MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Cmdr. Ariel Campbell, right, a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, serves with Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL) in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Campbell, a 2002 graduate of Leesville Road High School, joined the Navy 14 years ago. Additionally, Campbell is a 2007 and 2010 undergraduate of East Carolina University.
"My father served in the Army and enjoyed his time," said Campbell. "I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and Navy Medicine offered a way to add extra excitement to something I already loved."
When asked what she enjoys most about her job, Campbell said," Working in a field that helps and saves lives is incredibly rewarding. At my prior command at the Pentagon as a Congressional Appropriations Liaison, I had the ability to use my experience in healthcare, Navy Medicine, and Big Navy to liaise and influence legislation in support of the mission of operational medicine in conjunction with the mission of warfighting. Participating in the Navy's collaborations with Congress for the greater good gave me a new perspective and appreciation for our country's and military's leadership. Our country's leaders showed bipartisan care and consideration for our forces, and Navy leadership demonstrated care for each individual sailor and Marine collectively with global operations. Part of my duties as a liaison involved taking elected officials to oversee defense funding at work. The opportunity allowed me to experience different aspects of the Navy and the military at large. I learned about policy, legislation, and the greater construct of our country's defense. Having the bigger picture put my own contribution into perspective. I feel more inspired and equipped to keep the Navy moving in a positive, modernized, and optimized direction."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Raleigh.
"My parents were big on teaching perseverance," said Campbell. "Not giving up, continuing to try, and continuing to reach higher will always lead to great things. Everyone experiences failures and setbacks along the way, and sometimes, some dreams don't come true. However, staying motivated and building towards my best and strongest self will keep me ready when the opportunity comes."
NMFL delivers operationally focused medical expertise and capabilities to meet Fleet, Marine and Joint Force requirements by providing equipment, sustainment, and maintenance of medical forces during combat operations and public health crises. NMFL provides oversight for 21 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command’s, logistics, public health and dental services throughout the U.S. East Coast, U.S. Gulf Coast, Cuba, Europe, and the Middle East.
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.
Campbell 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.”
Campbell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Being selected as a Congressional Liaison was my proudest moment," said Campbell. "The Navy trusted me as its face, voice, and conduit to our country's highest levels of leadership. I met leaders of other countries, top leaders of major industries, and top leaders of the clergy, and I had experiences that even my wildest dreams could not have imagined. I was honored for every opportunity to show the Navy and the United States in the best light and to represent the values of both in all of my domestic and international travels."
Campbell can take pride in serving America through military service.
"For me, serving in the Navy holds more meaning than simply choosing a career," said Campbell. "I believe I am serving something bigger than myself, something outside of myself, and something that provides greater utility than my own gain. As part of Navy Medicine, I have the added benefit of knowing my contributions save lives and have a lasting impact at the individual level. Providing support and reassurance during injury and times of need have been the most rewarding moments of my life. I see myself in every sailor and Marine, so I am passionate about my work and the operational medicine mission."
"Prior to the congressional liaison office, I was the military assistant (aide) to the principal deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs," added Campbell. "During that tour which was also during COVID, I was hand-selected as the DoD COVID Task Force Liaison for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness."
“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.”
Campbell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Being selected as a Congressional Liaison was my proudest moment," said Campbell. "The Navy trusted me as its face, voice, and conduit to our country's highest levels of leadership. I met leaders of other countries, top leaders of major industries, and top leaders of the clergy, and I had experiences that even my wildest dreams could not have imagined. I was honored for every opportunity to show the Navy and the United States in the best light and to represent the values of both in all of my domestic and international travels."
Campbell can take pride in serving America through military service.
"For me, serving in the Navy holds more meaning than simply choosing a career," said Campbell. "I believe I am serving something bigger than myself, something outside of myself, and something that provides greater utility than my own gain. As part of Navy Medicine, I have the added benefit of knowing my contributions save lives and have a lasting impact at the individual level. Providing support and reassurance during injury and times of need have been the most rewarding moments of my life. I see myself in every sailor and Marine, so I am passionate about my work and the operational medicine mission."
"Prior to the congressional liaison office, I was the military assistant (aide) to the principal deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs," added Campbell. "During that tour which was also during COVID, I was hand-selected as the DoD COVID Task Force Liaison for the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness."