MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Ara Gutierrez, from Caloocan City, Philippines, who is assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England in Newport, Rhode Island, was selected as Junior Officer of the Year.
Gutierrez received a bachelor’s degree in health science from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009. Additionally, Gutierrez earned an associate degree in health science laboratory technology from George Washington University in 2012, a bachelor’s degree in applied science and technology in clinical laboratory science from Thomas Edison State University in 2014 and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in the Philippines.
“Growing up, I learned that resilience and a strong sense of community are the keys to overcoming any challenge,” Gutierrez said. “Those lessons have been my compass throughout my time in the Navy, where collaboration and teamwork are essential to mission success. I’ve seen firsthand how people, united by a shared purpose, can achieve extraordinary results, no matter the obstacles. My hometown instilled in me a great pride in hard work and a commitment to excellence, values that have shaped my leadership style and drive me to approach every task with determination and a focus on building others up to succeed together.”
Gutierrez joined the Navy 14 years ago.
“Driven by a deep sense of gratitude to the country that adopted me and provided unparalleled opportunities, I joined the Navy to serve the American people and give back to the nation that has allowed me to become the best version of myself,” Gutierrez said.
Today, Gutierrez serves as a laboratory officer.
According to Navy officials, NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services, and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly trained military and civilian health care professionals — provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea, and ashore.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
Gutierrez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
Gutierrez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been serving as the sole laboratory officer supporting four geographically separated clinics for NMRTC New England, where I led initiatives that significantly enhanced healthcare efficiency and operational readiness,” Gutierrez said. “As the multi-site laboratory program manager and public health department head, I successfully reduced civilian reference laboratory utilization by 28.2%, saving $40,000 in 2025, and implemented the first rapid COVID-19 antigen testing capability for the command, cutting cycle times from 216 minutes to under 90 minutes to ensure faster isolation and return-to-duty for personnel. Mentoring junior sailors to achieve two officer commissioning selections and leading six DHA daily improvements and three Lean Six Sigma projects further exemplifies my commitment to fostering a culture of excellence.
“Balancing these responsibilities while supervising 60 personnel and excelling in multiple collateral duties has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, making this role a defining highlight of my Navy career.”
Gutierrez said the best thing about the job is the people.
“What I love most about my job is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both the mission and the people I serve alongside,” Gutierrez said. “Whether it’s implementing new laboratory testing capabilities to improve operational readiness or mentoring junior sailors to achieve their goals, I find immense satisfaction in knowing that my efforts contribute to the Navy’s success. I also enjoy the challenge of solving complex problems and improving health care efficiency, because it allows me to combine my technical expertise with leadership to drive real change.”
Gutierrez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means embracing a life of purpose, commitment and sacrifice in service to our nation,” Gutierrez said. “It’s about upholding the values of honor, courage, and commitment while working alongside some of the most dedicated and talented individuals I’ve ever met. For me, it’s a chance to contribute to something far bigger than myself — whether that’s ensuring the health and readiness of our sailors, mentoring the next generation of leaders, or finding innovative ways to improve our operations.”
Gutierrez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.