NEW ORLEANS - Hospitalman Devin Avila, a native of Phelan, 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 Medical Readiness and Training Command New Orleans, Avila’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the New Orleans 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, Avila protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“The threat we face as a nation is complex and challenging, but I know as a corpsman, that any challenge can be overcome with teamwork and will power,” Avila said. “The Navy works as a team and will rise to the occasion to meet the nation's needs. I will do my best to make my nation and hometown proud.”
Avila is a 2018 Serrano High School graduate. According to Avila, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Phelan.
“The closeness of my hometown has taught me a sense of community and service allowing me to excel in my military career,” Avila said. “During this global pandemic, the values I learned in Phelan, have aided me to serve with people from all around the world to accomplish a common goal.”
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 part of the most decorated rate in the Navy,” Avila said. “I am proud to serve and hold the sacred trust of caring for our nations heroes. It is my duty and privilege to uphold the legacy of the Hospital Corps for past, present and future hospital corpsmen.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Avila, 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, Avila protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“The threat we face as a nation is complex and challenging, but I know as a corpsman, that any challenge can be overcome with teamwork and will power,” Avila said. “The Navy works as a team and will rise to the occasion to meet the nation's needs. I will do my best to make my nation and hometown proud.”
Avila is a 2018 Serrano High School graduate. According to Avila, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Phelan.
“The closeness of my hometown has taught me a sense of community and service allowing me to excel in my military career,” Avila said. “During this global pandemic, the values I learned in Phelan, have aided me to serve with people from all around the world to accomplish a common goal.”
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 part of the most decorated rate in the Navy,” Avila said. “I am proud to serve and hold the sacred trust of caring for our nations heroes. It is my duty and privilege to uphold the legacy of the Hospital Corps for past, present and future hospital corpsmen.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Avila, 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.