Navy arrives to help at LRMC

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, known for its terrific health care and joint partnership, recently got a new partner when Sailors from the U.S. Naval Reserve Fleet Hospital Great Lakes arrived in Germany.

The 350-Sailor unit will spend a year at LRMC, marking the first time that the Navy has pulled a year-long rotation at the hospital. For the past four years, Army Reserve units have filled the void.
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“It’s an exciting time for the Army, Navy and Air Force as we explore joint medical operations and interoperability caring for our wounded warriors from downrange and our local population,” said Col. W. Bryan Gamble, LRMC commander.

The Sailors will fill positions ranging from cook to doctor and have spent the first couple of weeks acclimating themselves to their new surroundings and learning the jobs.

“I am proud to serve these patients,” said Lt. Junior Grade Jose Roman, a registered nurse. “They are warriors and you cannot compare what they do to our job. They really defend our country and it’s an honor for me to care for them.”

Lieutenant Roman is used to working in a Texas intensive care unit, so he was prepared for the type of work presented by LRMC.

“It’s been a fair workload so far,” he said. “I don’t feel overwhelmed, but it is only my first full day on the job.”

The lieutenant said life is going to be different not being on a ship. And the changes will be welcomed. More time to explore the surroundings, maybe see Paris and just soak up the culture as opposed to soaking up rays and ocean breezes.

“This is a totally different and new experience for me,” he said. “It’s my first time in Europe. And the Army and Air Force have been friendly and I feel very welcomed.”

Tech. Sgt. Todd Geisler, assistant ward master on 8 Delta, has several Navy personnel on the ward and said this is a very competent and capable group of reserve Sailors.

“I think it’s going to be fun having them around,” he said. “They know their stuff, now it’s just a matter of getting into our routine and doing things the way we like to do them.”