Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Omar Rubi | GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (July 22, 2026) — Lt. Remi Larson, left, a registered nurse...... read more read more
NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba— Every service member's role presents distinct opportunities to serve others and find purpose, and for Lt. Remi Larson, it is strengthening the readiness of the Joint Force.
A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, Larson never envisioned herself serving in the military. Inspired by her family's tradition of service and a desire to pursue a career with purpose, she found the Navy offered an opportunity to combine compassionate patient care with meaningful service to the nation.
"I didn't grow up thinking I'd join the military, but the more I learned about it, the more it just made sense," Larson said. "Both of my grandfathers served, so there was always a sense of pride in service in my family. I wanted a career with purpose where I could help people, be part of a team and experience things most people never get the chance to."
Currently deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Larson serves with Joint Task Force Southern Guard as a registered nurse at the installation's Role I medical clinic. She provides medical care to active-duty personnel, reservists and contractors while supporting the clinic's broader mission of sustaining the health and medical readiness of the Joint Force.
"I'm a registered nurse," Larson said. "Whether it's something routine or something unexpected, my job is to help keep people healthy and ready to accomplish the mission. At the end of the day, healthy people make successful missions possible, and I'm proud to play a small part in that."
Her leadership says that commitment has had a measurable impact on the clinic's mission.
"Lieutenant Larson's work at the clinic ensures our medical capabilities remain responsive and reliable," said Army Maj. Jonathan Campbell, Joint Task Force Southern Guard surgeon. "Her focus on patient outcomes, coupled with her efforts to streamline clinic operations, has a direct, positive impact on our daily healthcare delivery. She is a dedicated officer who plays a practical role in keeping our joint force healthy and mission-capable."
Her current deployment has challenged her professionally while also giving her opportunities to make a lasting impact. In addition to delivering patient care, Larson has helped improve the Role I clinic into an environment where service members feel comfortable seeking medical attention while deployed far from home.
Among her proudest accomplishments is being promoted to lieutenant during the deployment, a milestone that reflects years of dedication to both nursing and naval service.
"Promoting to Lieutenant during my deployment has definitely been one of my prouder moments," Larson said. "It represents a lot of hard work over the last four years and reminds me how much I've grown as both a nurse and an officer. But what means the most to me is helping build and improve our clinic here in Guantanamo Bay into a place where people feel comfortable coming for care while they're away from home."
Growing up in Minnesota helped shape the leadership style she brings to the fleet today. Larson credits her hometown with teaching her resilience and instilling values she maintains today.
"Growing up playing sports taught me discipline, teamwork and how to bounce back after setbacks," Larson said. "More than anything, I learned to take pride in where I come from and to always show up for the people around me. The Midwest mindset has stayed with me throughout my Navy career."
For Larson, serving in the Navy extends beyond providing medical care. It is an opportunity to be part of a community united by a shared commitment to service.
"Serving my country means being part of something much bigger than myself," Larson said. "The Navy has allowed me to care for people while supporting those who volunteer to serve. It's also given me lifelong friendships and experiences I'll carry with me long after I take the uniform off."
She credits her success to the encouragement of her parents, grandparents and friends, whose support has remained constant throughout her military journey.
"My family has supported every decision I've made and always encouraged me to chase opportunities," Larson said. "My grandparents taught me resilience, service and putting others before yourself, and my friends have always been there through the highs and lows."
When asked what mission readiness means, Larson points to the habits built long before an emergency occurs.
"To me, mission readiness means being prepared before you're needed," Larson said. "It's the daily habits people don't always see—training, taking care of yourself, looking out for your teammates and always being willing to learn. As a nurse, it means making sure the people around me are healthy and ready to do their jobs because when the mission calls, it's too late to start preparing."
Whether caring for patients in the clinic or helping strengthen the medical capabilities of Joint Task Force Southern Guard, Larson exemplifies the professionalism, compassion and commitment that ensure the Joint Force remains healthy, resilient and ready to accomplish its mission. Her dedication demonstrates that behind every operationally ready force is a team of medical professionals committed to keeping America's warfighters healthy, capable and ready to answer the nation's call.
| Date Taken: | 12.31.1969 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2026 09:10 |
| Story ID: | 571606 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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