FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS – Hospitalman Travis Brooks, a native of Huntsville, is learning skills that will be vital in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought an invisible enemy to our shores and changed the way we operate as a Navy,” Admiral Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, said. “The fight against this virus is a tough one, but our sailors are tougher.”

Brooks is preparing to protect sailors and their families by learning the latest in health care at the Medical Education and Training Campus or METC on Joint Base San Antonio–Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Affiliated with the Department of Defense, METC is a state-of-the-art campus for healthcare education of military medics, corpsmen and technicians.

In 2018, Brooks graduated from Northeastern Alabama Community College. Required values to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Huntsville, Brooks said.

“Growing up in various countries taught me how to adapt and become a leader,” Brooks said. “Because of my ability to listen, understand my environments and take pride in my action, this has helped me to become a great sailor.”

In its century of service, U.S. Navy Hospital Corps has supported millions of sailors and Marines. Technological innovations now are transforming medical training for the next generation of hospital corpsmen.

“It means to go above and beyond … exceeding expectations in taking care of our fellow shipmates and Marines,” Brooks said. He is enrolled in the Specialty Medical Program, focused on the amphibious reconnaissance corpsman.

Brooks and other sailors know they are associated with a centuries-old service tradition. Their efforts, especially during this time of challenge caused by the coronavirus, will have a lasting effect for generations.

“I know in my heart, there’s nothing I would rather be than a U.S. Navy corpsman,” Brooks said. “It’s a great honor not only to wear my uniform but to be out in the fleet helping people, caring of their well-being and making sure we all get home safe.”

The Media Outreach Department with the Navy Office of Community Outreach in Millington, Tenn. produces these profiles. Rick Burke researched this article. For more information, visit outreach.navy.mil, Facebook/Navy Outreach, Twitter @NavyOutreach or Instagram @US_Navy_Outreach.