The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) along with Naval Medical Center Portsmouth held a blood drive at Naval Station Norfolk, March 2.

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth holds three to four blood drives a week to help maintain blood supplies for forward deployed Sailors and soldiers, and their families.

"With every blood drive we conduct our goal is usually around 30 to 40 units, or pints, of blood," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Arwin Mejia from Pasadena, California. "That can save anywhere from 100 to 150 patients, if not more."

Staff at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth hope to receive at least 80 units of blood from TR's donors due to the high number of military donors they normally receive.

"My chief told us about the blood drive and encouraged us to participate and help out fellow service members by donating," said Cryptologic Technician (Networks) Seaman Jordan Ophes from Havre, Montana. "I have O positive blood type, so I try to donate when I can, and this just gave me a great opportunity to do that."

"All of the blood we collect is sent overseas to forward deployed troops, given to ships for Sailors, and also used right at Portsmouth Hospital," said Mejia. "The amount of blood we receive from donors every week helps save lives, not only in the Hampton Roads area, but all over the world."

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth is scheduled to hold another blood drive March 4 for TR Sailors unable to participate in the March 2 event.

Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and www.Twitter.com/TheRealCVN71.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/.