MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Pongmon Tunbuth, from Bangkok, Thailand, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, Spain.
Tunbuth attended Horwang School in Bangkok, Thailand, and graduated in 2014. Additionally, Tunbuth earned a bachelor’s degree from Bangkok University in 2018.
Determined to find the path forward, Tunbuth began a career in Navy Medicine.
“I come from a small country, Thailand, and a close family where no one has really gone into the medical field,” Tunbuth said. “I believe every career matters, but I wanted to challenge myself and be a part of something bigger — something that impacts all people, so I joined the Navy. I started as a corpsman and ended up as a surgical technologist. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m all about making a difference.”
Lessons from Thailand continue to shape Tunbuth’s service.
“In the Navy or in my civilian life, I always strive to keep a glass-half-full mindset,” Tunbuth said. “I believe there’s always something to learn from others, no matter their rank or age, and I’m grateful for those lessons. At the same time, I hope to share my knowledge and experience so others can learn from me too. With this approach, I believe we can all be successful together.”
As a hospital corpsman, Tunbuth supports Navy missions worldwide. The Navy’s hospital corpsmen serve in different roles.
“As a certified surgical technologist, my role is to support surgeons in various specialties during operations, while ensuring we’re always combat-ready,” Tunbuth said. “I provide essential medical support to sailors, whether they’re in military treatment facilities or deployed medical settings.”
Tunbuth, who has served in the Navy for three years, has witnessed Navy Medicine’s impact firsthand.
“As a surgical technologist working in Navy Medicine, every day we help surgeons provide top-notch care, making sure our service members get the medical support they need during operations,” Tunbuth said. “Our team and attention to detail play a big role in saving lives and keeping everyone ready for action. We’re proud to help those who serve, and we’re making a positive impact and helping build a safer community.”
Tunbuth is able to apply the skills learned in Navy Medicine to real-life situations.
“One surprising thing about my job that might catch people back home off guard is that I work with blood and body organs,” Tunbuth said. “While many people find it scary to see and touch these things, I actually enjoy it in a good way. There’s something fascinating about understanding how bodies work and playing a role in helping others.”
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.
NMRTC Rota serves as a force multiplier in Navy Medicine’s strategic global medical support mission throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East while also supporting operational readiness and maintaining a strategic repository of expertise at the Naval Hospital Rota Military Treatment Facility within the Iberian Peninsula.
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.
Tunbuth considers seeing different parts of the world the highlight of serving in the Navy.
“I actually feel grateful for every moment I’ve achieved in the Navy since I joined,” Tunbuth said. “I pay attention to every detail, and it’s made all the difference. Each accomplishment, big or small, motivated me to keep pushing forward.”
Tunbuth serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, to wear the uniform and serve in the Navy means representing authority and taking serious responsibilities,” Tunbuth said. “I see myself as a symbol of service, which means I need to do the right thing and positively impact the people and community.”
Tunbuth said there are differences between Navy Medicine and civilian health care.
“In my opinion, Navy Medicine is essential for keeping our service members ready and helping our allies in health care,” Tunbuth said. “It focuses on warfighter readiness, but civilian health care is more about the general public and offers more flexibility in services.”
Tunbuth encourages others interested in a career in health care to consider Navy Medicine.
“I’m really grateful to the Navy and to myself for the great opportunity I’ve had,” Tunbuth said. “My family is so proud of me, and that makes me want to be a role model for others. If someone is thinking about joining the Navy, I encourage them to do it. It’s a chance to grow as a person and be part of something important.”