Military medical aid has officially arrived at the San Juan Regional Medical Center. A 20-person group was deployed within the past week to help treat COVID-19 patients."We can help our civilian health care providers in delivering health care to the community," Capt. Regina O'Nan, the officer in charge of the medical response team, said. Like many facilities throughout the country, the Farmington hospital has struggled with a lack of resources during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Hospital officials also said the past six weeks, haven't been any easier."We’ve not only had an incredible COVID surge, but also a COVID surge of those that are critically ill," Dr. Brad Greenberg, medical director of emergency preparedness at San Juan Regional Medical Center, said.Dr. Greenberg added staffing for essential health care workers has also been a grave concern, even before the spread of COVID-19."We’ve been really short on nurses for a very long time," Dr. Greenberg said. "Especially those nurses that are trained for emergency medicine, as well as in the intensive care unit."As of Sunday, the hospital has a total of 181 patients being treated. Eighty-nine patients have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, while 16 patients remain intubated.While the facility remains under a 'crisis standards of care,' members of the U.S. Navy team are hoping to provide some much-needed relief. "We're here to help whatever the hospital needs and asks from us," Chief Petty Officer John Barbon said. "If we can support it, 100% we're going to do it."At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the medical personnel will consist of two respiratory technicians, four physicians, and 14 nurses.Chief Petty Officer Barbon added, despite his 22 years of service in the U.S. Navy, the Farmington initiative is the first time he's ever been involved with a medical response team."I must say, it’s humbling and an honor to be part of this team," he said.Dr. Greenberg stated he and hospital staff couldn't be more thankful for the support."We do our best to try and match the expertise and the strengths of these teams," he said. "We are immensely grateful that we have received help."U.S. Navy members will handle any and all needs required by the San Juan Regional Medical Center by the start of 2022.Another 20-person military medical team is expected to arrive at the Farmington hospital in the following week.Teams from the National Disaster Medical System, a federally coordinated health care system, are also deployed at the facility.