A Sailor attached to the global leader of safe and effective aviation survival training was named the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center (NMOTC) Junior Instructor of the Year, April 29, at the Aviation Survival Training Center (ASTC) Pensacola pool.

Naval Survival Training Institute (NSTI) ASTC Pensacola Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (NAC/AW) Richard O'Dell was named NMOTC Junior Instructor of the Year during the brief ceremony and was lauded for his efforts by NMOTC Commanding Officer Capt. Paul D. Kane for training more than 5,500 joint war-fighters, qualifying 12 high-risk training instructors and implementing a qualification program which increased instructor readiness by 45 percent last year.

"This recognition is the reflection of the dedication of all the ASTC, NSTI and NMOTC instructors who put forth their knowledge and skills so these aviation students know what to do in a 'worst case' scenario," O'Dell said. "The NOTC organization is truly a team effort, and I'm proud to be part of this organization."

The Naval Survival Training Institute is a component of NMOTC, consisting of a headquarters element and eight Aviation Survival Training Centers (ASTC's) throughout the United States. Through each of these ASTC's, NSTI provides safe, effective and relevant aviation survival training designed to enhance the operational readiness of the joint warfighter. Survival classes offered through the program emphasize mishap and accident prevention, enhancing and sustaining performance and mishap survival.

O'Dell said that May is recognized by the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) as Medical Education and Training Month, the instructors with whom he works are the best the Navy has to offer, and the training they have received over their years of service pays dividends to the countless aircrew personnel who have passed through their schoolhouse doors.

"Navy Medicine trains its personnel to do what Navy Medicine does best - and that's to save lives," he said. "The top-notch training we receive and the top-notch training we provide - it's all designed to keep service members alive wherever they serve - in the air, on land, on the water and underwater."

NMOTC, the recognized global leader in operational medical and aviation survival training, reports to Navy Medicine Education and Training Command (NMETC), which manages Navy Medicine's formal enlisted and officer education and training programs, medical operational training for medical and medical support personnel deploying worldwide, and training that prepares aviators and flight crews to survive in land and water mishaps.

NMOTC and NMETC are all part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of Navy medical professionals around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than 1 million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ships, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

For more news from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.