Sailor from the Philippines builds Navy Medicine career through service and perseverance

Cmdr. Liza Stone, a Sailor from the Philippines, serves with Navy Medicine assigned to Expeditionary Medical Ship Two under Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth in Virginia. Her role supports the command’s mission of preparing medical forces to care for warfighters and their families while maintaining operational readiness.

Raised in Lipa City, Stone completed her early education at Canossa Academy before immigrating to the United States. Her upbringing on a Philippine Air Force base instilled discipline and resilience that later shaped her decision to pursue military service.

After settling in the U.S., Stone pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Husson University in 2009. She later completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Grand Canyon University in 2024, further strengthening her role within Navy Medicine.

Service shaped by timing and determination

Stone joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 33 after already establishing a civilian life that included marriage, raising two children, and working for the U.S. Postal Service. The Navy provided her the opportunity to serve when other branches could not accept her due to age requirements.

Now with 24 years of service, Stone serves in the Nurse Corps as a registered nurse, contributing to Navy Medicine’s mission across maritime, expeditionary, and shore-based environments. Her career reflects persistence, especially after navigating strict age limits to earn a commission.

One of her proudest accomplishments was being selected for the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program after an age waiver raised the cutoff to 42. Stone graduated from nursing school at 41, knowing that any setback would have ended her opportunity to commission.

Family roots and Navy legacy

Stone’s service aligns with the Navy’s emphasis on drawing strength from America’s diverse population, a message underscored as the service celebrates its 250th anniversary. Navy leaders continue to stress the importance of maritime security, global commerce, and undersea infrastructure to national prosperity.

Serving alongside younger sailors holds deep meaning for Stone, who values the chance to walk beside those shaping the Navy’s future. Her long path to service reinforces her appreciation for finally answering the call to serve.

Stone credits her family for helping make her Navy career possible. She points to her mother’s pursuit of a doctorate later in life and her father’s example of resilience and hard work as enduring sources of inspiration.