Photo By Cmdr. Cheryl Collins | Hospital Corpsman @nd Class Lin Lin, assigned to Navy Reserve Commander, Navy Region...... read more read more
HOUSTON, Texas – Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Lin Lin, a 40-year-old Sailor originally from China, has built a unique path in the Navy Reserve by blending medical proficiency with engineering pursuits. Currently assigned to Navy Reserve Commander, Navy Region Japan and drilling at Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Houston, Lin also studies petroleum engineering full-time at Texas A&M University.
Inspired by a Marine Corps officer and classmate, Lin chose to enlist in the Navy Reserve, finding alignment with the structured environment and diverse experiences the service provides. “Balancing my academic work with the practical challenges of Navy life has taught me discipline, improved my time management and sharpened my teamwork skills,” he said. As the unit’s medical representative, Lin oversees the health and readiness of fellow Reserve Sailors—an undertaking he finds critical to mission success. “Whether it’s analyzing complex engineering data or performing medical tasks, attention to detail is paramount,” he explained.
Although he has not yet mobilized, Lin stays ready for future activations and credits his training experiences—particularly short sessions with “greenside” corpsmen assigned to Marine Corps units—for broadening his understanding of combat-related medical care. He recalls an especially memorable sea story when he joined HM3 Anthony Caraballo for a special operations-inspired workout that left him sore for three days. “That experience really showed me the physical demands of special operations training and the importance of preparation,” said Lin with a laugh.
When not drilling, Lin commits himself to his studies at Texas A&M, intending to graduate in May 2026. He looks to commission as an officer in the Navy Reserve and possibly pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. “I see a valuable intersection between medicine and engineering,” he said. “Whether it’s building technology for better healthcare delivery or applying medical knowledge to operational scenarios, my goal is to serve effectively in both fields.”
From his time attending drills at NRC Avoca in Pennsylvania to his current role at NRC Houston, Lin’s experiences have reinforced his belief in the Navy core values—Honor, Courage and Commitment. “I’ve had incredible mentors who guided me through challenges,” he said. “As I progress, I’m committed to giving back, just as others have done for me.” Through each training evolution and academic semester, Lin continues to refine his expertise—one that will serve both his civilian career and the Navy Reserve’s mission well.
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.17.2025 17:42 |
| Story ID: | 492443 |
| Location: | HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 203 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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