Surgeon General
SG’s Message – Making a Powerful Difference
Esteemed Shipmates,
This month our COVID Defense Support to Civil Authorities missions are nearing an end. For over a year, our One Navy Medicine team members supporting these missions have made a true difference in the care and survival of COVID patients throughout America. Since July 2021, we deployed more than 510 people to 24 cities. These experiences not only speak to our strong partnership with U.S. Army North, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health and Human Services, but it also reflects our adaptability in answering the call for assistance. We quickly sent tailored medical teams with specific skill sets to meet new mission requirements. Our ability to make real-time adjustments on the biological COVID battlefield is a testament to our people, our platforms, and the high levels of performance and medical power we deliver.
Although we recognize that COVID variants will remain with us for the foreseeable future, it is time for us to refocus ourselves on our original and eternal mission – Navy Medicine exists to ensure we have a healthy, combat-ready naval force capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas.
Recently, FORCM Roberts and I traveled to Bahrain, Israel, Sigonella, and Naples to see our medical warriors in the CENTCOM and EUCOM areas of responsibility. At each location, we met with base and local leadership. While in Israel, I met with my counterpart as we strengthened our strategic relationship. We saw some exciting research the Israeli Navy is doing in diving and hyperbaric therapy – innovative endeavors that may offer opportunities for future collaboration. In Italy, we had the opportunity to host joint town halls with Lt. Gen. Ron Place, Director of Defense Health Agency (DHA), and CSM Gragg, Senior Enlisted Leader, DHA, and we were able to observe some of the incredible work our Sailors are doing in overseas. Overall, this trip reinforced our existing force readiness requirements, and the critical capabilities Navy Medicine provides to Combatant Commanders as we ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Geopolitics often drives our global missions and where we deploy; the war in Ukraine is yet another reminder. We have seen the images of war-torn cities and people fleeing to Poland, Moldova, and Romania. As with past conflicts, we are boots-on-the-ground supporting our forces. Currently, Navy Medicine is providing medical and dental support at the Aegis Ashore clinics in Poland and Romania. Last week, we deployed a Tier 1 Forward Deployed Preventive Medicine Unit to help care for refugees in Poland. Whether in the European theater or stateside, one thing is clear: our One Navy Medicine Team is making a powerful difference in a world that has never needed it more.
Thank you for all you continue to do. Charlie Mike – Rendering Assistance.
SG Sends
SG Conversations with the Authors: The Sailor’s Bookshelf, 1200 on 14 Feb 2022
At 1200 on February 14, 2022, the Surgeon General of the Navy will be speaking with Adm. (ret.) James Stavridis on Facebook Live as part of the “Conversations with the Authors” Series.
The topic of conversation will be The Sailor’s Bookshelf: Fifty Books to Know the Sea by Admiral Stavridis. As a Facebook Live event this will be open to the Enterprise and we encourage all BUMED personnel to watch on the BUMED Facebook site.
A flyer about this event is attached and hope you can all attend:
SG’s Message – Charlie Mike: One Navy Medicine is RENDERING ASSISTANCE
Esteemed Shipmates,
In an era long before satellites, cell phones, and radios, seafarers used a communication system based on flags and pennants. Transmitting messages over long distances is called semaphore, and these visual signals (signal flags) enabled ships to “speak” with other ships at sea. For more than 30 years, Navy Medicine has used signal flags to communicate our active mission posture. Many may recall after the attacks of September 11th, the advent of “Charlie Papa” and how these flags could be found across the enterprise reminding us that we were “Steaming to Assist.” After 20 years of holding this course, we recognized a need to shift colors and accurately reflect our post-Global War on Terror focus.
Our One Navy Medicine Team is actively RENDERING ASSISTANCE to warfighters and civilians alike, throughout the Fleet and ashore, with the Marine Corps, and civilian medical facilities throughout the United States. This week we launched our new signal flags – “Charlie Mike” – to convey the message of “Rendering Assistance.”
Examples abound. From our continued fight against COVID-19, to embedded mental health services with deployed Naval Forces. From medical screenings, immunizations, and acute care in support of Operation Allies Welcome, to providing volcano relief alongside the Australian Defense Force in Tonga. Rendering Assistance is nothing new for Navy Medicine. It is what we do – and we do it well!
Without any fanfare or recognition, Navy Medicine is rendering assistance every day. We keep our warfighters in the fight and answer the call around the globe. These signal flags reflect our ongoing focus and help guide us forward as we support the mission and ensure the health and readiness of America’s Sailors and Marines.
For more information about our new Signal Flags, check out the links below:
Charlie Mike video:
DVIDS Link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/829830/charlie-mike-one-navy-medicine-rendering-assistance
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/0xSXuO9PfNE
Charlie Mike FAQ:
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
SG Message – Thank You for Standing Holiday Watch!
Esteemed Colleagues:
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season I’d like to offer special appreciation to those who are currently deployed, selflessly standing the watch to preserve our precious freedoms and to those who have stepped up to take holiday duty so their shipmates can be with their families. As a world-wide 24/7/365 operation, Navy Medicine couldn’t carry out its mission to project medical power for naval superiority without your dedication and mission focus-THANK YOU!
Also, remember that the holidays can be a stressful time. We ask that you continue to look after your shipmates; never underestimate the positive impact your actions can have on those who may be in need of support and understanding.
The coronavirus remains a challenging and persistent adversary, and we appreciate everything you’ve done to keep Sailors, Marines, military family members, and our fellow citizens safe. We are immensely grateful for all the incredible work you have done across all our platforms during these busy and trying times. Your patients are enjoying the holidays with their families because of your compassionate and expert care. Well done!
On behalf of the entire Navy Medicine Leadership team, we wish you a safe and restful holiday and look forward to seeing you next year energized and ready to surmount whatever new challenges come our way. Please take a moment to click on one of the links below to watch a holiday video message from the FORCM, DSG, and myself. There are “special scenes” at the end that you don’t want to miss 😎
Navy Medicine Holiday Video:
— Navy Medicine DVIDS (Gov’t Computer Access):
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/826373/us-navy-surgeon-general-holiday-video
— Navy Medicine YouTube Channel:
— Navy Medicine Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/USNavyMedicine
Happy Holidays!
With my deepest gratitude, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s Message – What Navy Medicine Leadership is Thankful For
Esteemed Colleagues,
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, I am thankful for the opportunity to support our patients, our warfighters, and our great nation. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with all of you in Navy Medicine. Thanksgiving Day for many will be an opportunity to enjoy time with family, friends, and eat good food. For some, your enjoyment will be a call or live stream video with loved ones. I ask that each of you take a moment to give thanks to those who support and encourage you. There will be many shipmates throughout Navy Medicine who will be standing the watch at sea, supporting the Marine Corps, manning wards and clinics, or our ongoing mission throughout the country and around the globe. Please remember to thank them for their continued dedication and sacrifice.
Next week FORCM Roberts and I will be traveling to Washington State and Montana to thank a few more of our shipmates who deployed on short notice to help communities in need. I fully realize that in order to support these missions, the workload at our Military Treatment Facilities also increases – so THANK YOU for carrying on our mission of taking care of Sailors, Marines, and family members while others are away. Whether we were putting shots in arms at vaccination sites, providing scientific and evidence-based data to patients so they could make informed decisions, or providing patient care at overtaxed community hospitals – we have made a significant difference; we have earned the thanks of a grateful nation.
As we enter the holiday season, we know the days can be fun and joyful, but they can also be a source of stress. Please be aware of others who may need extra support and reach out to our fellow Sailors. Even through great difficulty we can find something to be grateful for. Gratitude is an important foundation of good mental health so please pause and reflect on all that you can be thankful for. For my part, I am immensely grateful to all of you for the great work you are doing across all of our platforms in these very dynamic and challenging times. Your contributions to the mission everyday directly support the defense of our Nation’s precious freedoms. Freedoms for which we should all rejoice.
On behalf of the entire Navy Medicine Leadership Team, I cannot express our gratitude enough for all you do to care for our Sailors, Marines and their families. We are grateful and thankful for you!
Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
With my deepest gratitude, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s USMC Birthday and Veteran’s Day Message
Esteemed Shipmates,
This week we celebrate two events that underscore the service, sacrifice, and dedication of our Armed Forces and remind us of the essential contributions of our One Navy Medicine Team. Today, U.S. Marines around the globe celebrate a 246-year legacy of battlefield skill defined by courage, discipline, loyalty, perseverance, adaptability, leadership, and warfighting innovation. For Navy Medicine, today is a celebration of that shared heritage and our special bonds of service. We have marched with Marines through dirt, sand, and mud to provide lifesaving medical care. From the halls of Montezuma and the shores of Tripoli, at Guantanamo Bay in the Spanish-American War, the Western Front of the First World War, and in every conflict and engagement, we have been comrades-in-arms. To Marines everywhere – and all Navy medical personnel who have served on the Greenside, including the 8,500+ Corpsmen, Dentists, Medical Service Corps Officers, Nurses, and Physicians in BSO-27 billets today – Happy Birthday and Semper Fi!
Tomorrow, we observe Veterans Day. Every Veteran has their own story about entering military service. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, thousands lined up at their local recruitment stations; this same desire to serve echoed decades later following the attacks on 11 September. For some, military life began at an academy or ROTC unit. For others, it started with a draft lottery and notice. Regardless of the path to service, era, or branch — everyone who has worn the uniform has taken a sacred pledge to serve as America’s shield and sword.
To our Veterans past and present – Thank You! You have lighted the path we follow today and have preserved our cherished freedoms. To you we owe our endearing respect and gratitude.
With profound admiration and thanks,
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA, FAAOS
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’S Message – Remembering the Service and Sacrifice of our Fallen Shipmates
Shipmates,
As military service members, we purposely go into harm’s way to protect and preserve our national interests. We deploy forward and work in dangerous environments. We knowingly risk our lives to serve others, and understand we may be called to make the ultimate sacrifice.
On September 4th, the Navy announced the names of those lost in the MH-60S helicopter crash off of San Diego. Among those five crewmembers were two of Navy Medicine’s own –HM2 Sarah Burns of Severna Park, MD and HM3 Bailey Tucker of St. Louis, MO. To all those who knew them and served beside them, Sarah Burns and Bailey Tucker are more than names. Both have been described as compassionate individuals who joined the Navy with a desire to give back.
Inspired by her paternal grandfather’s service, HM2 Burns enlisted in the Navy in 2010. She spent those first years as an aircraft mechanic with Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 84, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 85 before deciding to cross-rate and become a Search and Rescue Medical Technician. HM2 Burns became a fully qualified Corpsman in November 2020 and was assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight.
HM3 Tucker’s path to Navy Medicine was shorter, but he too shared Burns’ goal of serving a greater cause. He enlisted in 2019, a year out of high school. For Tucker, being a Corpsman and having the chance to serve others and save lives was his life’s calling. Serving with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight afforded him this opportunity to do what he loved.
Each and every day we rely on highly trained Sailors like HM2 Sarah Burns and HM3 Bailey Tucker to take on demanding missions, keep us operationally ready and ensure our warfighters remain in the fight. They represent the very best of America; less than one percent of our fellow citizens have volunteered to serve in the military. And we are painfully reminded with their tragic deaths, service does not come without risk, even beyond active combat zones.
Like HM3 Max Soviak, who died August 26th on the front lines of Operation Allies Refuge, although their lives came to an end much too soon, they shall be remembered as inspiring examples of devotion to duty and service to others. Please hold them and their families in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts.
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG sends
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG Message – Answering the Call…Any Time or Place
Esteemed Shipmates,
Like many of you I watched the footage of the last plane leaving Afghanistan with a whirlwind of emotions. That C-17 lifting off at 3:29 pm (EST) on August 30th marked the end of our Nation’s longest war. Over the last two decades our One Navy Medicine Team played an indispensable role providing frontline care pivotal in saving life and limb. From the immediate combat casualty care on the front lines of the battlefield, the role of FRSS/STPs, to the 11-year command of the NATO Role III Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar we succeeded in our mission to advance healthcare and surgical needs in an inhospitable environment.
Sadly, this hard-fought war cost this Nation some of its best and brightest. Some 2,461 American military personnel were killed in action in Afghanistan and over 20,000 wounded. Their names, life stories, sacrifice and devotion will remain with us. Reaching any closure is made more difficult with the tragic death of HM3 Maxton Soviak, a 22-year old Corpsman from Berlin Heights, Ohio killed in a terrorist attack at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul last week. We continue to mourn the loss of one of Navy Medicine’s own, as well as the 11 Marines and one Soldier who also perished in the blast. We hope that in time the feelings of anguish will be tempered by the knowledge that they gave their all to protect people in need. In addition, as I write this an extensive search and rescue mission continues for the crew of a helicopter assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
As our chapter in Afghanistan ends, a new one has begun with the care for Afghan evacuees at DoD bases both stateside and overseas. DoD is providing temporary housing, sustainment and support—including medical care—to over 100,000 fleeing Afghans, both young and old. Members of our Navy Medicine team have reported to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Joint Base Fort Dix, Fort Pickett, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, US Naval Air Stations Rota and Sigonella, as well as special camps in Bahrain and Kuwait to screen evacuees for COVID-19, provide vaccinations and medical care, where needed. As this mission continues to develop, we expect other medical personnel will be called upon to support this mission in the coming weeks.
I encourage you to keep our fellow medical colleagues in mind and remember the sacrifices and contributions they make every day. As we enter Labor Day Weekend, we recognize and celebrate the workers of our great Nation. Our military, civilian, and contractor team works hard to support mission success, so if you’re fortunate enough to take some time off and rest – please do so – and also take time to reflect on and appreciate the efforts of those who have the watch. We currently have shipmates deployed to support Operation Afghan Rescue, the earthquake response in Haiti, COVID-19 relief at stateside hospitals, and in service with Fleet or Marine Corps. The One Navy Medicine team continues to answer all bells and do it in a superb manner. Well done shipmates!
With my deepest respect, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
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