Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Paul A. Duncan is the Senior Enlisted Leader, Defense Health Network National Capital Region.
Duncan enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1997. He received initial training at Recruit Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by specialized instruction at Hospital Corps School, Field Medical Service School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Surgical Technology School in Bethesda, Maryland. His first assignment was at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 1999, where he provided essential medical support and began as a Petty Officer 3rd Class. In 2000, Duncan provided veterinary surgical and medical support at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.
In 2004, Duncan was stationed at the 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, Camp Lejeune. His work in pre-deployment medical readiness and preparedness ensured 100% readiness for multiple deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.
Returning to Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay in 2007, Duncan excelled as the Leading Petty Officer in multiple directorates, significantly impacting the Command's implementation of new health systems and enhancing medical administration and readiness.
Duncan's leadership continued at the Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait in 2010, and later at the USS George H. W. Bush, where he led healthcare operations that culminated in the medical department earning consecutive "Blue M" awards for excellence. His tenure at the Naval Medical Research Center began in 2013, where he directed administration as a Command Managed Equal Opportunity Manager and later managed a global research network as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader.
His leadership extended to 11th Dental Company Detachment Iwakuni, Japan, in 2018, where he significantly increased dental readiness and supported extensive COVID-19 screening efforts. His recent assignment on the USS George Washington saw him leading medical readiness training and healthcare delivery during a critical refueling and overhaul period.
Master Chief Duncan holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, a Master of Science in Healthcare Management, and a Master of Business Administration. His extensive list of personal awards includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, multiple Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service awards.