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Midshipman Joins GW's Medical Team
Story Number: NNS130622-14
6/22/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg

USS George Washington, At Sea (NNS) -- It's not uncommon to see new faces aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), but you may occasionally see a Sailor around the ship wearing miniature chief anchors and wonder what sets these young Sailors apart from the rest.

These are midshipmen; students from the U.S. Naval Academy or universities throughout the United States, and they're here for hands-on training and to experience shipboard life before being commissioned as U.S. Navy officers.

Two weeks ago, Midshipman 1st Class Elanie Mamaril, from San Diego, began work with George Washington's medical department.

"It's really interesting and helpful for me to be here aboard George Washington," said Mamaril. "It's the perfect opportunity to learn Navy medicine and life on an aircraft carrier."

Mamaril, a senior at Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, was inspired by her two older brothers who both joined the Navy through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Lt. j.g. Eugene Mamaril, the eldest, is serving as a post-anesthesia care unit nurse and is studying to be an operating room nurse at Camp Pendelton, Calif. Lt. j.g. Emmanuelle Mamaril is serving as a surface warfare officer (SWO) aboard the guided-missile Frigate, USS Thach (FFG-43).

"I go to them for everything, even while I've been here aboard George Washington," said Mamaril. "I e-mail them everyday and ask them basic leadership questions. It's very inspiring and motivating to see their transition into the Navy, and how they've grown as officers, leaders and people in general."

Mamaril took this time to observe her senior officers in their work environment, which has helped her develop her own leadership style.

"I want to be an officer that works with corpsman," said Mamaril. "Something that I've learned is that it's really important that the people you work with are comfortable with you, can talk to you and are willing to do what it takes to take care of a patient."

With continued support from her family, Mamaril has high hopes for her future in the Navy as she pursues her career as a Navy nurse.

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For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.