PENSACOLA, Fla. – Hospitalman Megan Shanley, a native of Selkirk, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola operating out of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Shanley joined the Navy two years ago.
“My uncle and grandfather both served in the Navy and I wanted to get the college benefits the military provides, so I joined,” said Shanley.
Growing up in Selkirk, Shanley attended Ravena-Coeyems-Selkirk High School and graduated in 2017. Today, Shanley relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Selkirk to succeed in the military.
“Growing up, I learned how to be patient and how to interact with people from all walks of life,” said Shanley.
These lessons have helped Shanley while serving with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pensacola.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command 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 Shanley 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 we protect our freedom from adversaries, enabling us to keep our nation and our allies safe,” said Shanley.
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.
Shanley and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of getting accepted to the Navy’s Surgical Tech School,” said Shanley. “That certification will allow me to transfer my skills to the outside world once I get out.”
As Shanley and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means that I can live independently while also being a part of a phenomenal team that acts as a second family,” added Shanley.