First Lady Dawn Moore Honored as Sponsor of the USNS Bethesda

Published: 1/8/2024

ANNAPOLIS, MD — First Lady Dawn Moore, joined by Governor Wes Moore and Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, was honored as ship sponsor of the USNS Bethesda, a dedicated medical ship that provides rapid responsive sea-based and near-shore hospital level critical care, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, non-combatant evacuation operations and special operations. As ship sponsor, the First Lady will maintain a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. The ship naming celebration that took place at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda.

“As a proud member of a military family and the First Lady of Maryland, it is my mission to stand up for those serving in the armed forces and for people who need healing – and the USNS Bethesda represents both pieces of that mission as a ship that will serve and heal,” said First Lady Moore. “I am so honored to have my name associated with the ship and her crew for years to come. As the ship’s sponsor, I look forward to maintaining a lifelong relationship with USNS Bethesda and those who serve aboard.”

The USNS Bethesda is named in honor of the history and legacy of the dedicated healthcare professionals of the Naval Support Activity Bethesda at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

“Today is special not just because of the health and support that the U.S.N.S. Bethesda will provide to our military, but because of what this ship represents. By bearing the name “Bethesda,” EMS-1 will carry the tradition and pride of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center – a legacy institution that stands for healing, hope, health, and heart.” said Governor Moore. “This is a moment of joy for our state, as U.S.N.S Bethesda will travel the world to places where most ships can’t — to carry forward healing in the midst of humanitarian crises and disaster relief for those who need healing the most, and provide healing for those who raised their hands to serve and stepped up to protect us.”

For more Information on the event, check out coverage from the Navy, WUSA9-TV and Montgomery County Media.

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