SIGONELLA, Italy – Petty Officer 2nd Class M’kennan Bales, right, a native of White Oak, Texas, 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 Sigonella in Sigonella, Italy, Bales’ skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Sigonella 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.”
Bales is a 2015 Loveland High School graduate. According to Bales, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in White Oak.
“I have been able to apply the resourcefulness that my hometown taught me through years of team sports and group activities,” Bales said. “I am thankful for those learning opportunities my hometown taught me.”
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.
“Being a hospital corpsman allows me to help the people that need it,” Bales said. “I could not be more proud to be a part of this wonderful rate. The corpsmen history is very rich and gives plenty of room for learning opportunities.”
“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.”
Bales is a 2015 Loveland High School graduate. According to Bales, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in White Oak.
“I have been able to apply the resourcefulness that my hometown taught me through years of team sports and group activities,” Bales said. “I am thankful for those learning opportunities my hometown taught me.”
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.
“Being a hospital corpsman allows me to help the people that need it,” Bales said. “I could not be more proud to be a part of this wonderful rate. The corpsmen history is very rich and gives plenty of room for learning opportunities.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bales, 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.
“This has been a challenge but we have never known to back down from no one,” Bales added. “The Navy has been a crucial part in keeping medical care available to everyone and this is something that humbles me daily. I will continue to do the best I can in serving those around me.”
“This has been a challenge but we have never known to back down from no one,” Bales added. “The Navy has been a crucial part in keeping medical care available to everyone and this is something that humbles me daily. I will continue to do the best I can in serving those around me.”