ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Hospitalman Nathan Cukurs, a native of Meridian, Idaho, 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 Annapolis, Maryland, Cukurs’ skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Annapolis 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.”
Cukurs is a 2013 Kamiak High School graduate. According to Cukurs, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Meridian.
“Times of challenge and hardship will always be on the horizon,” Cukurs said. “They come swift and hit hard, but give us the opportunity to show our mettle and prowess. I learn and accept challenges and keep moving forward.”
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.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as a corpsman, just as many others have,” Cukurs said. “I take great pride in working with my fellow corpsman and working together with them. I have learned a great many things from old and new corpsman, and am always continuing to learn more and strive to do more.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Cukurs 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.
“To serve during this time of hardships and trials, it gives me one goal, to simply aid those in need,” Cukurs added. “Whether it's through my work, or with words of encouragement, we all can aid in this time of crisis. I can't help or aid everyone, but those around me, I definitely can. By doing so, sets the example of doing good to others. This new threat is one that we need to face together, one that requires us to work together in order to prevail. As a corpsman and as a sailor, I will give it my all.”
“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.”
Cukurs is a 2013 Kamiak High School graduate. According to Cukurs, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Meridian.
“Times of challenge and hardship will always be on the horizon,” Cukurs said. “They come swift and hit hard, but give us the opportunity to show our mettle and prowess. I learn and accept challenges and keep moving forward.”
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.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to serve as a corpsman, just as many others have,” Cukurs said. “I take great pride in working with my fellow corpsman and working together with them. I have learned a great many things from old and new corpsman, and am always continuing to learn more and strive to do more.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Cukurs 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.
“To serve during this time of hardships and trials, it gives me one goal, to simply aid those in need,” Cukurs added. “Whether it's through my work, or with words of encouragement, we all can aid in this time of crisis. I can't help or aid everyone, but those around me, I definitely can. By doing so, sets the example of doing good to others. This new threat is one that we need to face together, one that requires us to work together in order to prevail. As a corpsman and as a sailor, I will give it my all.”