MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Alexa Clifton, a native of Fernandina Beach, Florida, was recently named Junior Officer of the Quarter (JOQ), second quarter of 2025, serving with Expeditionary Medical Facility 150 Mike (EMF-M) at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida.
The JOQ award is used to recognize high-performing junior officers who exemplify the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment. Clifton was awarded a Letter of Commendation from her commanding officer for her outstanding performance in the competitive selection process.
Clifton, a 2012 graduate of Fernandina Beach High School, joined the Navy eight years ago. Additionally, Clifton graduated from the University of North Florida in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science and from Army-Baylor University in 2019 with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree.
"Being named Junior Officer of the Quarter demonstrates that the Navy rewards quality leadership and highlights well-rounded naval officers," Clifton said. "It's important for sailors to know that what we do matters and that what we're doing is being noticed by our leadership. I strive to be a role model for my junior sailors and help them reach their goals both professionally and personally."
EMF-M consists of more than 400 sailors, including medical staff and support personnel. EMFs are staffed and sourced by Navy Medicine personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTCs) at military treatment facilities across the country. The bulk of EMF-M’s personnel come from NMRTC Jacksonville.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Clifton can take pride in serving America through military service.