NMRTC San Diego Leadership Recognizes Outstanding Achievements at NBHC Coronado

Leadership from Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego (NMRTC SD) recognized the outstanding work of four staff members during a visit to Naval Branch Health Clinic (NBHC) Coronado, Nov. 13, 2026.

Capt. Jerry J. Bailey, commander of NMRTC SD and director of Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), along with Master Chief Petty Officer Phillip Woods, command master chief of NMRTC SD, presented the awards to recognize exceptional professionalism, dedication, and clinical impact supporting the warfighter across both medical and dental clinics.

Bailey presented a commander’s coin on the spot to Karolina Tellez, anesthesia technician, recognizing her dedication and contributions to the clinic team.

Bailey also recognized two staff members from the Naval Amphibious Base Dental Clinic with the command’s Star Performer Award. The award honors personnel who embody the Navy Surgeon General’s Navy Medicine Culture of Excellence Policy Statements Memorandum.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Ivett L. Luna, general duty corpsman, was recognized for her management of service treatment records and for coordinating dental stand-downs that helped hundreds of patients get exams and treatment. Her efforts helped raise the command’s oral health readiness. She also kept the clinic’s dental officers supported by scheduling exams, procedures, and civilian referrals, so patients got the care they needed without delay.

Rachel L. Pence, dental hygienist, was recognized for her professionalism and exceptional customer service. Patients have praised her compassionate approach in numerous positive Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) comments. Her commitment to high-quality patient care strengthened the clinic’s reputation and contributed to the command’s overall success.

During the visit, Bailey also highlighted the work of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Angel Angelo R. Pascua, dental technician, for his humanitarian assistance and global health engagement during Pacific Partnership. He volunteered at community relations and host nation outreach events in Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and the Philippines. At those events, he taught preventive dental care, CPR, choking response, and infection control to host-nation healthcare personnel, students, and local residents. He also taught lifesaving Basic Life Support skills at community healthcare events. His work strengthened emergency preparedness and host-nation medical capabilities and built lasting partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

“What stands out at Coronado is how far our people’s impact reaches,” said Bailey. “From the dental chair here at home to host-nation communities across the Indo-Pacific, this team delivers. Readiness is at the heart of the Defense Health Agency’s Campaign Order (CAMPO), and every exam scheduled, every patient who leaves satisfied, and every partnership built overseas moves us closer to a ready force.”

Cmdr. Gabriel T. Gizaw, Officer in Charge of the NMRTU North Island District, emphasized the importance of the work behind each achievement.

“Awards like these remind our staff that the details matter,” said Gizaw. “Whether it’s keeping records in order, earning a patient’s trust in the chair, or teaching lifesaving skills to a community abroad, our people take ownership of their work. That’s what makes Coronado a place Sailors and Marines can count on.”

The visit underscored the vital role branch clinics play in sustaining fleet readiness and delivering top-tier medical and dental care at home and abroad.

NMRTC San Diego supports Navy and Marine Corps readiness by ensuring its medical forces are ready to deploy and provide medical support, ashore or at sea. NMCSD employs more than 5,600 active-duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to deliver exceptional care afloat and ashore.

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