Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian Huntington, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)
BREMERTON, Wash. – Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Torrence K. Strothers, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, is serving as a surgical technologist aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). He reported to Vinson in June 2019 and is responsible for the sterility of the operating room and being the “third hand” to the surgeon during medical procedures.
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by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ellen Sharkey
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“I’m the person that you see in medical drama TV shows handing instruments to the surgeon,” said Strothers. “That’s the simplest way to describe what I do.”
Strother’s Navy journey began in March 2014. He said that growing up in a military household and the discipline that comes along with that prepared and encouraged him to choose this career path.
“I joined the Navy because, being from a military family, I was used to the structure and organization,” said Strothers.
As Vinson undergoes an extensive maintenance period in Bremerton, Washington to make upgrades and prepare for future deployments, Strothers has been working very hard with the medical department to ensure the safety and wellness of the crew. In May, these efforts were recognized when he was selected for Junior Sailor of the Quarter, an award given to Sailors who go above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the highest standards of work ethic and military bearing.
“It means a lot just to be nominated, so winning has really superseded my expectations,” said Strothers. “I believe that I was selected for Junior Sailor of the Quarter because I represent not only the medical department but also the hard work and dedication of the USS Carl Vinson as a whole.”
Strothers said he has enjoyed his Navy career so far and is grateful to have the support of his community back home.
“I am very proud to be from Chesapeake, Virginia and I am thankful for all the support I have received from my friends and family back home.”
Strothers said his hope is to eventually commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.
Strother’s Navy journey began in March 2014. He said that growing up in a military household and the discipline that comes along with that prepared and encouraged him to choose this career path.
“I joined the Navy because, being from a military family, I was used to the structure and organization,” said Strothers.
As Vinson undergoes an extensive maintenance period in Bremerton, Washington to make upgrades and prepare for future deployments, Strothers has been working very hard with the medical department to ensure the safety and wellness of the crew. In May, these efforts were recognized when he was selected for Junior Sailor of the Quarter, an award given to Sailors who go above and beyond the call of duty and demonstrate the highest standards of work ethic and military bearing.
“It means a lot just to be nominated, so winning has really superseded my expectations,” said Strothers. “I believe that I was selected for Junior Sailor of the Quarter because I represent not only the medical department but also the hard work and dedication of the USS Carl Vinson as a whole.”
Strothers said he has enjoyed his Navy career so far and is grateful to have the support of his community back home.
“I am very proud to be from Chesapeake, Virginia and I am thankful for all the support I have received from my friends and family back home.”
Strothers said his hope is to eventually commission as an officer in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps.