CHERRY POINT, N.C.- Hospitalman Tyrus Brown, a native of Atlanta, is playing a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a hospital corpsman working at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, North Carolina, Brown’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Cherry Point area, and by extension, the readiness of the Navy’s operational ships and submarines on which they serve.
“The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic brought an invisible enemy to our shores and changed the way we operate as a Navy,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "The fight against this virus is a tough one, but our sailors are tougher. We must harden our Navy by continuing to focus on the health and safety of our forces and our families. The health and safety of our sailors and their families is, and must continue to be, our number one priority.”
Brown is a 2016 Jonesboro High School graduate. According to Brown, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“I’ve learned that nothing is too big and nothing is too small, to always put your best foot forward with anything that has your name on it,” Brown said.
The U.S. Navy Hospital Corps is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. 20 ships have been named in honor of corpsmen.
In its century of service, the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps has supported millions of sailors and Marines in wartime and peace around the world. As the years have progressed, technological innovations are transforming medical training for the next generation of hospital corpsmen, according to Navy officials.
“Being a Navy corpsman means a lot because of the background, and it puts my foot in a lot of doors,” Brown said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Brown, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition that dates back centuries. Their efforts, especially during this time of challenge brought on by the Coronavirus, will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who provide the Navy the nation needs.
“It means a lot to be able to get so much diversity in training during this hard time, especially knowing people who have been directly affected by the Coronavirus and being able to help them understand it more,” Brown added.