Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Riley | 190806-N-MZ309-006 BREMERTON, Wash. (Aug. 6, 2019) Capt. Shannon Johnson, Naval...... read more read more
The year was 1947. August was a tumultuous, chaotic month for much of the world.
Pakistan and India both gained independence from Great Britain. Communists seized power in Hungary. Food riots over bread prices erupted in France.
But there was reason and order in the U.S. Navy.
The Medical Service Corps began that year on August 4, with 251 initial plank owners serving in four specialties; supply and administration, allied sciences, optometry, and pharmacy.
Fast forward 72 years back to the immediate present. There are nearly 3,800 active duty and reserve MSC officers – with approximately 44 assigned to NHB - fulfilling duty and responsibilities in 31 specialties. Those 31 specialties are considered indispensable in Navy Medicine.
For Capt. Shannon J. Johnson, returning to NHB as the new commanding officer two days before the MSC birthday brought her back to her initial assignment some 20 years ago as a junior MSC officer.
“As I look back and now stand as commanding officer, I am amazed and impressed by the capability and leadership qualities of our junior MSC officer that I get to serve with,” said Johnson, noting that the MSC has always showcased diversity, knowledge, and proficiency, along with a remarkable sense of camaraderie.
“It is a privilege to come together and reflect on our heritage as MSC officers and our legacy of serving our nation’s national security strategy. We’ve been ensuring the physical and psychological readiness of America’s warfighters, anywhere and anytime. We have quite the tradition. We serve in every corner of the globe, on land and at sea. Being here today gives us time to think about our identity, and honor the trust and responsibility placed upon us,” reflected Johnson.
The Medical Service Corps is comprised of three basic communities. The Clinical Care specialties include Audiology, Clinical Psychology, Dietetics/Food Management, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant, Podiatry, and Social Work.
The Health Care Science field encompasses Aerospace Experimental Psychology, Aerospace Physiology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Physiology, Radiation Health, and Research Psychology.
Health Care Administration consists of Education and Training Management, Financial Management, Fleet Marine Force, General Health Care Administration, Health Care Facilities Planning, Information Management, Manpower Systems Analysis, Medical Logistics Management, Operations Research, Patient Administration, and Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence.
Birthday wishes and congratulatory messages from the heads of Navy Medical Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, Navy Dental Corps and Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Hospital Corpsmen were shared with those gathered.
Rear Adm. Paul D. Pearigen, Commander, Navy Medicine West, and Chief of the Navy Medical Corps sent his regards, “on behalf of over 4,300 active and reserve physicians of the United States Navy Medical Corps, I am honored to extend our sincere appreciation and congratulations to the Navy Medical Service Corps as you celebrate your seventy second birthday. Since its establishment in 1947, the diversely talented officer of the Medical Service Corps have truly exemplified the highest ideals of Navy Medicine. The tireless efforts of clinicians, therapists, scientists, planners, and administrators have ensured the highest standard of quality healthcare and operational readiness. We in the Navy Medical Corps are proud to serve with you.”
| Date Taken: | 08.06.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.07.2019 09:32 |
| Story ID: | 334854 |
| Location: | BREMERTON , WA, US |
| Web Views: | 343 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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