Marine Corps

FORT BUCHANAN, PUERTO RICO – On Nov. 15, members of the Directorate of Emergency Services (DES), the command group, and community members gathered at the installation to witness Sgt. Tali Albarrán’s promotion to the rank of Lieutenant.

Major Melvin Torres, DES Police Operations Officer, attended the event.

“Albarrán takes care of his colleagues and the personnel who work with him, which has taken him to the next level. This promotion will improve the department’s performance and guide the new officers, “said Torres.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Sean K. Cook, Fort Buchanan deputy commander, represented the command group.

“These moments are meant to highlight when we have found someone who goes above and beyond and exemplifies leadership. Lieutenant Albarrán is good at what he does. He is truly dedicated to what he does. We at Fort Buchanan want to thank him for all he does for us on the installation,” said Cook.

Meanwhile, Albarrán expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and co-workers.

“I am happy to have this new opportunity to increase my skills as a police officer here at Fort Buchanan. The lieutenant position gives me more responsibilities, and I will fulfill them. Most importantly, my family is happy and can count on me,” said Albarrán.

Albarrán is a Yauco, Puerto Rico native. He is married to Zuleika Rivera Centeno, and they have three adult children: Michael, Ian, and Mia. The new Lieutenant started working at Fort Buchanan in 2007 with a private security company until 2011 when he became a DES Fort Buchanan Police Officer.

Those interested in working for DES at Fort Buchanan can apply at www.usajobs.gov. Some openings do not require previous military experience.

With an annual investment in the local economy of more than $500 million, Fort Buchanan serves a diverse military community of approximately 15,000 active-duty Reserve, National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve, and Navy Reserve members. Fort Buchanan’s mission is to serve as a platform for improving readiness and facilitating the deployment of military personnel anywhere, anytime.

Bananas, needles and thread were crucial to improving Navy Corpsmen’s skills during a class held Friday, November 15 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Sailors from Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point trained to suture wounds in a class that combined formal instruction and practical exercises using bananas as a substitute for flesh.

“Sutures are an effective way to close wounds and help reduce a risk of infection by mending layers of tissue together. This skill requires patience, precision and repetition.” said Hospitalman Jayla Spearman, one of the class instructors. “Rushed sutured can lead to infection or improper skin healing.”

Suturing, the skill of closing a wound by stitching it shut, is essential for proper healing and infection prevention.

Commonly known as stitches, the practice involves a needle and type of “thread” determined by the wound being closed. Success depends on the skill of the individual applying the sutures.

“The goal of this class is to provide a new skill for junior Corpsmen, as well as skill sustainment for those who have experience,” said Spearman.

Lt. Cmdr. Jake Wittenauer, DSc- PA-C, Deputy Director of the Clinic’s Medical Services and Spearman taught the class using a combination of formal instruction and practical exercises.

Corpsmen practiced their suturing skills on bananas, chosen for their thick and easy-to-pierce skin and the ability to distinguish the skin from the fruit. After a presentation and demonstration by Wittenauer, Corpsmen tested their skills as he and Spearman supervised and provided mentorship.

The class, said Spearman, served as an opportunity for Sailors in different departments to train together, learn a new skill and get to know one another.

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Expeditionary Medical Unit 10 Golf (EMU 10G), Rotation 16 concluded an eight-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East with a homecoming celebration on November 16, 2024.

“EMU 16” is comprised of personnel from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Lejeune and Naval Medical Forces Atlantic. EMU 16 augmented the EMU 10G deployment, building capabilities as a tactically proficient, combat-credible medical force in present-day military operations.

EMU 16 provided advanced trauma and surgical care – or Role II care – to U.S. Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian contractors, and multinational coalition forces in Iraq.

“I am incredibly blessed and beyond proud to have led this team,” said Captain Jamie Fitch, officer in charge. “They have cared for each other and for our patients with more dedication and motivation than I could have hoped for.”

NMRTC Camp Lejeune celebrated the safe return of the Sailors with a command-sponsored homecoming.

“Their mission was vitally important to ensuring Navy Medicine’s future, aligning strategic goals, and giving them the opportunity to test skills,” said NMRTC Commander Captain Anja Dabelić. “We are honored to have the return of EMU 16, and we welcome them home with open arms.”

NMRTC Camp Lejeune is the readiness platform attached to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune. NMCCL has cared for warfighters and beneficiaries at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for more than 80 years.