ROTA, Spain (February 2, 2026). U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Rotahas become the first military treatment facility in the Defense Health Network–Europe to perform computer-assisted hip and knee replacement surgery, marking a significant milestone in advancing musculoskeletal readiness for service members stationed overseas.
“Computer-assisted navigation allows us to tailor implant positioning to each patient’s unique anatomy with a level of precision we couldn’t achieve with traditional instrumentation alone,” said Cmdr. Brian Barlow, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, who works at the hospital as an orthopedic surgeon. “That accuracy translates directly into better joint function, reduced pain, and a faster return to activity for our patients.”
The hospital launched its total joint replacement program in February 2025, becoming the firstDefense Health Agency medical treatment outside the continental United States facility to perform hip and knee arthroplasty. By enhancing surgical precision and consistency, the technology supports improved joint function, durability, and recovery for patients.
Since the program began, more than 25 patients from across Europe have received joint replacement surgery at USNH Rota. By helping warfighters regain mobility and supporting military families living overseas, the arthroplasty service line plays an important role in improving both readiness and overall resilience.
For active-duty service members, this level of care directly supports readiness. Chronic hip and knee pain can make it difficult to run, climb ladders, stand watch, carry gear, and meet physical standards. Joint replacement helps restore mobility, relieve pain, and return service members to full mission capability while reducing the need to travel outside the region for care.
For military families, having access to specialized orthopedic care in Europe means less disruption, quicker recovery, and stronger, more stable households, all of which contribute to overall force readiness.
This capability also strengthens medical readiness. At NMRTC Rota, surgeons, nurses, and surgical technicians are gaining real, hands-on experience with advanced technology and modern joint replacement techniques. That experience keeps their skills sharp, builds confidence, and ensures they are ready to provide high-quality care, whether at home or in operational environments.
Strategically positioned on the Iberian Peninsula, the hospital plays a critical role in defending, restoring, and elevating the health of warfighters and their families. USNH Rota provides ready, reliable care to 8,400 service members and their families.
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 Naval Hospital Rota on the Iberian Peninsula.
For more information on USNH Rota and its mission, visit www.rota.tricare.mil (http://www.rota.tricare.mil/).
Story by Cmdr. Brian Barlow, U.S. Naval Hospital Rota