GROTON, Conn. - Hospitalman Samantha McClam, a native of Woodbury, Minnesota, 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 Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Groton, Connecticut, McClam’s skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Groton 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, McClam protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I feel like the medical field is working diligently to educate the community on proper hygiene and personal protective equipment,” McClam said. “It’s been a privilege to answer questions for other members of the community to make them feel more at ease in this time.”
McClam is a 2014 East Ridge High School graduate. According to McClam, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Woodbury.
“I learned that we thrive in a sense of community,” McClam said. “We lean on each other for support to rise above obstacles.”
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.
“It's amazing to be a part of such an important legacy and learn from those before me who gave everything to the corps,” McClam said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, McClam, 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, McClam protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“I feel like the medical field is working diligently to educate the community on proper hygiene and personal protective equipment,” McClam said. “It’s been a privilege to answer questions for other members of the community to make them feel more at ease in this time.”
McClam is a 2014 East Ridge High School graduate. According to McClam, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Woodbury.
“I learned that we thrive in a sense of community,” McClam said. “We lean on each other for support to rise above obstacles.”
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.
“It's amazing to be a part of such an important legacy and learn from those before me who gave everything to the corps,” McClam said.
As a member of the U.S. Navy, McClam, 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.