpsmen from Bataan werevolunteering at the Lifeline Christian Ministries MissionMedical Clinic, in Grand Goave, when they identified apregnant Haitian woman, who had been laboring fornearly four hours and needed urgent care exceeding theclinic's capabilities.

Bataan's team in Grand Goave ordered an evacuationof the patient to the ship by way of an air cushion landingcraft (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4.

"Mom and her baby boy are doing great," said Cmdr.Michael Cackovic, the delivering doctor, who is embarkedaboard Bataan from Naval Medical Center, San Diego."The LCAC ride relaxed her enough to be able to givebirth naturally and safely."

Cackovic said the mother and baby are currently listedin stable condition and recovering aboard Bataan.

Bataan is part of the Amphibious Relief Mission, alongwith USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Fort McHenry (LSD43) and USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), in support ofOperation Unified Response in Haiti after a 7.0 magnitudeearthquake devastated the island nation Jan. 12.

BAIE DE GRAND GOAVE, Haiti - Medical personnel aboard the

multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) hold

a newborn baby boy under a heat lamp after the child's birth in

the ship's operating room Jan. 30, 2010. The baby boy was the

first baby ever born aboard Bataan. Bataan is supporting

Operation Unified Response following a 7.0 magnitude earth-

quake that caused severe damage in Haiti on Jan. 12. (U.S.

Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class

Kristopher Wilson/Released)

USNS COMFORT, At Anchor -- Thecrew of the Military Sealift Com-mand hospital ship USNS Comfort(T-AH 20) gathered earlier thismonth on the vessel's mess deckfor a service of remembrance andhope honoring Haitians and reliefworkers affected by the 7.0 magni-tude earthquake which devastatedHaiti one month ago.

Comfort is currently involved inhumanitarian aid and disaster reliefin support of Operation UnifiedResponse, a joint venture estab-lished to provide assistance toHaitians after the Jan. 12 earth-quake in the Carribean nation.

What started as a solemnservice to remember the estimated200,000 individuals who lost theirlives and 300,000 injured in theearthquake turned to inspirational

attend with their escorts.The service included prayers

and singing as well as a publicreading by Lt. Yonnette Thomas ofa letter of appreciation from aformer Comfort patient.

"I know if you weren't here,many of us would be dead,"Thomas read from the letter fromformer patient Leveille Valmir. "Thisis the biggest proof of love the U.S.could offer the Haitian people. Youhave given us life."

Prayers were lead by Comfortchaplains and Red Cross volunteerRev. Noster Montas. Singingwas led by The Joyful NoiseChoir and Red Cross translatorSimpson St. Fort.

"It was really inspirational. Ifelt my eyes get watery,"Anderson said.

The ceremony concluded with abenediction led by Comfort ChaplainJohn Franklin.

Haitians Find Comfort and Inspiration Aboard Hospital ShipBy Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Shannon Warner, USNSComfort Public Affairs

Unfortunately, there are manyof us out there that aren't so lucky.

We have single Sailors that don'twant to burden mom and dad. Wehave Sailors with spouses at homecaring for three kids and workingfull time. For these families andmany others getting to the storeand post office on any sort ofregular basis can be an overwhelm-ing task.

I was able to share manypackages with my fellow deployers,that weren't as fortunate, becauseof the care packages I receivedfrom my Navy Medicine family.

The amount of care packagesmany deployers receive during theholiday season is amazing, just askthe post office! However, when myShipmates and I arrived inAfghanistan in March there werelittle remnants of holiday packagesleft and my husband and familyworked diligently to get "nice-to-have" packages over to me on aregular basis.

February 2010 Page 8

Public Affairs OfficePhone: 202-762-3160

Fax: 202-762-1705

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery2300 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20372-5300

Navy Medicine Ombudsman Program Opens Hearts and Minds

By Lt. Holly Lee, MSC, Bureau ofMedicine and Surgery

These packages also supported ourmission because often times therewere small items that my team andI could carry out on convoys andgive to small children. When wegive a piece of gum, a small stuffanimal or a matchbox car to a childwe are building future relationshipsand achieving our "Hearts andMinds" mission.

On 01 Feb 2010 BUMED’sOMBUDSMAN began a year-roundcare package collection program soour deployers can know that theirNavy Medicine family is thinking ofthem and supporting them, not onlyduring the holidays but every day.

This program is not limitedto BUMED deployers. If you havea Shipmate that is part of the NavyMedicine family and deployedplease submit their name andcontact information and they willbe added to the care packagerecipient’s list.

For more information pleasecontact LT Holly Lee:holly.lee@med.navy.mil:202-762-3773

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Navy Vice

Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., M.D.,

surgeon general of the Navy, speaks to

more than three-thousand military and

civilian medical educators, researchers,

health care providers and partners from

industry and allied agencies who are

part of the Military Health System

(MHS) during a plenary medical

education session Jan. 25, 2010. The

four-day MHS conference was held

in National Harbor, Md. to share

knowledge, network and improve best

practices. (U.S. Navy photo by

Joseph P. Cirone/Released)

To keep up with NavyMedicine news and dailyupdates follow us on...

“A little piece of home makes allthe difference.”

(Photo by Lt. Jessica Woody, MSC/Released)

Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr.U.S. Navy Surgeon General

Cmdr. Cappy SurettePublic Affairs Officer

Valerie A. KremerMEDNEWS Managing Editor

Public Affairs OfficePhone: 202-762-3160

Fax: 202-762-1705

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery

2300 E Street NW

Washington, DC 20372-5300