PENSACOLA, Fla. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Austin Kerby, a native of Melbourne, Florida, 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 |
Kerby joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Kerby serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined JROTC as a freshman and planned to serve in the Navy after high school,” said Kerby.
Growing up in Melbourne, Kerby attended Eaugallie High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Kerby relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Melbourne to succeed in the military.
“My hometown taught me to offer general respect to others,” said Kerby.
This has helped Kerby 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 Kerby 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 U.S. Navy isn't strictly one component - we are sea, land and air,” said Kerby.
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.
Kerby and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was proud to make it through A school and understand all aspects of becoming a Navy sailor,” said Kerby.
As Kerby and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I continue to build bonds with people and make connections that will last my entire life,” added Kerby.