SAN DIEGO, California — A 2015 Crestview High School graduate and Crestview native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Surface Warfare Medicine Institute.
Seaman Alexander Hubbard serves as a hospital corpsman at the San Diego-based training center. According to Navy officials, the institute's purpose is providing medical education, operational training and certification for medical, dental and fleet personnel ashore and afloat.
"I am a student in the medical laboratory technician program here at SWMI," said Hubbard. "I enjoy learning how to be a lab tech and I am looking forward to practicing in the fleet."
The sailors who are part of Navy medicine are the most highly trained, educated and specialized force in history, Navy officials said. The role of Navy medicine in preserving the healthy and fighting readiness of that force has never been greater or more critical.
"The Surface Warfare Medical Institute teaches 13 courses to over 800 students annually," Cmdr. Steven Parks said. He is the officer in charge of the Surface Warfare Medical Institute. "The training we provide enables our physicians, nurses, Medical Service Corps officers, and corpsmen to directly support the Navy and Marine Corps combat teams. The leadership, mentorship and influence that our staff has on our students are second to none."
Parks added that he is proud that SWMI's mission will have long lasting positive impact and benefits to Navy Medicine for years to come.
Hubbard said he feels honored to be able to serve at a command that is continually raising the bar in healthcare.
"Our instructors are looking out for the students both as med techs but also as sailors," Hubbard said.
Those who serve in Navy medicine understand that they play a key role in meeting the missions of our armed forces, according to Navy officials.
"Serving in the Navy means pride for the country, my family and for myself," Hubbard said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview native gives healthcare to US Navy Sailors