Alexandria Native Serves with U.S. Navy Expeditionary Medical Facility During Exercise in Japan
By Ashley Craig, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, TN-Petty Officer 2nd Class Emily Calloway, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, serving the U.S. Navy assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravo in San Diego, recently took part in Operation Keen Sword in Japan.
Calloway graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2014. Additionally, Calloway earned an associate degree in general education in 2018 and a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Alexandria.
“Growing up, I learned the value of hard work, resilience and the importance of staying true to my word,” said Calloway. “These are lessons that continue to guide me in my career in the Navy.”
Calloway joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Calloway serves as a hospital corpsman.
“I joined the Navy to serve a purpose greater than myself, challenge my limits and protect the freedoms I believe in while building a future I can be proud of,” said Calloway.
Expeditionary Medical Facility Bravo is a 150-bed facility that can deploy in support of various combat operations. This year it was deployed in support of Operation Keen Sword and integrated with Japanese Self Defense Forces.
Operation Keen Sword is a biennial exercise that began in 1986 to increase combat readiness and improve the working relationship between U.S. and Japanese forces. This year’s training was expected to draw 12,000 U.S. and 33,000 Japanese troops, 40 vessels and 370 aircraft, according to a Joint Staff news release issued on Sept. 26. This year, U.S. sailors and counterparts, treated Marines and Japanese troops with simulated burn, blast and gunshot wounds from an imagined battle. The combined medical team simulated 100 surgeries, treatment for more than 250 patients, and conducted more than 500 casualty movement events. The combined effort, goodwill, and teamwork contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
“HM2 Calloway developed an easier way for our staff to communicate with Japanese patients and Japanese Self Defense Forces medical assets,” said EMF Bravo Command Master Chief Shannon Bia. “We are very proud to have her on our team.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Calloway serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Calloway has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One of my proudest moments in the Navy has been seeing my little sister following in my footprints and succeeding, and reflecting on how much both of us have grown while being stationed with the Marines and on Navy warships,” said Calloway.
Calloway can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means dedicating myself to something greater than myself, growing as a person and inspiring others to strive for their best,” said Calloway.
Calloway is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandma and mom for their unwavering support and encouragement, for always being my foundation and guiding me through every step of this journey,” added Calloway.
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