PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Petty Officer 1st Class Marilen Lazatin, a native of Makati, Philippines, 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 Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit Six, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Lazatin’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Pacific area of responsibility, 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, Lazatin protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“It’s a big task but everyone is doing their part,” Lazatin said. “I see all the brave men and women out there on the front lines and their dedication to duty inspires me.”
Lazatin is a 1996 St. Mary’s Academy graduate. According to Lazatin, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Makati.
“I learned that if I tackle issues one at a time, there’s nothing I can’t handle,” Lazatin said. “It’s comforting to see the same sense of community that I experienced in my childhood, at work and in my community.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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’ve experienced and learned a lot during my career,” Lazatin said. “The challenge now, is to push it forward and share my knowledge with my juniors who will keep the legacy of service and dedication going.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Lazatin, 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, Lazatin protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“It’s a big task but everyone is doing their part,” Lazatin said. “I see all the brave men and women out there on the front lines and their dedication to duty inspires me.”
Lazatin is a 1996 St. Mary’s Academy graduate. According to Lazatin, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Makati.
“I learned that if I tackle issues one at a time, there’s nothing I can’t handle,” Lazatin said. “It’s comforting to see the same sense of community that I experienced in my childhood, at work and in my community.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty 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’ve experienced and learned a lot during my career,” Lazatin said. “The challenge now, is to push it forward and share my knowledge with my juniors who will keep the legacy of service and dedication going.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Lazatin, 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.