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Naval Hospital Jacksonville Medical Platform Deploys

Story Number: NNS030205-05
Release Date: 2/5/2003 1:08:00 PM

By Loren Barnes, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs

NAVAL HOSPITAL JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A medical support platform comprised of nearly 100 medical personnel from Naval Hospital Jacksonville recently received orders to deploy to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of operations to support the global war on terrorism and to prepare for future contingencies as directed.

As the sun rose the morning of Jan. 26, a small group of medical personnel with 2nd Force Service Support Group (2nd FSSG) departed Naval Hospital Jacksonville. They were followed by the remaining members Jan. 30.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville executive officer Capt. John Sentell delivered parting remarks to the Sailors at the departure. "I want you to know that we are proud of you, that the Jacksonville community is proud of you. You are well trained and I know you will serve us well. You are our A team," he said.

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman James Piner reminded the enlisted members of 2nd FSSG of the proud tradition of Navy hospital corpsmen. "Whether it was the Argonne Forest, Okinawa or Iwo Jima, Navy hospital corpsmen have served proudly and honorably for more than 100 years," he said.

Naval Hospital Jacksonville's deployable platforms are comprised of personnel from Naval Hospital Jacksonville and its branch medical clinics, as well as from other naval hospitals in the continental United States. In addition to 2nd FSSG, Naval Hospital Jacksonville maintains the fleet hospital, the largest deployable contingent, as well as a group which is trained to support amphibious casualty receiving and treatment ships.

According to Naval Hospital Jacksonville director of medical services Capt. Robert Sorenson, the 2nd FSSG is basically a surgical company whose role is similar to that of the MASH (mobile army surgical hospital) units portrayed in the movie and television series set in the Korean War.

The 2nd FSSG would support Marine forces in the field. It consists of several elements, including shock/trauma platoons that involve emergency medicine trained physicians, nurses and corpsmen. There are also multiple surgical platoons that include surgeons, anesthesiologists, certified nurse anesthetists, perioperative nurses and corpsmen. Other specialties are also included such as family physicians, pediatrics, OB/GYN and Medical Service Corps personnel.

The role of the 2nd FSSG shock/trauma platoon is to stabilize patients as they are brought into the field hospital. Platoon field corpsmen could also be sent to deliver care on the front lines. One such corpsman, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Daniel Urias, said he is confident in the preparation he and his fellow medical personnel have received. "It's nonstop training for us," he said.

Urias, like all Navy hospital corpsmen, serves in a dual role. He's trained to deploy anywhere in the world as a field corpsman. While here at the Naval Hospital, he delivered care in the ear, nose and throat department.

Urias was seen off by his wife, Jennifer, and their 10-month-old daughter, Idalis. He said missing out on those first year, special moments with his daughter will be what he misses most. "I may not get to see her walk for the first time or hear her first words," he said. Still, he's excited about going on his first deployment and executing the mission.

Sorenson is also confident in the skills and dedication of the 2nd FSSG personnel. "These are all quality nurses, doctors and corpsmen, and I expect they will deliver the same excellent care that they deliver at Naval Hospital Jacksonville," he said.

Capt. Ralph Lockhart, Naval Hospital Jacksonville commanding officer, said, "Naval Hospital Jacksonville is absolutely up to the challenge of providing top-notch care at home while supporting our deployed forces at the tip of the spear. This is what we're here for, what we've trained for and what we will deliver."

While the men and women of 2nd FSSG are prepared to care for our troops abroad, Naval Hospital leadership has planned ahead to continue delivering the highest level of access to family-centered medical care at home. Both at home and abroad, Naval Hospital Jacksonville's health care providers are "simply the best."