Photo By Douglas Stutz | Rear Adm. James A. Aiken, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, presented the Navy...... read more read more
The concept, implementation and fulfillment of team work was recognized May 13, 2021.
Not in an arena, at a stadium or on a field of play.
The acknowledgement took place at a Navy Medicine coordinated COVID-19 mass vaccine site.
Rear Adm. James A. Aiken, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Three, presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to several staff members of Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command (NMRTC) `Bremerton for their COVID-19 vaccine efforts in the third largest fleet concentration area.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class James A. Gibbens was cited for meritorious service from December 2020 to May 2021 ensuring COVID19 vaccine inventory totaling 42,000 doses were properly managed in accordance with the strict guidelines, which included training eight petty officers on the proper handling of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, He also coordinated mass vaccines for USS Nimitz (CVN 68) crewmembers, provided onsite expertise in vaccine management, patient flow and site selection, which set the standard for the shipboard vaccination.
The reports of a steady increase of eligible beneficiaries getting vaccinated has been welcome news to Navy leadership. Yet what has also been just as appreciated is the behind-the-scene coordination, collaboration and cooperation to administer the vaccine.
“You have come together as a team. What you are doing, and have done, is bigger than yourself. This (mass vaccination) wouldn’t work unless each one of you did your part. I applaud your effort and drive. For what you have accomplished, I am thankful,” said Aiken.
Lt. Cmdr. Matthew G. Case was recognized for his contributions serving as public health emergency officer from December 2020 to May 2021. During that time frame, the Medical Corps officer oversaw the successful COVID-19 vaccination effort for the entire Kitsap Peninsula, delivering more than 34,000 vaccines to 8,100 active duty service members, 12,000 eligible beneficiaries, civilians and contract employees for Navy Region Northwest.
Case was also noted for providing technical assistance to Carrier Strike Group Three ensuring that the vaccine administration plan adhered to Defense Health Agency guidance. Additionally, Case oversaw logistical handling of more than 42,000 vaccines and redistribution of several thousand vaccine doses to outlying clinics.
“What most don’t know is how many extra hours I put him through, whether it was counting shots and doses every late night or coming up with ideas on the best way to administer the vaccine. Lt. Cmdr. Case has been flexible and innovative,” said Capt. Jeffrey H. Feinberg, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton executive officer.
Aiken affirmed that the singular actions by Case, Gibbens and others, were essential to a successful team effort, and were a main reason why 'we have been succeeding in our efforts' to eradicate the virus since the vaccine was first offered to eligible beneficiaries in the Pacific Northwest on Dec. 23, 2020.
“Whether someone was 75 and older, a family member or active duty, the courtesy and respect given to everyone by the mass vaccination team was very well received and professional,” Aiken said. “I had retirees come up to me after getting vaccinated on a Saturday morning back in January and they told me, ‘thanks.’ Not just for getting the shot that day, but for being personally contacted beforehand and taking the time to explain and answer any questions and concerns.”
| Date Taken: | 05.13.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2021 18:04 |
| Story ID: | 396624 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 227 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Navy Medicine staff cited for stellar COVID Vaccine teamwork, by Douglas Stutz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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