When GTMO reported a shortage of sterilization equipment and trained personnel, Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC), Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Defense Health Headquarters, U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, and Defense Logistics Agency, coordinated under a tight 48-hour timeline.

The mission required locating and preparing Automated Field Steam Sterilizers and Ultrasonic Portable Washers without drawing down prepositioned war reserve materiel already set aside for other operational commitments. Once the equipment was identified, biomedical technicians at NMRLC conducted immediate maintenance and calibration to ensure the systems were fully mission ready.

“An Automated Field Steam Sterilizer is a device used to kill or remove all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores, to render objects or surfaces completely free of viable microorganisms,” said Jerhmain Jordan, NMRLC’s Electronic Technician (Biomedical) supervisor. “Sterilization is the highest level of microbial killing, going beyond simply cleaning or disinfecting.”

An Ultrasonic Portable Washer is a military biomedical portable ultrasonic cleaner used for sterilizing surgical instruments and other medical equipment in field hospitals and other austere combat environments.

Transporting the gear posed additional challenges since commercial carriers do not service GTMO. The team secured military airlift, ensuring delivery by the deadline. When one sterilizer malfunctioned after arrival, technicians at NMRLC provided remote troubleshooting to restore full capability within 24 hours.

This rapid, coordinated response ensured GTMO remained fully equipped to deliver surgical care in support of deployed Sailors, Marines, and joint partners. The effort demonstrated Navy Medicine’s ability to move quickly, solve complex logistics challenges, and sustain readiness in austere environments.

“This was a perfect example of multiple commands coming together to maintain mission capability,” said Capt. Jared McKendall, chief of staff, Defense Health Network Atlantic. “The teamwork ensured uninterrupted support for the Fleet and our operational mission overseas.”

Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC), headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., provides centralized program management and logistics support to ensure Navy Medicine is manned, trained, and equipped to support the operational forces. NMRLC delivers expeditionary medical systems, optical fabrication, medical logistics, and materiel readiness to sustain Sailors and Marines worldwide. The command plays a vital role in supporting the Navy Surgeon General’s priority of medical force readiness and the Navy’s overall warfighting mission.

Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian healthcare professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.