About this Unit
Navy Hospital Orlando, located in Orlando, Florida, was originally established during World War II as part of the U.S. military’s expansion to support wartime medical needs. The facility served as a key naval hospital, providing medical care and support to Navy personnel, their families, and veterans throughout its operational years. It played a vital role during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars by treating wounded service members and training medical staff. The hospital remained active until the 1990s, when it was closed as part of the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Historical Facts
•
Establishment: The Navy Hospital Orlando, officially known as the Naval Hospital Orlando, was established in 1968 to support the growing military population in Central Florida, particularly those stationed at Naval Training Center Orlando.
•
Vietnam War Era: The hospital began operations during the height of the Vietnam War, providing crucial medical support and rehabilitation for returning service members.
•
Women in Service: Naval Hospital Orlando played a significant role in treating and supporting the first female recruits at the Navy’s Recruit Training Command Orlando, which opened in 1973.
•
Training and Education: The hospital served as a training site for Navy Corpsmen and nurses, offering hands-on clinical experience as part of their military medical education.
•
Community Outreach: During its years of operation, the hospital conducted community health programs, including blood drives, immunization campaigns, and health fairs for both military families and local civilians.
•
Desert Storm Support: In the early 1990s, medical staff from Naval Hospital Orlando were deployed to support Operation Desert Storm, providing care to both deployed personnel and their families back home.
•
Base Realignment and Closure: As part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process in the 1990s, Naval Hospital Orlando was officially closed in 1995, following the closure of the adjacent Naval Training Center.
•
Transition to VA Hospital: After closure, the hospital complex was repurposed and became the Orlando VA Medical Center, continuing its legacy of serving veterans and military families.
•
Architectural Features: The hospital featured modern (for its time) medical facilities, including a surgical suite, emergency department, and specialized wards for maternity, pediatrics, and psychiatric care.
•
Legacy: Many former staff and patients maintain an active alumni network, sharing memories and artifacts, and the site is commemorated by historical markers recognizing its service to the Navy and the Orlando community.
