Millington, Tenn. - Hospitalman Deshawnalaine Tavita, a native of Pago Pago, American Samoa, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo, Detachment Twentynine Palms, California.
Tavita graduated from Kanana Fou High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pago Pago.
“I've learned to see whatever circumstances I face,” said Tavita."I need to transform the difficult situation by finding the hidden blessings within them. Your mind is a very powerful weapon."
Tavita joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Tavita serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy because I have this strong sense of purpose,” said Tavita. "Deeply committed to making a positive impact not only for my country but especially my little siblings after me."
Operation Keen Sword is a biennial exercise that began in 1986 to increase combat readiness and improve the working relationship between U.S. and Japanese forces. This year’s training was expected to draw 12,000 U.S. and 33,000 Japanese troops, 40 vessels and 370 aircraft, according to a Joint Staff news release issued on Sept. 26. This year, U.S. sailors and counterparts, treated Marines and Japanese troops with simulated burn, blast and gunshot wounds from an imagined battle. The combined medical team simulated 100 surgeries, treatments for more than 250 patients, and conducted more than 500 casualty movement events. The combined effort, goodwill, and teamwork contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
"HN Tavita’s medical skills have helped Japanese Self Defense Force medical assets integrate into the forward Expeditionary Medical Facility in Okinawa. We are extremely grateful for her motivation during exercise Keen Sword 2025," said EMF Bravo Command Master Chief Shannon Bia.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Tavita serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Tavita has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is serving as a hospital corpsman,” said Tavita. "Seeing patients contented and satisfied with their health care after taking care of them.
Tavita can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving means so much to me because I am embracing a mission that not only protects my country and family but builds a greater and better me,” said Tavita.
Tavita is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my families back home in American Samoa from Malaeimi for all the love, support, and prayers, as well as families in Samoa,” added Tavita.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pago Pago.
“I've learned to see whatever circumstances I face,” said Tavita."I need to transform the difficult situation by finding the hidden blessings within them. Your mind is a very powerful weapon."
Tavita joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Tavita serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy because I have this strong sense of purpose,” said Tavita. "Deeply committed to making a positive impact not only for my country but especially my little siblings after me."
Operation Keen Sword is a biennial exercise that began in 1986 to increase combat readiness and improve the working relationship between U.S. and Japanese forces. This year’s training was expected to draw 12,000 U.S. and 33,000 Japanese troops, 40 vessels and 370 aircraft, according to a Joint Staff news release issued on Sept. 26. This year, U.S. sailors and counterparts, treated Marines and Japanese troops with simulated burn, blast and gunshot wounds from an imagined battle. The combined medical team simulated 100 surgeries, treatments for more than 250 patients, and conducted more than 500 casualty movement events. The combined effort, goodwill, and teamwork contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
"HN Tavita’s medical skills have helped Japanese Self Defense Force medical assets integrate into the forward Expeditionary Medical Facility in Okinawa. We are extremely grateful for her motivation during exercise Keen Sword 2025," said EMF Bravo Command Master Chief Shannon Bia.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Tavita serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Tavita has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is serving as a hospital corpsman,” said Tavita. "Seeing patients contented and satisfied with their health care after taking care of them.
Tavita can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving means so much to me because I am embracing a mission that not only protects my country and family but builds a greater and better me,” said Tavita.
Tavita is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my families back home in American Samoa from Malaeimi for all the love, support, and prayers, as well as families in Samoa,” added Tavita.