Caloocan native named Junior Officer of the Year at NMRTC New England

Lt. Ara Gutierrez, a proud native of Caloocan City, Philippines, has been honored as Junior Officer of the Year while serving at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command New England in Newport, Rhode Island. The recognition underscores her leadership and operational impact within Navy Medicine.

Ara Gutierrez currently serves as a laboratory officer, a role that places her at the center of healthcare readiness for service members. Her command is tasked with preparing personnel for deployment, delivering quality care and advancing military medicine through training and research.

Gutierrez built a strong academic foundation before and during her military career. She earned a health science degree from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009, followed by further degrees in laboratory science and applied clinical laboratory science in the United States, and later completed a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology in 2023.

She joined the US Navy 14 years ago, motivated by gratitude and a desire to give back. According to Gutierrez, serving the country that provided her opportunities became both a calling and a responsibility.

Leadership shaped by Filipino values

Ara Gutierrez credits her upbringing in the Philippines for shaping her resilience and collaborative mindset. She said the strong sense of community she learned growing up continues to guide her leadership style in the Navy.

She emphasized that teamwork and shared purpose are essential to mission success. Those principles have helped her navigate complex responsibilities while uplifting the sailors she leads.

As the sole laboratory officer supporting four geographically separated clinics under NMRTC New England, Gutierrez managed multi-site operations while supervising 60 personnel. She also served as laboratory program manager and public health department head.

Driving operational excellence in Navy Medicine

Ara Gutierrez led initiatives that significantly improved efficiency and readiness. She reduced civilian reference laboratory use by more than 28 percent, generating $40,000 in savings in 2025.

She also introduced rapid COVID-19 antigen testing for the command, slashing processing times from more than three hours to under 90 minutes. The improvement allowed faster isolation decisions and quicker return-to-duty timelines.

Beyond operational metrics, Gutierrez mentored junior sailors who later earned officer commissioning selections. She also led multiple daily improvement efforts and Lean Six Sigma projects aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.

For Gutierrez, the most rewarding aspect of service is the people. She said making a meaningful difference in both mission readiness and individual growth defines her Navy career.

As the US Navy marks 250 years of defending freedom and protecting prosperity, Ara Gutierrez continues to serve in a force operating across the globe. Her recognition as Junior Officer of the Year reflects a commitment to excellence rooted in both Filipino values and American service.