MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Petty Officer 1st Class Isai Lopez, a native of Orlando, Florida, serving the U.S. Navy assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo, Detachment Twentynine Palms, California, recently participated in Operation Keen Sword in Japan.
Lopez graduated from Boone High School in 2016. Additionally, Lopez earned an associate degree in health science from Purdue Global University in 2023 and is working toward a bachelor’s in health science with a concentration in military physician assistance.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“Growing up, my family instilled a strong work ethic that has only made me successful,” said Lopez.
Lopez joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Lopez serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities it offered, like travel, school and discipline,” said Lopez. “School and the opportunities for professional and personal growth are what keep me in the Navy.”
Expeditionary Medical Facility Bravo is a 150-bed facility that can deploy in support of various combat operations. This year it was deployed in support of Operation Keen Sword and integrated with Japanese Self Defense Forces.
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.
Lopez 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 Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lopez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“It’s hard to pick just one thing I’m most proud of,” said Lopez. “I’ve been Sailor of the Year; however, seeing those I mentor or play a part in their career succeed and maintaining those personal relationships over the years means more to me than my success.”
Lopez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“When I joined it meant something different to me,” said Lopez. “Now that I’ve been in for a while, I understand that it means more than doing anything I could do myself and what it means to people back home who rely on us for protection.”
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Korissa, who puts up with a lot due to the military schedule,” added Lopez. “I couldn’t do anything and be successful without her love and support.”
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, treatment 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.
“HM1 Lopez’ leadership has helped our partners of the Japanese Self Defense Force to seamlessly integrate into the Forward Expeditionary Medical Facility’s Intensive Care Unit in Okinawa,” said EMF Bravo Command Master Chief Shannon Bia. “He helped showcase EMF 150 Bravo’s capabilities and interoperability during Exercise Keen Sword 2025. We are proud to have him on our team.”
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.
Lopez 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 Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Lopez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“It’s hard to pick just one thing I’m most proud of,” said Lopez. “I’ve been Sailor of the Year; however, seeing those I mentor or play a part in their career succeed and maintaining those personal relationships over the years means more to me than my success.”
Lopez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“When I joined it meant something different to me,” said Lopez. “Now that I’ve been in for a while, I understand that it means more than doing anything I could do myself and what it means to people back home who rely on us for protection.”
Lopez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Korissa, who puts up with a lot due to the military schedule,” added Lopez. “I couldn’t do anything and be successful without her love and support.”