Dentist returns to Saipan after 65 years
Reflecting on my interview with 90-year-old Navy veteran Dr. Herbert N. Rosen, DDS, during his return to Saipan in 2014, memories flood back of his remarkable experiences serving aboard the USS Whidbey in 1949. Rosen's journey, shared with nearly 1,000 passengers of the Crystal Serenity cruise ship, echoed his initial mission 65 years prior.
As a dental surgeon aboard the USS Whidbey, Rosen's duties carried him through the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Recalling his time there, he vividly described the challenges and concerns they faced, from tuberculosis outbreaks to the troubling prevalence of yaws, a chronic infectious disease. Rosen's dedication led him to treat patients with penicillin, addressing not only yaws but also other ailments such as periodontal diseases and oral cancer stemming from betel nut consumption.
The gravity of their mission extended to Tinian, where encounters with individuals afflicted by Hansen's disease, or leprosy, left a lasting impression. Rosen's account painted a poignant picture of those he served, their resilience evident despite physical scars and lost digits.
Rosen's awe at the beauty of the islands juxtaposed with the urgency of their medical efforts. From the Midwest to the Pacific, his journey unfolded, driven by a commitment to service instilled during his early years in St. Louis, Missouri. Recollecting his arrival on Saipan, Rosen's memories captured a simpler time, marked by the generosity of a fellow sailor who gifted Hawaiian shirts to the crew, a welcome departure from the monotony of uniformed duty.
In parting, Rosen's wisdom echoed, advocating for free education to nurture future generations of doctors and dentists, a sentiment rooted in his belief in giving back to communities. His advice to Navy medical practitioners, to savor the learning opportunities within their service, resonated with the enduring value of hands-on experience.
The legacy of Rosen's service aboard the USS Whidbey lives on in the detailed report submitted to the United Nations, documenting their exhaustive medical and dental surveys across the Trust Territory. Insights gleaned from this report shed light on prevalent health issues, from dysentery to filariasis, shaping subsequent medical initiatives.
The impact of their work reverberated through the districts, notably in the Caroline Islands, where population density underscored the importance of healthcare distribution. Amidst the challenges, the resilience of communities like Saipan and Tinian stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Pacific Islands.
As I reminisce on Rosen's journey, his words echo through time, a testament to the indelible mark left by those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
The USS Whidbey report
Dr. Rosen's service aboard the USS Whidbey was part of a crucial four-year endeavor, a floating medical and dental clinic that surveyed the islands of the U.S. Trust Territory. The findings, shared in a report with the United Nations, revealed concerning health issues: amoebic and bacillary dysentery were widespread, while filariasis, a debilitating parasitic infection, afflicted many in the Carolines.
Notably, the decline in yaws cases underscored the effectiveness of antibiotics available during the mission. Gonorrhea emerged as the most prevalent venereal disease, yet prostitution, though punishable, wasn't a significant issue in the Trust Territory.
Over the course of four years, the USS Whidbey diligently recorded each person examined during its medical and dental surveys. By May 1951, the mission concluded, having examined approximately 75% of the total inhabitants across all districts. Despite the USS Whidbey's withdrawal, subsequent medical missions persisted.
In its final year, the USS Whidbey reported notable demographic figures, including 19,698 male and 18,788 female Carolinians.
Chamorros were not as many, with 5,243 residing in only four islands in the archipelago. Majority resideded on Saipan, 5,059, while the rest lived on Tinian, 405; Rota, 753; Alamagan, 145; and Agrihan, 144.
Elsewhere in Micronesia, there were 11,299 Marshallese and 1,024 Polynesians.