U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan

19/08/2026

Thank you to Mrs. Ailyn Hoyle and Mrs. Emily Watson for visiting the hospital today! As spouses of senior Marine Corps leadership on Okinawa and with backgrounds in nursing, we had a great discussion touching base and providing insight into our capabilities and processes.

As these critical relationships continue to develop, we look forward to future interactions and opportunities that help us deliver the healthcare our beneficiaries deserve.

18/08/2026

Good news for the U.S. military community in Japan: navigating your healthcare just got easier! The recently-released Japan Patient Guidebook is a comprehensive tool designed for all local TRICARE beneficiaries and includes additional information for Department of War civilians who do not have TRICARE coverage. Inside, beneficiaries will find useful information for enrollment in Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), understanding the TRICARE plan, finding a Military Medical Treatment Facility, making appointments, accessing online resources, ordering medication and more.

The Japan Patient Guidebook was designed to be a one-stop resource for the military community to get the information they need to access reliable, world-class medical care.

“This guidebook was an important collaboration of the three networks that operate Military Medical and Dental Treatment Facilities in Japan as part of the Defense Health Agency: Defense Health Networks Central, Indo-Pacific and Pacific Rim,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Andrew Landers, the director of Defense Health Network Indo-Pacific (DHN-IP). “We want to make it as easy as possible for active-duty servicemembers, family members, retirees and DoW civilians to get the care they need.”

The Japan Patient Guidebook is available online at https://www.dha.mil/japanpatientguidebook

14/08/2026

Fair Winds and Following Seas 🏝️🏥

Ms. Haru Uchihara is officially retiring as U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa’s barber after 56 years of service. Ms. Uchihara began in 1970, working to keep our service members looking sharp longer than the hospital has been operated by the Navy, which began in 1977!

She has worked under 25 Navy commanding officers, several of which were her regulars, with more than a few going on to become admirals.

Coincidence? We leave it up to you to decide ✂️

Ms. Uchihara plans to fill her retirement with lots of pickleball, volleyball, and dancing. Congratulations to Ms. Uchihara for more than half a century of service to the community ⚓️🇺🇸🇯🇵

To read more, click here:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572794/cut-above-usnho-barber-retires-after-56-years-service

14/08/2026

A big thank you to the leadership from U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Japan (MEDDAC-J) for visiting with us today:

Col. Michele Kehrle, commander
Col. Michael Armstrong, commander of Dental Health Activity-Japan
Sgt. Maj. Katie Bledsoe, chief medical NCO
Maj. Kevin Knight, deputy commander for administration

During the visit, we discussed how joint force collaboration enhances access to care for service members and families across Okinawa. Whether it’s Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, or Airmen, our medical teams on island have been working closely to broaden access for all patients, and will continue to work to ensure they get the care they need.

13/08/2026

Attention to award 🗣️🎖️

Congratulations to all of our awardees, frockees, and Officers of the Quarter!

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
HM3 Alam Enciso Morales
HM3 Aidan Mark
HM3 Cheyenne Railsback
HN Annabelle Current

Commander, NMFP Letter of Commendation
HM3 Poomrapee Kijrattanakarn
HN Brooke Plumpton

DHA Certificate of Appreciation
Mr. Takeshi Tsuhako
Mr. Tsuneyuki Henma
Mr. Yasunari Nerome

Commanding Officer, USNMRTC Okinawa Letter of Appreciation
HM3 Jeric Sabido

Third Class Petty Officer Promotions
HM2 Yerlin Berukoff
HM2 Aaron Kast
HM2 Joseph Parent

Junior Officer of the Quarter
LT Destanie Hoppe

Senior Officer of the Quarter
LCDR Kelsie Pegram

08/08/2026