COVID-19 Operational Response Cell for the III Marine Expeditionary Force: An Interview With Navy Nurse LT Dana Brackup, NC, USN

ABSTRACT During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, overseas military bases faced unique challenges to preserve force health protection while simultaneously caring for military beneficiaries. The response to the rapidly evolving challenges surrounding transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Okinawa, Japan, required innovative solutions. One innovative solution was the COVID-19 Operational Response Cell established at Camp Courtney, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler. This interview describes the COVID-19 Response Cell operations and essential lessons learned by a Navy Nurse Corps officer working with III Marine Expeditionary Force, a forward-deployed force in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Strengthening Resiliency During Pacific Partnership Missions: Leadership Matters

The role of military leaders to promote resilience has never been more relevant. The following case highlights a Navy Nurse Corps Officer’s challenges with deployment stressors and building resilience during a ship-based Global Health Engagement. The case also highlights a follow-on project to enhance the resilience of deployed service members.