PENSACOLA, Fla. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Paolo Noriega, a native of Longmont, Colorado, 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, Noriega’s 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, Noriega protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I’m confident that the Navy will continue to support the Hospital Corps while we combat this pandemic,” Noriega said. “It's an honor to serve as a hospital corpsman during these trying times knowing that our actions directly impact not only our naval community, but also the civilian community as well. I’m grateful to have been given the opportunity by the Navy to help those affected by the crisis and hope my actions are in keeping with the Hospital Corps’ legacy.”
Noriega is a 2015 Silver Creek High School graduate. According to Noriega, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Longmont.
“Key lessons I learned growing up in my hometown, were the importance of teamwork and workmanship.” Noriega said. “Being able to coordinate effectively during these trying times has been key in producing high quality healthcare for my patients.”
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.
“To be a part of the corpsmen legacy has been a practice in humility and respect for those who have served before me,” Noriega said. “I know that my actions are direct representations of the Hospital Corps, so it’s important for me to do my best during this pandemic to continue their great history.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Noriega, 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.