By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Mandello,
Amphibious Squadron 11, Public Affairs

HONG KONG – Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Naudi Chukwudozie, son of Beneddete and Joseph Chukwudozie of Lagos, Nigeria, is currently serving aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) while on deployment in the western Pacific.

Chukwudozie and other hospital corpsman are the first point of contact for patients checking their vital signs, documenting their illnesses and preparing them for the on board physician.

“My job is very important for the safety and health of sailors,” said Chukwudozie. “We help the doctors with materials, files, patients and anything they might need.”

Hospital corpsmen prepare everything necessary and act as the bridge between patients and physicians.

“We prepare everything for the doctor,” said Chukwudozie. “I can’t diagnose or treat a patient, unless it’s something minor like a cough or a cold, but I am able to give the doctor my input and help with everything else.”

Medical is open 24 hours for over 700 sailors and Marines aboard and is able to treat a variety of illnesses.

“The lives of our sailors and Marines aboard are of the utmost importance,” said Chukwudozie. “That is why as a hospital corpsman you have to know your job and every aspect of human health because any single mistake can cost someone their life.”

The United States Navy provides sailors with the opportunity to travel in addition to receiving an education. The Navy respects its sailors and strives to maintain morale.

“In the Navy, I’ve had the chance to travel the world and get to meet people from different cultures,” said Chukwudozie. “Hospital corpsman is a great rate that I have learned a lot from, and it’s been a great experience.”

Chukwudozie graduated with a bachelor's degree in geology and mining from the University of Lagos in Lagos, Nigeria, in 2003. He moved to the United States in 2007 where he met his wife Beverley Abadom.

Tortuga, commanded by Cmdr. John Barnett, is part of the only forward deployed Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

For more information about Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 or USS Tortuga (LSD 46), please visit:
www.facebook.com/#!/PHIBRON11
www.dvidshub.net/unit/PHIBRON11
www.cpf.navy.mil
www.c7f.navy.mil

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