Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton staff and guests celebrated the 68th anniversary of the Navy's Medical Service Corps Aug. 4. Capt. Steven Medina and Lt. j.g. Barrie Bedasee, the oldest and youngest MSC officers present, cut a cake during the birthday celebration ceremony.

The Medical Service Corps has a rich history that dates back before its formal establishment. During World War I, 65 pharmacists and chief pharmacists were given temporary commissions in the Medical Corps.

During World War II, 1,429 officers were given appointments in the Hospital Corps and 845 allied healthcare specialists and scientists were given appointments as Naval Reserve officers. Recognizing a need for an officer corps of professional administrators, clinicians and scientists, Congress enacted the Army-Navy Medical Service Corps Act of 1947, formally establishing the corps.

The Medical Service Corps now has more than 3,000 active and reserve officers in 31 specialties serving at sea, on deployments and humanitarian missions, in clinics, inpatient facilities, research and operational commands around the world.

For more news from Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, visit www.navy.mil/.