PENSACOLA, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Estes, a native of Corryton, Tennessee, 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 the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, Estes’ skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Pensacola 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, Estes protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I care about the American people, we need each other more than ever right now, and serving the people is why I joined,” Estes said. “What better way to show compassion and selflessness than to do as much as possible to serve others?”
Estes is a 2003 Ledyard High School graduate. According to Estes, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corryton.
“As an EMT in my hometown, I learned important skills related to illness and trauma that have carried over into my Navy career,” Estes said. “This has given me the experience to properly evaluate and treat patients on a case-by-case basis.”
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.
“Before I joined the Navy, I was told about how corpsmen are the ‘doctors of the Marines,’ this was my drive for joining as a corpsman.” Estes said. “I always wanted to help people and that’s what I joined to do.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Estes, 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, Estes protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I care about the American people, we need each other more than ever right now, and serving the people is why I joined,” Estes said. “What better way to show compassion and selflessness than to do as much as possible to serve others?”
Estes is a 2003 Ledyard High School graduate. According to Estes, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Corryton.
“As an EMT in my hometown, I learned important skills related to illness and trauma that have carried over into my Navy career,” Estes said. “This has given me the experience to properly evaluate and treat patients on a case-by-case basis.”
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.
“Before I joined the Navy, I was told about how corpsmen are the ‘doctors of the Marines,’ this was my drive for joining as a corpsman.” Estes said. “I always wanted to help people and that’s what I joined to do.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Estes, 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.