LEMOORE, Calif. – Lt. Krystal Smith, a native of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, provides beneficiary care and expeditionary medical readiness while serving at Hornet Health Clinic Lemoore aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jerome Fjel |
Smith joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Smith serves as a nurse.
“I had been interested in the military for a while and decided to pursue the officer direct accession route after becoming a civilian nurse," said Smith.
Growing up in Mount Juliet, Smith attended Mount Juliet High School and graduated in 20008.
Skills and values similar to those found in Mount Juliet are important to succeed in the military.
“Participating in the Junior ROTC program in high school introduced me to military life and taught me leadership skills," said Smith. “Participating in high school sports taught me the value of teamwork.”
These lessons have helped Smith while serving in the Navy.
Naval Health Clinic Lemoore has a Fleet Centered Medical Home Port. The Fleet Centered Medical Home Port is an active duty-only clinic located at NAS Lemoore’s operations side in the Hornet Health Clinic. Care delivered at the Hornet Health Clinic is provided by a Primary Care Manager and is focused on the operational readiness of the aviation community.
Naval Health Clinic Lemoore provides quality health care to more than 18,000 people at NAS Lemoore, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada to ensure the Navy and Marine warfighters are medically ready to fight today, tomorrow, and beyond. The command also provides dental care and medical administrative support to Navy, Marine Corps and international students at the Naval Postgraduate School, Defense Language Institute and the Center for Information Dominance in Monterey, California.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
As a member of the Navy, Smith is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is our country's first line of defense and also contributes to humanitarian outreach across the world," said Smith.
Smith has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I was proud to complete a three-month temporary duty assignment to the Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan," said Smith. “I was able to make a difference far from home and take care of our overseas military families as a labor and delivery nurse."
As Smith and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving gives me a sense of pride,” said Smith.
Smith is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my husband, Doug, for sacrificing his career options to take care of our family,” said Smith. “I would also like to thank Maj. Sullenger and Gy. Sgt. Goodin of my Junior ROTC unit in Mount Juliet for teaching me to value community service and love of country.”