Sterilization Course Hosted by U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa Boosts Indo-Pacific Medical Readiness

Photo By Isaac Savitz | Attendees of the first-ever Asia-Pacific High-Level Sterilization Course pose for a picture during a tour of U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa. Traditionally held on the U.S. East Coast, this specialized training was made available to forward-deployed medical professionals, eliminating barriers such as funding constraints, time zone differences, and limited access to sterilization resources.  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.10.2025

Story by Isaac Savitz 

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa

U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Okinawa hosted the first ever Asia-Pacific region High-Level Sterilization Course. Traditionally held only on the U.S. East Coast, this highly specialized training was delivered directly to forward-deployed medical professionals, eliminating barriers like funding constraints, time zone differences, and limited access to essential sterilization resources.

The course was a collaborative effort led by Cmdr. Catherine Soteras, USNH Okinawa's main operating room department head, with virtual coordination managed by Brittney Hernandez, who works in infection prevention at the hospital.

The initiative was also supported by Lt. Cmdr. Jared Lacamiento, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Amos Asare, and Peter Tan, a regional representative from Steris, an organization that supports patient care with an emphasis on infection prevention. And international clinical educators from Steris University Australia and the U.S., including Annie Watt of Australia and Steve Challinor of Singapore, also contributed to the training.

While attending an annual clinical education meeting in Bethesda, Maryland, Soteras inquired about bringing the training to Okinawa. Watt, senior manager for clinical education, Asia-Pacific, and head of environmental, social, and governance for Asia-Pacific, supported the idea, aiming for maximum participation from the region.

“If we can continue to educate here, overseas, just like they do in the U.S., it is value-added,” said Watt, a registered nurse. “It’s all about the best patient care.”

Challinor, a registered nurse for over 25 years and a clinical education fellow for Steris in Singapore, agreed. “Education is the way forward," he said. "We need to learn and improve ourselves through better understanding.”

Attendees earned up to 24 continuing education units (CEUs) and received hands-on training in sterilizer troubleshooting, high-level disinfection protocols, and alternative chemical options specific to the regional supply chain. The course also strengthened collaboration across Guam, Korea, mainland Japan, Japanese medical facilities, and tri-service partners, building a sterilization network throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

This course represents a significant step toward supporting regional medical readiness and mission sustainment through localized education, expert collaboration, and tailored solutions.

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa plays a vital role in delivering care to 47,000 service members, families, and other eligible beneficiaries in the western Pacific region. The hospital also serves as a key regional referral center and supports contingency and humanitarian assistance operations throughout the first island chain.

Trey Savitz, Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan
Comm: 011-81-971-7024
DSN: [phone]
[e-mail]

• Date Taken: 04.10.2025
• Date Posted: 04.27.2025 23:12
• Story ID: 496292
• Location: OKINAWA, JP