CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Graves, a native of Jacksonville, 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, Graves’ 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.”
Graves is a 2015 Oakleaf High School graduate. According to Graves, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jacksonville.
“Growing up, I learned that things could change quickly, and being flexible is a necessity,” Graves said. “Being able to adapt to new protocols and procedures, especially during this global pandemic, is something I have been able to apply to my military career.”
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.
“It is an honor to be a corpsman because they help people, which is what I've wanted to do my whole life,” Graves said. “Now, I am proud to be saving lives on the biggest stage ever in the United States Navy.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Graves, 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.
“Serving in the world's greatest Navy during this pandemic has been demanding however, I know that Navy medicine will continue to do what it does best, which is help protect and serve the people,” Graves added. “I'll continue to be persistent in my duties to help combat the threat of the Coronavirus.”
“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.”
Graves is a 2015 Oakleaf High School graduate. According to Graves, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jacksonville.
“Growing up, I learned that things could change quickly, and being flexible is a necessity,” Graves said. “Being able to adapt to new protocols and procedures, especially during this global pandemic, is something I have been able to apply to my military career.”
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.
“It is an honor to be a corpsman because they help people, which is what I've wanted to do my whole life,” Graves said. “Now, I am proud to be saving lives on the biggest stage ever in the United States Navy.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Graves, 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.
“Serving in the world's greatest Navy during this pandemic has been demanding however, I know that Navy medicine will continue to do what it does best, which is help protect and serve the people,” Graves added. “I'll continue to be persistent in my duties to help combat the threat of the Coronavirus.”