NMOTC Commanding Officer Throws First Pitch

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kaitlyn C. Boland, Navy Medicine Operational Training Center Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's premier training facility for operational medicine and aviation survival training threw the ceremonial first pitch during the Pensacola-based Blue Wahoos May 20 game against the Mississippi Braves in Pensacola, Florida.

Navy Medicine Operational Training Center(NMOTC) Commanding Officer Capt. Paul D. Kane, MC, threw out the first pitch in front of more than 2,000 fans at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium, considered one of the premier facilities in Minor League Baseball.

"Pensacola and the Navy have such a unique bond," he said. "The military presence here and the reception to the men and women in uniform in the Pensacola area are really quite special. It was an honor for me to be invited by the Blue Wahoos and the Greater Pensacola Chamber to represent the Navy, Navy Medicine and the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center. On behalf of them, I would like to say thank you for the support the Blue Wahoos, the Pensacola Chamber and the city of Pensacola show Sailors."

The Pensacola Blue Wahoos are the double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Established in 2012, the Blue Wahoos - located in the Panhandle of northwestern Florida - play baseball at Pensacola Bayfront Stadium and are highlighting and recognizing area military commands in conjunction with the Greater Pensacola Chamber during Military Appreciation Month, observed annually in May.

The Greater Pensacola chamber procured nearly 2,000 ticket vouchers from various Pensacola-area businesses and organizations to Blue Wahoos home games during May 2015, with the Chamber's Military Affairs Committee disseminating tickets to Pensacola-area commands, service members and military family members.

The Greater Pensacola Chamber Military Affairs Committee is designed to develop strategic economic growth opportunities that promote and enhance Department of Defense investments in the Pensacola area. The Department of Defense is the largest economic engine in the Pensacola Region, with more than $5.1 billion in total economic impact produced annually by more than 22,000 active duty and military/federal employees.

NMOTC, the recognized global leader in operational medical and aviation survival training, reports to Navy Medicine Education and Training Command (NMETC). NMETC manages Navy Medicine's formal enlisted and officer education and training programs, medical operational training for medical and medical support personnel deploying worldwide, and training that prepares aviators and flight crews to survive in land and water mishaps.

NMOTC and NMETC are all part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of Navy medical professionals around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than 1 million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ships, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.