PENSACOLA, Fla. – Petty Officer 1st Class Rashad Richard, a native of Fontana, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola operating out of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Richard joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Richard serves as a hospital corpsman.
“My daughter inspired me to join the Navy because I wanted to ensure that her future was bright and her opportunities were unlimited,” said Richard.
Growing up in Fontana, Richard attended Etiwanda and graduated in 1997. Today, Richard relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Fontana to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me the importance of hard work, attention to detail and respecting others,” said Richard.
These lessons have helped Richard while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Pensacola.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Pensacola, also known as Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP), is older than 26 U.S. States and is in its second century of service. It is one of the country's oldest and most respected military medical facilities. NHP continues to provide health care to over 150,000 beneficiaries in its main facility and ten branch clinics across five states.
Today, the sixth Naval Hospital building was the first to be built outside of the NAS Pensacola installation. Initially commissioned as the Naval Regional Aerospace Medical Command in 1978, it continues its mission of providing healthcare to America's heroes and their families throughout the Gulf Coast region. In 2001, a 2-story, 73,000 square foot Outpatient Clinic was added to the Naval Hospital.
NHP's mission is to deliver high-quality healthcare to warfighters and beneficiaries, ensuring a medically ready force through strategic integration, innovation, and well-trained personnel.
Serving in the Navy means Richard is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because it allows us to keep our lands safe and superior in the water,” said Richard.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Richard and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been being available to my sailors at all times, when they are doing well or not - I am always available,” said Richard.
As Richard and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“My service provides the opportunity to contribute to one of the greatest organizations on earth by defending the homeland and providing for my family,” added Richard.