Makin Island Sets New Medical Readiness Standard
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100127-03
Release Date: 1/27/2010 11:35:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kellie Arakawa, USS Makin Island Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Makin Island's (LHD 8) Medical Department earned the highest score ever achieved by a newly commissioned ship during its baseline Medical Readiness Inspection (MRI) Jan. 19-20.
The MRI is a critical inspection that occurs every 18 months or 90 days prior to a deployment and encompasses all aspects of medical operations, from emergency and preventive care to administration and laboratory reports.
Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF/AW) Sean Snook, the senior medical inspector for the Makin Island Amphibious Readiness Group, said the Medical Department received a near-perfect grade on its inspection.
Snook said the inspection team was very impressed with Makin Island's 98.3 percent score, which is one of the highest scores ever achieved by any ship.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) Nelson Lasage, Medical Department's assistant leading petty officer, said the entire department has been preparing for the baseline MRI since LHD8's crew moved aboard in April 2009.
"This [inspection] was our pinnacle," he said.
"Everybody's put in a lot of hours and hard work, but we didn't do it just to pass; we did it for the crew so that we're better prepared to care for them."
Lt. Cmdr. David Proum, Makin Island's senior medical officer, said there was a lot at stake with the baseline MRI because it is part of the necessary qualifications Makin Island needs be a fully ready fleet unit.
"This score is a reflection of our corpsmen and really highlights how amazing this team is," Proum added. "Our department is now certified to deploy and take care of troops, so we are in some ways a year ahead of our timeline because we passed this inspection."
For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd8/.
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