We were able to keep patients in theater instead of flying them home, said NAVCENT’s force surgeon. Image: Immersion Imagery/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffSailors, Marines and their family members attached to the 5th Fleet continue to take advantage of a pilot program that expands mental-health treatment options. As the pilot enters its second and final year, it will continue to offer more options – such as a walk-in clinic in Bahrain and a significantly enhanced outpatient program.
“Our goal is to provide our service members and their families with the best care possible,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.
“During the first year of the pilot, we were able to keep patients in theater instead of flying them home,” said Capt. (Dr.) Miguel Cubano, NAVCENT’s force surgeon. “This would have not been possible prior to the program.”
The 5th Fleet area of operations includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. It includes the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Bab al-Mandeb at Yemen’s southern tip.
