US Naval Hospital Guam's MRI Machine Adds Value to Patients, Hospital

By Jennifer Zingalie, Naval Hospital Guam Public Affairs

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Hospital Guam recently added a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine to its inventory, which not only provides better access for patients, but is projected to save the hospital approximately $225,000 annually.

The machine was acquired as part of the recent construction of the new hospital facility that was completed in April.

"In the past, if an MRI procedure was needed, the patients would have to have their imaging performed out in town," said radiologist, Cmdr. Michael Fenton, of the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam Radiology Department. "In Guam, there are two other imaging facilities that perform this type of imaging exam. The average cost of an MRI exam is approximately $2,000 which adds up over time."

Magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetism and radio frequency waves to visualize the anatomy of the human body. These machines can be useful in identifying disease processes earlier than other medical imaging technologies. According to Fenton, this can result in a more accurate diagnostic work up prior to definitive care. Currently, MRI is also used in diagnosis and treatment of concussive injuries, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Radiologists, such as Fenton, have at least 10 years of education and practical training. When passing a radiologists office, the physician may be seen sitting in a dark room staring at numerous computer monitors, evaluating various images of the body. They are trained to distinguish normal human anatomy from abnormal anatomy.

"When a primary care manager examines a patient and needs to make a diagnosis, we assist by evaluating the patient's anatomy to help them to make an accurate diagnosis. Often, we are asked to perform image guided biopsies (removal of breast, bone, or soft tissue) as well," said Fenton.

He also explained the radiology staff members are able to continuously maintain and enhance their skills on the MRI now the machine is on site. According to him, the radiologists at USNH Guam read approximately 150 imaging studies per day, including X-ray, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Medicine imaging, MRI, and ultrasound.

Strategically located, USNH Guam is a vital asset to the Pacific in supporting Individual Medical Readiness.

"Having advanced imaging capabilities at USNH Guam provides more accurate and timely diagnoses avoiding the need to send patients stateside or on unnecessary medical evacuations," said Fenton. "The ability to do more imaging here on Guam translates to better health care access, improved health care delivery, decreased health care costs and, most importantly, high quality patient care."

With newer and more advanced high-tech equipment, Fenton said the challenge the new hospital faces is ensuring it is a good steward of using the MRI, which means understanding when an MRI is truly needed.

"Having multiple ways of imaging a patient is helpful to make an accurate diagnosis," he explained. "We strive to use the right imaging tool in order to make the right diagnosis. Ultimately, this leads to the best outcome for the patient."

CVW 1, Theodore Roosevelt Begin Integrated Training

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Alex Millar and Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Wyatt L. Anthony, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 embarked the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) to conduct integrated training Sept. 16 to Oct. 9.

The arrival of CVW 1, composed of eight squadrons, 61 aircraft, and about 1,300 personnel, is a huge step forward for TR as the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group prepares for an upcoming deployment in the spring of 2015.

"This is the first major step to getting us back into being a combat-ready carrier, and takes us from basic phase to integrated phase," said Cmdr. Brian Beck, TR's air boss, a Scio, Ohio, native.

"When you're trying to knock the dust off and get back into battle rhythm sometimes things are a little slow, but everyone here is already in the mindset of success, so we're really progressing a lot quicker than normal," said Command Master Chief James Tocorzic, command master chief of CVW 1.

Managing eight air squadrons on one ship can be a tasking situation, but preparation and motivation can help smooth the process.

"This has been one of the easiest transitions that I've seen, as far as the air wing coming aboard with the ship's company," said Tocorzic. "It just goes to show the mindset of teamwork that we're already implementing."

Sailors and Marines aboard TR are no longer maneuvering aircraft in a training environment. They are performing as they would on deployment in a combat-ready environment.

"It is a learning curve for my Sailors working the hangar bay because they are no longer training, but working with real squadrons, and overall we are doing really well," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (handling) Charles Bringuez, the hangar bay leading chief petty officer, a native of Miami.

As the days and months trickle away and deployment draws closer, CVW 1 will continue to train with TR through the coming months to prepare for the challenges that that lay ahead.

"This is a monumental effort by all," said Beck. "Everything going on is a top-down, bow-to-stern effort. Being on a carrier is the greatest team sport on the planet, especially bringing the air wing and TR's crew together, all into four and a half acres and making it work. There's nothing that even comes close to this."

Ceremony Establishes Fort Worth Reserve Component Command

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel J. Meshel, Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Public Affairs

FORT WORTH, Texas (NNS) -- An official ceremony marking the establishment of Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Fort Worth (NRSE RCC FTW) was held Oct. 3 aboard Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.

The establishment ceremony celebrated the founding of the sixth regional Reserve Component Command (RCC) operating under Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command.

"NRSE RCC FTW is being established to focus on the needs of Reserve Sailors and their families by sub-dividing Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSCs) evenly into six RCC boundaries," said Capt. William Bach, the first commanding officer of NRSE RCC FTW.

"This realignment will provide the improved oversight and service our Sailors need to provide the strategic and operational support that the active component has come to expect from the Reserve Force," said Rear Adm. Eric Young, commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, who served as guest speaker during the event.

NRSE RCC FTW provides oversight to 20 NOSCs located across seven states to include Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. The new region is home to more than 7,500 Navy Reservists, 400 Full-Time Support (FTS) Sailors, and nearly 300 Navy Reserve units.

"From coastal riverine squadrons and aviation squadrons to Seabees and information dominance units, Reservists support every facet of the active-duty force," said Bach. "They comprise the hundreds of Reserve Sailors from our region who are currently mobilized around the world providing critical expertise and depth to our fleet and joint commanders."

NRSE RCC FTW is directly linked to Naval Reserve Readiness Command, Region 11, which was established in 1976 and later renamed Naval Reserve Readiness Command (REDCOM) South. In 2007 REDCOM South was disestablished and five regional RCCs stood-up across the United States.

"It's from REDCOM South we draw our roots," said Bach. "This region has since changed, but the headquarters and mission remain the same."

"So now we open up a new chapter in the Navy Reserve with the establishment of NRSE RCC FTW," said Young. "I am confident that this team will bring with them a wealth of experience and leadership ensuring our citizen-Sailors are well taken care of."