Naval Hospital Bremerton Earns Meritorious Unit Commendation

By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) was formally presented the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) by the commander of Navy Medicine West and Naval Medical Center San Diego Jan 8.

The presentation highlighted Rear Adm. C. Forrest Faison III's two day visit to Naval Hospital Bremerton and associated Branch Health Clinics at Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Naval Station Everett.

"This commendation just documents what we already know. The MUC recognizes a great team. It is a real privilege to see such an incredible team provide medical help to our Sailors, Marines and families. Every day you rise to the occasion. I am so incredibly proud of you. On behalf of all those you help, thank you," said Faison.

Faison also held several all-hands Admiral's calls, dined with approximately 20 recently returned Individual Augmentee staff members, and met with current residents in NHB's Puget Sound Family Medicine Graduate Medical Education program. He also met with NHB Sailors and civilians of the quarter and year.

Capt. Christopher Culp, NHB commanding officer notified NHB staff members last month on receiving the command's second commendation. The initial MUC was awarded for meritorious service from Dec. 1, 1996, to Dec. 31, 1999, for providing timely compassionate care in Navy Region Northwest as well as meeting readiness mission needs while deployed to Haiti with Fleet Hospital 5.

"As we haul down the previous MUC that has flown for the past 10 years, it has transcended time and become part of the fabric of the command. The command itself has maintained the personality and presence that encompasses what the MUC stands for, and this MUC is a direct reflection of Capt. (Mark) Brouker's tenure and accomplishments," said Culp.

The Meritorious Unit Commendation for Naval Hospital Bremerton covered the period July 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2011, which was during Navy Medicine West Chief of Staff Brouker's previous tour and 3-year tenure as NHB's commanding officer from July 18, 2008 to Aug. 4, 2011.

The current MUC covered all staff assigned to all active duty component unit identification codes (UIC) within the hospital. The citation, signed for the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, recognized personnel of NHB consistently demonstrated exceptional patient and family centered care, graduate medical education, and fleet support while meeting its readiness mission. The citation also cited exceptional performance in multiple areas including dental readiness, graduate medical education excellence, fleet support, tsunami support, environmental excellence and patient care.