By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NEWPORT, R.I. – Hospitalman Noah Graddis, a native of Seattle, is playing a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s efforts to maintain a healthy and ready fighting force in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a hospital corpsman working at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command New England in Newport, Rhode Island, Graddis’ skills are vital to maintaining the health of the sailors in the Newport area, and by extension, the readiness of the Navy’s officer training commands of which they serve.
“The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic brought an invisible enemy to our shores and changed the way we operate as a Navy,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The fight against this virus is a tough one, but our sailors are tougher. We must harden our Navy by continuing to focus on the health and safety of our forces and our families. The health and safety of our sailors and their families is, and must continue to be, our number one priority.”
As part of the Navy medicine team, Graddis protects sailors and their families, many of whom deploy around the world supporting national interests here at home.
“Serving as a hospital corpsman during COVID-19 pandemic means to be flexible and versatile,” Graddis said. “For me, this means enthusiastically taking on any new challenges and humbly attempting to add a small piece to the great legacy of the Hospital Corps.”
Graddis is a 2015 Nathan Hale High School graduate. According to Graddis, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Seattle.
“At home, I learned to be more determined,” Graddis said. “This value has helped me to adjust to a changing situation without getting discouraged. With my future success, the first credit is given to my upbringing.”
U.S. Navy Medicine is the most decorated career field in the Navy. Navy Hospital Corpsmen have earned 22 Medals of Honor, 179 Navy Crosses, 959 Silver Stars and more than 1,600 Bronze Stars. Twenty ships have been named in honor of Corpsmen.
“The legacy of the Hospital Corps is something to be proud of and is simultaneously humbling,” Graddis said. “As a hospital corpsman, I am extremely proud of the amazing accomplishments of my predecessors yet, deeply humbled by the unimaginable sacrifices made so that we can be here today.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Graddis, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition that dates back centuries. Their efforts, especially during this time of challenge brought on by the Coronavirus, will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who provide the Navy the nation needs.
