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    Mike Detachment takes over

    Mike Detachment Takes Over

    Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Black | Navy Seaman Cody Vaneerd, with the Joint Medical Group's Lima Detachment of Joint Task...... read more read more

    GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

    04.02.2010

    Story by Spc. Tiffany Black 

    Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

    Fresh faces are popping up at the Detainee Hospital and the Joint Troop Clinic at Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Changeover at Joint Medical Group has begun.

    The first wave of Mike Detachment arrived at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay last month. They are replacing Lima Detachment in the ongoing JMG mission.

    "The JMG mission is entrusted with safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees," said Navy Cmdr. Theresa Wood, senior nurse executive for the JMG. "Our mission is distinctly separate from the detention and intelligence group's mission, meaning provision of medical care has no linkage to compliance with detention or involvement with intelligence operations. Provision of safe medical care is integral to our successful function at JTF Guantanamo."

    The detachment comprises Sailors from all across Navy medicine. All service members are qualified corpsman, nurses and providers. Prior to arrival in Guantanamo Bay, Sailors complete administrative and logistical training, Wood said, as well as more in-depth training on working in a detention setting.

    For most, that training is where the incoming group begins to form a cohesive bond. By the time they arrive at Guantanamo Bay they are a team.

    "Before arriving at JTF Guantanamo we actually went through Army training at Fort Lewis," said one Hospital Corpsman, whose name and job title are withheld per the members request. "Most of our training prior to arrival was refresher and familiarization. The main thing that was focused on was team building."

    After minimal hours with boots on ground, Mike Detachment has already started right seat, left seat training in preparation to relieve Lima.

    Wood emphasized the importance of the training, and its functions related to continuous and safe mission success.

    "This type of training is integral to a thorough turnover," Wood said. "The initial right seat time allows the new [team member] opportunities to observe what's happening and digest all of the important components related to their job. Once they assume the left seat they are leading the way. They have the opportunity to run the show if you will, but their counterpart is still there for questions and guidance."
    Wood added that the overall goal of this format of training is to ease each service member into his or her new role. A gradual transition allows them to learn their new environment and gain the necessary confidence to work comfortably in it, she said.

    While there is still another wave of Mike Detachment scheduled to arrive, the first wave is already at work, preparing to take over their new duties when Lima Detachment departs.

    Hospitalman Seaman Cody Vaneerd, with the outgoing Lima Detachment, has been training his replacements in the duties he has fulfilled during his six months here at JTF Guantanamo.

    "I feel confident that the new group will take charge of the responsibilities here and do a good job," Vaneerd said. "It is important to make sure that our replacements are comfortable with the job being passed down to them."

    Vaneerd also added that he has enjoyed his time at Guantanamo Bay.

    "The weather is very enjoyable here," Vaneerd said. "This is a unique mission and I am glad I
    could be apart of it."

    As Lima Detachment prepares to depart, Wood was reflective on their time with the JTF and boasts about her Sailors' professionalism.

    "I couldn't be more proud of how this deployment has gone," Wood said. "Detention medicine is something most people in our line of work do not have an opportunity to be a part of. These young corpsman and nurses have performed admirably — often times in very stressful situations, that prior to arrival here they never would have been involved with. They were dedicated to the strict adherence of our protocols, which I feel has lead to a very successful mission."

    Wood also gave insight on the training Mike has received thus far, and feels they will be successful with carrying out the JMG mission as well.

    "Although the Mike wave rotation is just getting here, they have a keen understanding of the importance of the mission at hand and are motivated to succeed. "I look forward to working with them!"

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.02.2010
    Date Posted: 04.13.2010 12:36
    Story ID: 48086
    Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU

    Web Views: 181
    Downloads: 126

    PUBLIC DOMAIN