A Navy Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Puget Sound Sailor was chosen to join the ranks of the Navy Medical Service Corps, according to the fiscal year 17 Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program selection results announced Jan. 7.

Yeoman 1st Class Gricel P. Rodriguez, command yeoman for NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, was selected to be commissioned as a Navy Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer by the Navy's Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program (IPP) selection board.

The MSC IPP offers enlisted Sailors E-5 through E-9 an opportunity to become an officer in the Medical Service Corps.

Rodriguez, a native of Sun Valley, California, and 13-year Navy veteran, was caught by surprise when the news hit.

"I was on the other end of the building when my phone started to ring and ring," said Rodriguez. "Friends and coworkers were trying to contact me to congratulate me. As soon as I realized why they were calling, I ran back to my desk to see the message with my own eyes."

Medical Service Corps officers provide support services for Navy medical activities and specialize in the areas of healthcare administration, health care sciences, and clinical care. Rodriguez's specialization will be in health care administration, where she will work in management of health care facilities and personnel. Along with a degree in business administration, her knowledge and experience as a Navy yeoman will come in handy.

"Health care administrators oversee some of the same duties that yeomen normally perform, but of course on a greater scale and in a health care setting," said Rodriguez. "Being a yeoman gives me some basic administrative skills and knowledge to get started, and the rest I will have to learn as I go."

Supervisors and coworkers familiar with Rodriguez's work ethic and dedication were not all that surprised by her selection.

"Medical Service Corps officers have the extraordinary responsibility of administering naval hospitals and operational medical units," said Cmdr. Keith W. Jeffries, NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound executive officer. "Her calm demeanor, patience, and high aptitude have made Petty Officer Rodriguez successful and will continue to do so in the fast-paced environment of Navy Medicine."

Along with solid technical skills, academic achievement, command endorsements, officer recommendations, and documented leadership experience, another key attribute the selection board looks for is sustained superior performance.

"Petty Officer Rodriquez's qualities of being able to take on any job and then going the extra mile each and every time will make her a fantastic Medical Service Corps officer," said NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound Command Master Chief Carl Barnes. "Any organization will be better the moment she sets foot in the door."

Early in her career, Rodriguez made the decision to work toward a commission and focused on that goal, using her off duty time working toward her bachelor's degree in business management. She also chose challenging billets and made career moves that she felt would make her more competitive for a commission.

"After a couple of years in the Navy, I realized I wanted to stay in and be the best that I can be," Rodriguez said. "I appreciate all of the opportunities I have been provided throughout my Navy career and I believe there is no greater way to 'pay it forward' than to one day be like the leaders that mentored me and molded me into the Sailor I am today."

Once she started looking into commissioning programs, it wasn't long before Rodriguez decided which road to take.

"I was looking through OPNAVINST 1420.1B, the instruction on Navy commissioning programs, and after reading the chapter on the Medical Service Corps, I realized I was eligible to apply for it," she said. "The more I researched what they do, the more I was in love with the program."

Once Rodriguez is commissioned, she will proceed to the Navy's Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by specialty training in healthcare administration. Once her training is completed she will go to her first officer assignment.

The Navy Medical Service Corps was created Aug. 4, 1947, and currently consists of three sections: Healthcare Administration, Healthcare Sciences, and Clinical Care Providers. MSC officers can serve in a number of specialties including pharmacy, optometry, environmental health, medical logistics, patient administration, and financial management. For more information about the Medical Service Corps, visit www.navy.com/careers/healthcare.

NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS), provides operational logistics, business and support services to Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other Joint and Allied Forces. Products and services include contracting, fuels, global logistics, hazardous material management, household goods, integrated logistics support, material management, postal, regional transportation and warehousing.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For news and information about NAVSUP FLC Puget Sound, visit www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/navsupflcps or www.facebook.com/navsupflcps.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.