Navy Nurse Corps members at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) held their 108th anniversary celebration May 13.

The birthday celebration included a message from Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, recognizing their contributions as part of Navy Medicine.

"Navy Medicine is given a trust to care for those who have volunteered to defend our freedom, a trust to return America's sons and daughters home safely," wrote Faison. "On behalf of the entire Navy Medicine family, I extend my gratitude and appreciation to our Navy Nurse Corps for 108 years of honoring that trust."

On May 13, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Naval Appropriations Bill establishing the Nurse Corps as an essential component of the Navy.

In October 1908 the first nurses, later called 'The Sacred Twenty,' reported for duty at the Naval Medical School Hospital in Washington, D.C.

In 1921, 11 Navy nurses became the first military women to serve aboard a hospital ship, USS Relief.

Navy nurses began serving at newly constructed Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in 1940 after a large dispensary consisting of 20 buildings was erected to take care of the then 10,000-man facility.

In 1972, Navy Nurse Alene Duerk was the first woman in the Navy to achieve flag rank.

In 1997, Navy Nurse Nancy J. Lescavage was the first woman commanding officer of Naval Hospital, Corpus Christi, Texas. Rear Adm. Lescavage later served as the 20th Director of the Navy Nurse Corps.

From the first Navy nurses in 1908, the Nurse Corps peaked to more than 11,000 members during World War II, and currently consists of 4,200 active duty and reserve personnel.

12 Navy nurses are presently assigned to NHCCC.

In his message, Faison discussed the Nurse Corps' breadth and scope.

An integral part of the Navy Medicine team, the Navy nurses fly with wounded; provide care for the fleet and aboard hospital ships; establish nursing schools, clinics, and small hospitals in remote locations; and serve in military treatment facilities worldwide.

Navy nurses are scientists, teachers, researchers, providers and clinicians. They set the standard for military medicine, and are essential to force health protection and readiness.

"Today we honor their achievements, courage and commitment," wrote Faison. "We honor the men and women who have put themselves in harm's way, and we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"I want to thank the exceptional men and women serving in our Nurse Corps for their sacrifice, their steadfast dedication, compassion, and selfless service as they honor the sacred trust that has been placed in them. Happy 108th birthday, Navy nurses!"

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