MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Seaman Giordano Urrutia, a native of Lima, Peru, was recently awarded the Blue Jacket of the Quarter (BJOQ) award while serving with Expeditionary Medical Facility 150 Mike (EMF-M) in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Blue Jacket of the Quarter is an award given to a junior enlisted sailor who demonstrates sustained superior performance, leadership and professionalism.
“Growing up in Peru taught me adaptability and the importance of community,” Urrutia said. “I learned that hard work and perseverance open doors, and that taking care of others strengthens everyone. Those lessons have shaped my way in the Navy - with empathy, discipline, and a team-mindset.”
Urrutia graduated from Liceo Naval Almirante Guise in 2018 and joined the Navy two years ago and serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve the country where I was born and create opportunities for growth,” Urrutia said.
EMF-M consists of more than 400 sailors, including medical staff and support personnel. EMFs are staffed and sourced by Navy Medicine personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTCs) at military treatment facilities across the country. The bulk of EMF-M’s personnel come from NMRTC Jacksonville and Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
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.
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.
Urrutia has many opportunities to achieve success during his military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy so far is earning the trust of my patients, peers and leadership,” Urrutia said.
Urrutia serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means honoring both where I come from and the country I represent,” Urrutia said. “It is a commitment to selfless service, integrity, and excellence.”
Urrutia is grateful that his diversity has been able to amplify his Navy career.
“Being bilingual and having grown up in Peru has allowed me to connect with sailors and patients from diverse backgrounds,” Urrutia said.
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. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/