GROTON, Conn. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Lucas Schroeder, a native of Caledonia, Minnesota, 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 and pharmacy technician working at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton, Connecticut, and also deploying aboard USNS Comfort in New York City, Schroeder’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Groton 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.”
As part of the Navy medicine team, Schroeder protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I’m humbled by this challenge, but I know that the Navy will provide us with what we need to help other people,” Schroeder said. “I’ll do my best to serve so that my actions will always be something my family at home will be proud of.”
Schroeder is a 2003 Caledonia High School graduate. According to Schroeder, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Caledonia.
“I learned that no matter the challenge ahead of me, I can face it head on and keep going,” Schroeder said. “With the additional challenges of this global pandemic, I’m thankful for the values I learned in my hometown.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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.
“It’s an honor to be a corpsman because of our history, and it definitely broadens my horizons about naval tradition,” Schroeder said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Schroeder, 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.
“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.”
As part of the Navy medicine team, Schroeder protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I’m humbled by this challenge, but I know that the Navy will provide us with what we need to help other people,” Schroeder said. “I’ll do my best to serve so that my actions will always be something my family at home will be proud of.”
Schroeder is a 2003 Caledonia High School graduate. According to Schroeder, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Caledonia.
“I learned that no matter the challenge ahead of me, I can face it head on and keep going,” Schroeder said. “With the additional challenges of this global pandemic, I’m thankful for the values I learned in my hometown.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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.
“It’s an honor to be a corpsman because of our history, and it definitely broadens my horizons about naval tradition,” Schroeder said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Schroeder, 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.