The duties of Hudson include treating and caring for divers who have acquired such diving disorders as the bends or arterial gas embolism, both potentially life-threatening diseases to divers. Hudson works independently of a doctor, although there are doctors who do deploy with the military. Hudson explained, however, that diver medics come into play to treat such diseases when smaller ships or submarines do not have enough doctors to support all units.
Hudson has traveled to many locations during his involvement in the military, including North Carolina, Iceland, Connecticut, California and Washington, where he has been involved in administering treatment for many diving disorder incidents. Treatments Hudson has performed include those for civilian divers as well.
The approach in treating such disorders, he explained, involves the use of what is called a hyperbaric chamber. The device aids in returning a diver back to depth or pressure.
Although Hudson’s military status is active duty, he doesn’t expect to be called. He explained that divers are not necessarily front line in war.
“However, there are those presently in the war who do work as medical divers,” he said.
Hudson was first certified as a diver in 1982, during his senior year of high school in Mount Vernon. He graduated in June, then enlisted in the Navy in late July.
Hudson’s father, Robert W. Hudson, was a career officer in the Air Force and was instrumental in bringing together the Veteran’s Walk of Fame on Public Square in Mount Vernon.
Hudson said the influence of Jacques Cousteau drove his interest in diving. During his free time, he is the volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Centerburg High School.
He is currently employed by the Military Entrance Processing Station, where he has worked for two years and holds the title as command master chief. The Navy doesn’t hold such titles as sergeant, although in comparison, his standing would outrank that of a 1st sergeant of the military.
Hudson’s wife, Amy, moved sons Alex and Derek back to Mount Vernon in June 2004 while Hudson was deployed on a submarine. Hudson arrived in November 2004 upon his return to port.