SIGONELLA, Italy - Hospitalman Ethan Riddle, a native of Greenville, South Carolina, 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 Medical Readiness Training Command Sigonella in Sigonella, Italy, Riddle’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Sigonella 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.”
Riddle is a 2015 Brashier Middle College Charter High School graduate and Greenville Technology graduate. According to Riddle, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Greenville.
“I’ve learned that no matter where you grew up, either in a small town or a large city, that you are able to make a name for yourself,” Riddle said. “You can also grow past what is expected of you if you push hard enough and apply yourself. With the pandemic going on, it is helpful knowing that if you can make it past this, you can get through anything.”
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 part of the Hospital Corps means that I am wearing the same title of the men and women who wore it in the past,” Riddle said. “That not only is it the most decorated rate in the Navy, but I am able to continue the legacy of the corps. We are everywhere that the Navy calls us to be, and we will always be there and help our shipmates out when needed.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Riddle, 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.
“I am honored during this time of this new challenge with the pandemic of the Coronavirus that even when the times are tough, at some points with long hours at the hospital, we have pushed through and never let off the gas pedal,” Riddle added. “We all lean and rely on each other to take care of the patients that need our help with helping each other.”
“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.”
Riddle is a 2015 Brashier Middle College Charter High School graduate and Greenville Technology graduate. According to Riddle, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Greenville.
“I’ve learned that no matter where you grew up, either in a small town or a large city, that you are able to make a name for yourself,” Riddle said. “You can also grow past what is expected of you if you push hard enough and apply yourself. With the pandemic going on, it is helpful knowing that if you can make it past this, you can get through anything.”
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 part of the Hospital Corps means that I am wearing the same title of the men and women who wore it in the past,” Riddle said. “That not only is it the most decorated rate in the Navy, but I am able to continue the legacy of the corps. We are everywhere that the Navy calls us to be, and we will always be there and help our shipmates out when needed.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Riddle, 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.
“I am honored during this time of this new challenge with the pandemic of the Coronavirus that even when the times are tough, at some points with long hours at the hospital, we have pushed through and never let off the gas pedal,” Riddle added. “We all lean and rely on each other to take care of the patients that need our help with helping each other.”