Support for LCDR Ramirez's Family

On behalf of the United States Navy Physician Assistants, we would like to extend our deepest condolences following the passing of our colleague, teammate, and friend, LCDR Robert Rios Ramirez. He proudly served our Nation and the U.S. Navy for 35 years and retired in March 2025.

Rob was a native of Glendale, Arizona, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August 1989. As an enlisted Hospital Corpsman and Laboratory Technician, he served onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), Naval Branch Health Clinic, Yuma, AZ, Naval Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit SIX, Pearl Harbor, HI, and Naval Hospital, Rota, Spain.

He attended the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, earning his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, and commissioned as a LTJG in 2009.

He reported to 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California, and was assigned as the Battalion Surgeon for 1st Combat Engineer Battalion and later as the Battalion Surgeon for 5th Battalion, 11th Marines. In December 2012, he reported to Coronado, California, where he was assigned as the Medical Department Head for Naval Special Warfare Special Reconnaissance Team ONE until January 2017. He next reported to Naval Special Warfare Development Group, Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron THREE in Dam Neck, Virginia, where he was assigned as the Medical Detachment Officer in Charge from February 2017 to February 2020.

During his tours of duty, Lieutenant Commander Ramirez deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch and three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, one Contingency Response Operation, and two Joint Task Force deployments to include Operation Freedom Sentinel.

He qualified as Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer, Marine Corps Medical Department Officer, and Non-SEAL/SWCC Officer Special Warfare Experience.

He received various personal awards including the Joint Service Commendation Medal with “C” Device for Combat Conditions, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Combat Action Ribbon, and various campaign and service awards.

Lieutenant Commander Ramirez is survived by his beloved wife, Roseanne, his daughter, Simonia, and son-in-law, Billy, and his cherished grandchildren Robby, Rose, and Ryder. He is also survived by his mother, Maria de la Luz, his sister, Nancy, and his niece, Cecelia.

It was an honor and privilege to serve alongside Rob and he will be deeply missed.

We are fundraising to support the family of LCDR Robert Rios Ramirez during this difficult time.