ST. LOUIS–Nearly 140 U.S. Navy Sailors and U.S. Marines completed their mission at the St. Louis Community Vaccination Center (CVC), June 1, helping vaccinate more than 44,000 community members against COVID-19.
The service members were part of a vaccination support team (VST) that augmented federal, state, and local governments in providing life-saving vaccines during the CVC’s two-month tenure at The Dome at America’s Center.
“This would not have been possible without the active participation of the DOD forces that we’ve had here,” said DuWayne Tewes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency site coordinator.
The military’s ability to integrate with multiple government agencies to provide a variety of services was instrumental, said Tewes. This included preparing and giving vaccines, assisting community members, and helping those needing assistance transiting through the center.
“DOD brought everything they could to the fight,” Tewes added. “Together, it’s just been a very successful operation.”
U.S. Army Col. Isaac Johnson said it all came down to teamwork.
“Together we can solve problems, overcome challenges and overcome obstacles,” said Johnson, the CVC Title 10 deputy commander.
The DOD played a major role as a supporting partner through its ability to provide expeditionary capabilities not offered by other federal agencies, said Johnson.
This included the nearly 40 personnel primarily from the San Diego-based Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 1.
Navy EOD performs high-risk missions in support of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force. They are highly trained operators that lead small tactical teams into austere environments at sea and ashore to mitigate explosive threats so the joint force can conduct maritime operations.
At the Dome, they drew from their skillsets to ensure nearly 100 U.S. Navy doctors, nurses and corpsmen had everything they needed to administer vaccines to underserved populations.
“This mission showed we are an adaptable and resilient force,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Mike Dalrymple, the commanding officer of EODMU-1.
Navy Medicine and Navy EOD personnel serve together during combat. Their partnership at the CVC allowed them to exchange best practices that would be helpful in a deployed environment.
Dalrymple, who led the VST, said he appreciated working with the Navy Medicine team, and hoped they gained something from experiencing firsthand how Navy EOD operates.
“They do a fantastic job,” said Dalrymple. “I’d take them down range with me any day.”
Sailors mostly from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp, Pendleton, Calif., served on the frontline of the whole-of-government federal vaccination response.
As a vaccinator, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Dawson Caulk interacted directly with members of the community.
“The mission has been an awesome experience,” said Caulk, who is assigned to NMRTC Camp Pendleton. “Seeing how happy people are getting vaccines, doing their part, brings me joy and shows that we are making a positive impact.”
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Belisarius Watson primarily worked in the recovery area monitoring community members for any adverse reactions to the vaccine.
The times he supported the vaccination area were the most rewarding part of the mission, said Watson, who is an X-ray technician assigned to NMRTC Camp Pendleton.
“I’ve had a couple people in tears after I’ve given them that second dose because they’re so excited to be fully vaccinated.”
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2021 18:08 |
| Story ID: | 397929 |
| Location: | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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