From Wexford to the Frontlines: Navy Chief Petty Officer Anastatia Dobbs’ 24-Year Journey of Service and Resilience

From Wexford Town to California, Iraq, Thailand, and beyond, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Anastatia Dobbs has spent 24 years serving on the frontlines of medicine and combat. Born in Wexford and one of nine siblings, Anastatia moved to the United States at 24. After the events of 9/11, she joined the U.S. Navy, beginning a career that would take her into some of the most demanding environments in the world. As a Hospital Corpsman, she has worked in combat zones, alongside Marine and Special Operations units, delivering trauma care, medical leadership, and life-saving support under pressure. Her deployments include Iraq, where she covered over 1,500 miles supporting Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, and international missions in Thailand and Romania. Over the years, she has risen through the ranks to Chief Petty Officer, earning numerous military honours along the way and becoming a senior enlisted leader overseeing combat and trauma medical operations. Now based at Camp Pendleton in California, Anastatia has just marked 24 years of service and has reenlisted for another six, with retirement firmly in sight. Outside the uniform, she’s a marathon runner, cyclist, kayaker, volunteer, and passionate advocate for pushing personal limits. An incredible story of resilience, service, and determination — and proof that a journey that starts in Wexford can truly take you anywhere. You can listen to Statia's interview on Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran here: