PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Munn, a native of Duarte, California, 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 Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit Six, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Munn’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Pacific 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, Munn protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I have always believed in the idea of service, whether that is to this great country or service to my fellow sailors,” Munn said. “I am always striving to better myself and help whenever and wherever I can, knowing I had an impact even in the slightest, is a huge gratification.”
Munn is a 2008 Duarte High School graduate. According to Munn, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Duarte.
“I learned that adversity does not build character, but simply reveals it,” Munn said. “With the additional challenges of this global pandemic, I have learned to adapt and overcome the obstacles it decided to throw at my team and myself.”
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.
“I joined the Navy Medicine team with hopes of seeking out challenges, and being able to defeat and overcome those challenges,” Munn said. “Just like my predecessors before me who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I could have the opportunity to make that difference.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Munn, 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, Munn protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I have always believed in the idea of service, whether that is to this great country or service to my fellow sailors,” Munn said. “I am always striving to better myself and help whenever and wherever I can, knowing I had an impact even in the slightest, is a huge gratification.”
Munn is a 2008 Duarte High School graduate. According to Munn, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Duarte.
“I learned that adversity does not build character, but simply reveals it,” Munn said. “With the additional challenges of this global pandemic, I have learned to adapt and overcome the obstacles it decided to throw at my team and myself.”
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.
“I joined the Navy Medicine team with hopes of seeking out challenges, and being able to defeat and overcome those challenges,” Munn said. “Just like my predecessors before me who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I could have the opportunity to make that difference.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Munn, 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.