Branch Health Clinic China Lake

04/14/2026

04/13/2026

⚓ Dress Whites Uniform Inspection

Sailors assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit China Lake recently participated in a Dress Whites Uniform Inspection, demonstrating professionalism, discipline, and pride in service.

Uniform inspections serve as a key reminder that attention to detail matters—both in appearance and in the ex*****on of the mission. They also reinforce the Navy’s tradition of maintaining high standards while building esprit de corps across the unit.

The pride shown by these Sailors reflects a commitment to excellence and the shared identity that strengthens Navy Medicine and the fleet.

Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms | Naval Medical Forces Pacific | Navy Medicine | U.S. Navy

04/09/2026

Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Honorable Benjamin Kohlmann, visited Branch Health Clinic China Lake on March 2 to assess the capabilities and challenges of providing healthcare in a remote military location.

Cmdr. William “PJ” Martin, officer in charge of BHC China Lake, led Kohlmann on a tour of the clinic. During the visit, Kohlmann met with staff from various departments, including Aviation Medicine and Family Medicine, who explained their roles in supporting the operational readiness of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and its tenant commands. The discussion focused on ensuring the health and well-being of service members in an isolated environment.

04/01/2026

🌟 Sailor of the Month — March 2026 🌟

Please join us in congratulating Hospitalman Apprentice Glennis Lopez on being selected as Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit China Lake’s Sailor of the Month! 👏

HA Lopez performed her duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, consistently delivering outstanding customer service while supporting the mission of NMRTU China Lake. Her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to teamwork set the standard for excellence across the command.
Her dedication to patient care and mission accomplishment reflects the very best of Navy Medicine. Bravo Zulu, HA Lopez—well deserved! ⚓

03/09/2026

Congratulations to NMRTU China Lake's Sailor of the Month HM3 Jason Pollick!🎖️

HM3 Pollick performed his duties and responsibilities in an exemplary and highly professional manner. His excellent customer service and performance were commendable in setting the example for teamwork and mission accomplishment in support of Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit, China Lake. HM3 Pol-lick's outstanding professionalism, strong work ethic, and positive attitude is most deserving of his selection as NMRTU China Lakes' Sailor of the Month for February 2026.
Bravo Zulu!

03/05/2026

02/09/2026

Sailor of the Month – January 2026

Branch Health Clinic China Lake is proud to recognize HM2 Rodriguez as our Sailor of the Month!

HM2 Rodriguez performed his duties and responsibilities in an exemplary and highly professional manner. His outstanding customer service, strong work ethic, and positive attitude set the standard for teamwork and mission accomplishment in support of Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit (NMRTU) China Lake.
His commitment to excellence reflects the very best of Navy Medicine and the dedication we bring every day to support our warfighters and beneficiaries.

Please join us in congratulating HM2 Rodriguez on this well-deserved recognition! 👏⚓

02/04/2026

Branch Health Clinic – China Lake is excited to announce we will soon have three providers in our family medicine clinic. LTJG Woodie and Ms. Gomez, our Physician Assistants, are currently accepting patients. They offer care for patients from 3 months to 65 years old. LT Ibrahim, our physician, will be available to accept patients soon as well.

With three providers onboard we are able to offer more appointment slots to address your acute and chronic health care needs as well as routine well visits.

Our clinic welcomes Active Duty, Dependents, and Retirees enrolled to Tricare Prime. Tricare Select appointments are available for acute conditions only.

Call or book online today!

01/28/2026

Navy SAR Team Executes Rapid Medical Evacuation After F-16 Ejection Near China Lake

A search and rescue team assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake executed a rapid medical evacuation Dec. 3 following the ejection of an F-16 pilot approximately 15 miles east of China Lake.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class NAC/FMF Brian Romero, a Navy Medicine Sailor and search and rescue (SAR) medical technician (SMT) assigned to a Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit China Lake, was part of the VX-31 SAR crew—nicknamed the “Dust Devils”—that launched within 30 minutes of notification to respond to the emergency

"Our primary mission is supporting aviators. Getting the patient to the appropriate level of care without interruption is what matters most...It was awesome to see six Thunderbirds and one C-130 overhead while they maintained command of the scene until it was turned over to us. That teamwork is what made everything go smoothly.”
- HM1 (NAC/FMF) Brian Romero

Navy Medicine | Naval Medical Forces Pacific | U.S. Navy| Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake

A VX-31 search and rescue team executed a rapid medical evacuation Dec. 3 following the ejection of an F-16 pilot near Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. Launching within 30 minutes of notification, the crew—operating under the call sign Rescue 463—arrived on scene in minutes, coordinated wit...

12/23/2025

🎖️ Bravo Zulu HM1 Grant! 🎖️

On Dec. 17, 2025, Hospital Corpsman First Class (HM1) Brandon Grant was recognized for his exceptional service and dedication to Navy Medicine. HM1 Grant was presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal by LT Nicole Thomas, Department Head of Branch Health Clinic Bridgeport, in recognition of his outstanding performance and commitment to patient care.

In addition, HM1 Grant received the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Twentynine Palms Desert Rat Certificate from CDR P.J. Martin for his significant contributions to the patients and staff of Branch Health Clinic China Lake. His professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on our clinic and the community we serve.
HM1 Grant will truly be missed. We thank him for his exemplary service and wish him continued success in his next chapter. Fair winds and following seas! ⚓

12/23/2025

🩸 BLOOD DRIVE AT BRANCH HEALTH CLINIC CHINA LAKE 🩸

We’re excited to announce that the Houchin Community Blood Bank's Branch Health Clinic China Lake Blood Drive is officially confirmed and ready for donors!

📅 Thursday, January 8
🕚 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎯 Goal: 40 units collected

Every donation has the power to make a difference. With full participation, this blood drive could help save up to 120 local patients in our community. ❤️

🎁 Donor Thank You Gift:
Every successful donor will receive a fleece Houchin blanket (while supplies last).

📲 Appointments are encouraged:
👉 CLICK HERE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: https://connect.hcbb.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/8394

Thank you for supporting this lifesaving mission and helping care for our community—one donation at a time. 💪🩸

12/22/2025

PATIENT ADVISORY | HOLIDAY CLOSURE NOTICE

Branch Health Clinic China Lake will be closed to all routine services from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of the federal holidays.

Due to a recent Executive Order designating the days before and after Christmas as federal holidays, only the service listed below will be available during this period. Patients with appointments scheduled during the closure will be contacted by our staff to assist with rescheduling.

Service Available During the Holiday Closure:
Pharmacy: Open 0730–1200 on Dec. 24; Closed Dec. 25–26

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a safe and happy holiday season.