SAN DIEGO (Dec. 14, 2020) The first doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), with distribution being conducted in phases, Dec. 14. NMCSD and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP) were selected by the DOD's COVID Task Force based on recommendations from the military services and U.S. Coast Guard, to best support several criteria to include anticipated supply chain requirements, such as cold and bulk storage facilities; local population of at least 1,000 priority personnel across the military services; and sufficient medical personnel to administer vaccines and actively monitor vaccine recipients. NMCSD's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Vernishia R. Vaughn-Lucas)