Navy Nurse Corps History

The Navy Nurse Corps was established in 1908 to provide medical care to sailors and Marines aboard ships and in naval hospitals. Initially small, it grew significantly during World War I and II, with nurses serving in combat zones and international settings. The Corps played a key role in advancing naval medicine, emphasizing shipboard, hospital, and disaster response capabilities. Over time, Navy nurses gained recognition for their professionalism, leadership, and specialized skills, becoming essential to naval operations and healthcare, while also promoting military and civilian healthcare advancements.