MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Lt. Sean Hufford, a native of Rancho Cucamonga, California, serves at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Albany. Hufford was recently named Junior Officer of the Quarter (JOQ), fourth quarter of 2025.
Hufford graduated from Damien High School in 1999. Additionally, Hufford earned a master’s degree in physician studies in 2022.
The JOQ award is used to recognize high-performing junior officers who exemplify the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.
Hufford joined the Navy 23 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to gain career and educational opportunities, and experience travel and personal growth,” Hufford said.
Hufford graduated from Damien High School in 1999. Additionally, Hufford earned a master’s degree in physician studies in 2022.
The JOQ award is used to recognize high-performing junior officers who exemplify the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.
Hufford joined the Navy 23 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to gain career and educational opportunities, and experience travel and personal growth,” Hufford said.
Today, Hufford serves as a physician assistant.
“I love the ability to expand my experience in various clinical and operational settings, as well as leadership development,” Hufford said.
Hufford added that the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those developed in Rancho Cucamonga.
“I learned early on to continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow,” Hufford said. "That's a skill honed through my hometown experiences and one that definitely has benefited me in the Navy."
“I love the ability to expand my experience in various clinical and operational settings, as well as leadership development,” Hufford said.
Hufford added that the skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those developed in Rancho Cucamonga.
“I learned early on to continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow,” Hufford said. "That's a skill honed through my hometown experiences and one that definitely has benefited me in the Navy."
NMRTU Albany’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness for operations, enhance the medical force’s capability for expeditionary support, and train/develop Navy Medicine personnel.
Navy Medicine, represented by more than 44,000 military and civilian health care professionals, provides expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
“America is a maritime nation, and for 250 years, America’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom,” Navy officials said.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.
Hufford said the Navy plays a vital role in defending our nation.
“As a submariner, we contribute to national defense by providing strategic deterrence through nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines,” Hufford said. “We also contribute by conducting intelligence and surveillance missions, executing conventional warfare, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.”
Serving in the Navy has bolstered Hufford's commitment to himself and to others.
“My time in the service has made me appreciate the value of being part of a close-knit team where members are committed to one another’s success, both on and off duty,” Hufford added.