NAPLES, Italy - Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Taha, a native of Winslow, Arizona, 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 Naples, Italy, Taha’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Naples area, and by extension, the readiness of the Navy’s officer training commands of 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.”
Taha is a 2010 Winslow High School graduate. According to Taha, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winslow.
“I learned to give my maximum effort at work, school and home,” Taha said. “With the Coronavirus happening, my work center in Preventive Medicine relies on me to give 100 percent.”
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 am the one they call ‘Doc,’” Taha said. “I'm marching with the U.S. Marines, riding the rough seas and at the Naval Hospital taking care of my fellow service members and their family. I'll always provide effective care and give it my all, just like the ones before me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Taha, 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 10 years I've spent in the Navy have been full of challenges, both physically and mentally,” Taha added. “The Coronavirus has affected my friends, family and the entire world. I know everyone is pulling their weight and that's going to make me pull even harder, so we can overcome this pandemic together.”
“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.”
Taha is a 2010 Winslow High School graduate. According to Taha, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Winslow.
“I learned to give my maximum effort at work, school and home,” Taha said. “With the Coronavirus happening, my work center in Preventive Medicine relies on me to give 100 percent.”
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 am the one they call ‘Doc,’” Taha said. “I'm marching with the U.S. Marines, riding the rough seas and at the Naval Hospital taking care of my fellow service members and their family. I'll always provide effective care and give it my all, just like the ones before me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Taha, 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 10 years I've spent in the Navy have been full of challenges, both physically and mentally,” Taha added. “The Coronavirus has affected my friends, family and the entire world. I know everyone is pulling their weight and that's going to make me pull even harder, so we can overcome this pandemic together.”