By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Knight, PCU Fort Lauderdale Public Affairs
Being a hospital corpsman in the Navy presents its own challenges on a daily basis, especially during the COVID era. Building a ship and a medical department on a pre-commissioning ship presents a whole other challenge. However, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sashee Robinson, a native of Stamford, Connecticut, has navigated these challenges with grace and tenacity.
“It feels great,” said Robinson. “It’s definitely something completely different from everything else I’ve done in my career. There’s so much to learn but I’m most excited to be a part of the initial crew that will help bring this ship to life and become a part of the fleet. The most challenging part of this command would probably be the split in the location of the crew. With some of the team being in Norfolk sometimes it’s hard to be on the same page all the time. I’m also one of those people who like to communicate face to face and be able to see someone acknowledges what I’m saying. Phone and video conferences takes that opportunity away from us. It’s a challenge but we make it work.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
