Hospital Corpsman Chief Avesta El Retires After 28 Years of Dedicated Service
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alec R. Kramer
BETHESDA, Md. — After 28 years of unwavering dedication to the United States Navy and its Sailors, Chief Hospital Corpsman Avesta El officially retired during a ceremony held at Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda on Aug. 14, 2026.
The ceremony brought together family, friends, and the Chief's Mess to celebrate a career defined by resilience, mentorship, and a deep love for the Navy family. Guest speakers took to the podium to reflect on El's profound impact over nearly three decades of service.
Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Carnell Boyd (Ret.) opened the remarks by praising El's accomplishments and reminding her of the legacy she leaves behind for the next generation of Sailors.
"You are established as a resource for junior Sailors who were still trying to figure it out," Boyd said. "Enjoy your retirement and reap the benefits of 28 years of service and sacrifice. Thank you for your selfless service, your leadership, and your mentorship."
Colleagues repeatedly highlighted El's fierce dedication to her Sailors. NMRTC Bethesda’s Command Master Chief Aaron Paul noted that El's famous "stubbornness" was actually one of her greatest leadership traits.
"You are stubborn in the way that you love people, the way that you mentor," Paul told the audience. "Life is hard, but you love harder than life. Be stubborn in the way that you love your people and your family."
Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Sherrol Samuels, who served alongside El, spoke to the deep personal bonds forged through naval service. She praised El for dedicating her life not just to her country, but to her friends and family.
"She taught me that family isn't only blood, it's Navy," Samuels said. Turning to El, she added, "Friend, sister, Chief, you have my strongest recommendation to the rank of civilian."
During the event, El's family members were presented with letters of appreciation on behalf of the commanding officer, recognizing the sacrifices they made to support her long and demanding career. Fellow Chiefs also presented El with a traditional ceremonial shadow box, a symbol of her permanent place within the Chief's Mess.
Taking the microphone for her final remarks in uniform, Chief El reflected on the adversity she faced early in her career and the critical role that good mentorship played in her success.
"I'm not going to say I'm ever the best, and I tell that to everybody," El said in her closing remarks. "I'm not the best but I will give you my best!"
Chief El retires with the traditional Navy wish of fair winds and following seas as she transitions to civilian life with her family.
Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness tailored to operational requirements; enhance the readiness of the medical force to sustain expeditionary medical capability; and train and develop the Navy Medicine Force.
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