Surgeon General
Message from the SG – When Can Navy Medicine Get There?
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
As you know, our One Navy Medicine Team is on the front lines of this fight combating COVID-19 on multiple platforms and working across many disciplines. Last week I shared with you several examples of how our clinicians are stepping out of their traditional roles to provide “boots on the ground” health care support in this national emergency. Our clinicians remain a vital part of this effort, and they are not alone in the fight.
This past Monday, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center professionals partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct an outbreak investigation in Guam with volunteers from the USS Theodore Roosevelt. The purpose of this investigation is to gather data which will help inform future testing strategies, operational planning, and COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the readiness of Navy ships and our Force.
Since the coronavirus outbreak was first recognized, our scientists from Navy Medicine’s Research & Development enterprise immediately began to harness the power of our global network of laboratories to help develop vaccines and therapeutics against SARSCoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Our research experts are looking at operational needs and working to develop countermeasure products that will make their way down to the deckplate. Our Navy Medicine Researchers are focusing on four priorities:
- Producing purified human anti-SARSCoV-2 polyclonal antibodies. Naval Medical Research Center has partnered with Sanford Applied Biosciences to produce human neutralizing antibodies from humanized cows (Tc Bovines) that can potentially be used to treat COVID-19 infected patients. When administered to at-risk individuals exposed to COVID-19 infected patients, these Tc Bovine-derived human antibodies may prevent infection or significantly reduce illness associated with a secondary COVID-19 infection.
- Psoralen-inactivated SARSCoV-2 vaccine. Developing an inactivated whole virus COVID-19 vaccine using a flexible vaccine development platform that is based on the use of a psoralen compound, which interrupts virus replication by inactivating viral genes, while leaving the outer virus proteins largely intact. These intact outer virus proteins in psoralen-inactivated vaccines promote a better immune response compared to standard formalin-inactivated vaccines where the outer virus proteins may be distorted or destroyed by the formalin inactivation method leading to a less robust immune response.
- Phage-based COVID-19 vaccine. Designing a multi-subunit phage-based vaccine that will be ready for testing within weeks. They have secured funding for purification, manufacturing, and large-scale throughput to prepare numerous Current Good Manufacturing Practice vaccines, identifying optimal polyvalent vaccines prepared for phase I clinical trials.
- Spearheading a robust and field-deployable rapid diagnostic test suited to meet shipboard demands. Navy researchers are working with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on gene editors that could operate as rapid detectors of pathogenic threats. The development initiative is called “Detect it with Gene Editing Technologies” to enable biosurveillance detection of any threat, anytime, anywhere.
We are eager to see these projects contribute to our fight against COVID-19 and Navy Medicine continues to make meaningful progress by leveraging high-velocity learning to be resourceful and innovative. I would like to note, that the contributions from our doctors and scientists are not always conducted bedside or from a lab bench. In Lima, Peru, team members from Naval Medical Research Unit Six were recently recognized by the State department for stepping up to support the repatriation efforts of over 7,000 U.S. citizens stranded in Peru and transport them back to America. When there is a challenge before us and people are in need, the men and women of our One Navy Medicine Team are there to provide help and support.
Whatever your role, I want each of you to know that your contributions continue to make a difference. It is a well known fact that our Navy is the 911 force for our Nation and often the first words uttered by our leadership in the time of crisis is “When can the Carriers get there?” Because of the Power that you bring to this fight and the immediate game-changing impact you are having, the first thing I’m hearing is “When can Navy Medicine get there?” Thank you for your responsiveness, dedication, and professionalism to our Sailors, Marines, families, and our fellow citizens. You are the game changers in this fight!
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
Message from the SG – The Power of Navy Medicine
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
I have never been more proud of our organization and the amazing work you do in support of our Nation and the U.S. Navy. The power of Navy Medicine is one of the most important weapons in our country’s arsenal and we are making a difference by bringing it to bear against this invisible adversary all across the globe. In his update to all Navy Flag Officers and Senior Executive Service personnel the Vice Chief of Naval Operations wrote yesterday: “Our Surgeon General, and the entire Navy Medicine team have been working 24/7 since this pandemic began, and even with Navy providing over 70% of DoD’s deployed medical forces, they are leading DoD research efforts on COVID prevention, testing and immunization solutions.” You are doing an incredible job during these challenging times and your effort and impact in this fight are recognized daily throughout the Navy and Marine Corps.
We are a solution-focused organization which leverages high-velocity learning to be resourceful and innovative, especially in the face of our current national emergency. As our One Navy Medicine team continues to learn more about the coronavirus, the scientific and medical counsel we provide to our Sailors, Marines, and their families will evolve as well. We will also improve our processes for how we marshal and deploy our forces; maintain, transport and deliver vital supplies; improve communications up and down our chain-of-command; and how we can take better care of our people.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, I recently challenged our Clinical Communities to take a hard look at how we can provide additional support by employing all qualified providers directly in COVID-19 care, irrespective of their specific specialties. Not surprising, they responded. We are seeing great examples of our clinicians stepping out of their traditional roles to fulfill boots on the ground support and standing watch to help meet the growing demand for COVID-19 health care support. Below are a few concrete examples. In the coming weeks I will share and highlight more with you:
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton: Dental officers stand ready to care for any urgent dental needs AND have integrated with their medical colleagues to serve a vital role in the hospital’s COVID-19 response plan. They are now serving on the “front line” in the flu tents and providing essential screening and triage to patients.
- Naval Hospital Bremerton. Expanded partnerships with the state’s Northwest Healthcare Response Network and the Washington State Hospital Association to develop a crisis standard of care flow path, which improves closer coordination in triage and send patients to available beds.
The imperative to move out of our comfort zones is not new. This is what we do, and I am confident you feel the same way. During my career, particularly in operational settings, I leaned heavily on my experience as a GMO and undersea and diving medical officer to care for patients, long after I became an orthopedic surgeon. Although we have many subspecialized doctors, nurses, corpsmen and ancillary support personnel we are all care-givers at heart. I appreciate your ability to reconnect to those fundamental skills that initially attracted you to a medical career, especially your caring and compassion as we work to defeat this adversary. I am greatly encouraged by the use of virtual health, particularly in psychological health, to ensure continuity of care for patients. All of us are under tremendous stress, and the availability of support services is reassuring — particularly during this crisis.
I encourage you to visit https://navylive.dodlive.mil/2020/03/15/u-s-navy-covid-19-updates/ and familiarize yourself with the U. S. Navy COVID-19 Mitigation Framework and the U. S. Navy COVID-19 Prevention Framework. Both documents provide our operational leaders with actionable information, help protect the Force, and preserve warfighting readiness. Importantly, they reflect the critical support that our Navy Medicine public health, research and development, and emergency preparedness experts, along with many others, have and continue to provide. Now more than ever, our leaders are relying on us for sound force health protection advice and recommendations.
In closing, I want you to know that while we are operating far from our comfort zone, our strength as a team of dedicated expeditionary medical professionals will see us through this crisis and we will emerge even stronger and more mission ready. My heartfelt best wishes to you, your loved ones and the American people fortunate to have you in their corner.
With my continued respect and admiration,
SG Sends
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Message from the SG: What the Women and Men of Navy Medicine Do
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
Navy Medicine continues to serve on the front-lines of our Nation’s response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are medical professionals working together as high-performance teams to bring the full power of Navy Medicine to our mission and to our country. We were built for this mission and the work you are doing reflects our One Navy Medicine strategy. We are all fully engaged in support of this national emergency – Fleet and Fleet Marine Force medical personnel and MTF providers and staff, as well as our public health, research and development, emergency preparedness, and logistics experts.
This week our hospital ships, USNS Comfort in New York and USNS Mercy in Los Angeles, arrived on scene and immediately established relationships with local and state health officials bringing our skills and expertise to those hardest hit. As we speak, our teams are providing care to those most in need and are beginning to ramp up the number of patients they are treating. Our hospital ships may be our most visible symbols of Medical Power but they are part of the wider MHS support network.
The Navy, along with the Army and Air Force, have deployed Expeditionary Medical Facilities (EMFs) to provide urgent care to areas impacted by COVID-19. Naval Hospital Jacksonville’s EMF – Mike split into two teams. One will be working in New Orleans caring for COVID-19 patients under investigation who are awaiting their test results but unable to return to private residence for self- quarantine. The other team is in Dallas awaiting final assignment.
Volunteer Navy Medicine reservists have immeasurably strengthened our One Navy Medicine team. After assessing that their absence would not negatively impact the health care response of their own communities, these dedicated professionals stepped up to augment our support to our country. They are deployed on board USNS MERCY, USNS COMFORT, serving at our medical treatment facilities and also staffing Expeditionary Medical Facility Navy Reserve-Bethesda that has been activated to support New York City. Regardless of the mission, they, like all of you, are at the epicenter of protecting the health of Sailors, Marines, families, and our fellow citizens.
Make no mistake; there is demanding work ahead. We are in this together and leveraging the talents of our civilian, contractor, active duty and reserve communities, we will prevail. One of our greatest strengths as an organization is that we thrive on rapid cycle feedback to improve the quality and the safety of the care we provide. We are never content or complacent. We thrive on providing and receiving rapid cycle feedback, widely sharing not only our successes but, more importantly, what we have learned from our failures. Just as we refined our approach to combat casualty care to achieve unprecedented survival rates, we will continue to apply best available clinical and research evidence to adjust fire and defeat this adversary. That is what high velocity learning organizations do.
The members of a strong, resilient organization understand the value of clear, bi-directional communication. Keep in regular communication with your team and actively reach out if you feel you are “out of the loop.” Stay at home orders and long solo hours of tele-work also risk creating a sense of social isolation. Remember, social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement. The same technology that allows you to tele-work also allows you to connect with family and friends. Taking care of yourselves and families should be a top priority and is essential for mission readiness. Don’t be afraid to walk away from your computers and take a break. Get some fresh air and exercise. And if you need to talk to someone please do so. Communication is a sign of strength not weakness. There are numerous resources within Navy Medicine and throughout the Navy to provide support if you need it.
We have much to be proud of. All of us are enduring changes in our work routines, lifestyle and our way of life but this has not changed our focus on the important work ahead. Many of you are putting yourselves in harm’s way on behalf of our shipmates. Now we also have the privilege to bring our expeditionary medical expertise to bear on behalf of our families, friends, and neighbors. As we confront this challenge, have confidence that regardless of the setting, we never work alone. As the Surgeon General, I can assure you that the full force of Navy Medicine’s power is with you. Together, our talent, knowledge, toughness, creativity and teamwork will get us through this and we will be a stronger organization as a result. Communicate clearly, strive to improve every day and keep yourself and those entrusted to your care safe. That is what the women and men of Navy Medicine have always done and that is what we will always do.
With my respect and admiration, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, FAOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Message from the Navy Surgeon General
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
As front-line protectors of our Sailors, Marines and their families against the coronavirus, I want to provide you with an update of our efforts, highlight the great work Navy Medicine is doing to support our country and share my intent for the way forward as we meet this unprecedented challenge with the full force of our Navy Medical Power.
PEOPLE: First, I want to thank all of you for your hard work and commitment to our nation in this time of great challenge as we face this global pandemic. We are taking all necessary measures to protect our active-duty, reserve, and civilian work force. Protecting our people is our top priority. To that end, all DoD installations are operating at HPCON level Charlie and starting March 31, all medical and dental treatment facilities will postpone most elective surgeries, invasive procedures, and dental procedures for 60 days. These actions will enhance medical staff safety, prolong the supply of personal protective equipment, and allow us to refocus our skills and expertise directly to the front lines of the COVID-19 response.
PLATFORMS: As I write this, USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) is pulling into the pier in Los Angeles. Tomorrow, the crew, which includes almost 100 volunteer reservists, will begin seeing patients. The goal is to unburden the Los Angeles Health Care System of non-COVID-19 patients so that its providers can focus on the care of those afflicted with the virus. USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), also supplemented with reserve volunteers, will sail from Hampton Roads this weekend and be on station, ready to see patients in New York City by the beginning of the week. Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) – Mike assigned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville has been activated, and an additional EMF is on standby awaiting notification. Combined with our existing deployments around the world, almost 4,000 Navy Medical personnel are out forward, protecting our nation. This will be the largest deployment since Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Those who remain at our medical treatment facilities are also on the front lines in this fight given the ubiquitous nature of this virus.
PERFORMANCE: As we collectively face this challenge head on, teamwork, and an even greater vigilance to ensure continued safe, high quality care will be critical. We also need to be willing to rethink our usual hierarchies of care. Those not directly involved in treating COVID-19 patients should seek out opportunities to support those who are. As our primary care clinics and emergency rooms get busier with COVID patients, I would ask our specialists to lean forward and treat conditions within their specialty areas without the requirement for a consultation where feasible. The unprecedented nature of this situation means that we must adapt quickly at the local level. As an organization that values high velocity learning as the means by which we continuously improve the quality of our performance, please practice rapid cycle feedback within your work teams and share the lessons you learn widely so that our entire organization can benefit.
POWER: You and the critical work that you are doing is the source of Navy Medicine’s power. Whether you are on the front lines treating patients; in the laboratory processing diagnostic tests, doing the science necessary to defeat this pathogen, or providing the support that keeps our system running, YOU need to stay healthy. This campaign will be a marathon, not a sprint. Find a sustainable battle rhythm and monitor your energy level. Know when to take a knee and recharge your batteries, both physically AND mentally. Practice all of the recommended preventative measures to protect yourself and your family. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement. Stay in close touch with those who matter to you and reach out virtually to those who would benefit from your moral support. We are the medical experts our Sailors, Marines and their families rely upon for their health and readiness. Preserve your health so that we can preserve theirs. Thank you for YOUR compassion, professionalism, and selfless dedication to duty.
The mission may be non-traditional, but you have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to fight and win. This challenge will be no different. To the people of the world, just the sight of Navy Medicine on the horizon fills them with a sense of hope. Now we get to instill that same sense of hope to our own Nation.
Stay strong America….We are on our way!
With respect and admiration, SG
SG Message – Standing Strong When Our Nation Most Needs Us
Esteemed Navy Medicine Shipmates,
Since December 2019, when the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
was first reported, Navy Medicine has been on the forefront actively engaged
in and supporting government and international efforts to help protect
Sailors, Marines, Department of Navy civilians, and our fellow citizens from
COVID-19. This pandemic demands the leadership, creativity and commitment
of our entire One Navy Medicine enterprise.
In addressing this pandemic, the Secretary of Defense has clearly
articulated his priorities: (1) Protecting our people; (2) Maintaining
mission readiness; and (3) Supporting the whole-of-government effort. To
this end, we must be ready to execute whatever mission is directed to us.
We have received an order from the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff to
prepare our hospital ships – USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) and USNS Comfort (T-AH-20)
to deploy in order to supplement civilian healthcare systems. We will
provide non-COVID care so that they can focus their efforts on those
afflicted by the virus. The critical core staff reported aboard yesterday to
begin the necessary work to bring the ship’s hospitals to life and to
receive the remainder of the crew. MERCY will depart San Diego next week and
COMFORT will follow the following week. I will keep you updated, but this
represents an unprecedented opportunity to project medical power
domestically and to help our country during a national emergency . This is
not our typical mission of providing combat casualty care; however, it
demonstrates our agility and responsiveness to do what the country asks –
wherever and whenever we’re needed. We will keep you updated as this
evolves.
In conjunction with the Department of Defense and interagency partners, our
public health professionals, scientists, researchers, emergency preparedness
experts, and many others are working together to confront COVID-19. Our
Navy Medicine team is actively monitoring the disease and providing direct
support to ensure Navy and Marine Corps commanders have the latest
information to ensure mission readiness and effectiveness. In addition, our
physicians, nurses, corpsmen, clinical scientists, and laboratory
professionals are prepared to identify, diagnose and care for those who may
contract the virus. You’ve heard me talk about my commitment to ensure Navy
Medicine is a High Reliability Organization that uses high velocity learning
and rapid cycle feedback. We are seeing full application of these
principles throughout Navy Medicine and it is making us even more effective
and resilient as we continue to meet this challenge head on.
Below are a few highlights of the actions and contributions Navy Medicine
has made to confront COVID-19:
- Initiated the BUMED Surgeon General’s COVID-19 Watch. This Crisis
Action Team is manned 24/7 and can be reached at (703) 681-1087 or 1125. - BUMED is coordinating directly with Fleet Surgeons and the Medical
Officer of the Marine Corps to disseminate information and actively support
the operational commanders. - BUMED established an on-line communication pipeline to allow
commanders and their supporting fleet surgeons to input questions directly
to our Public Health, Research, and Emergency Management professionals. - Navy Medical Research Center (NMRC) and Naval Health Research
Center (NHRC) are actively involved in the fight against COVID-19 as the
Navy representatives among the 14 DoD laboratories prepared to conduct
COVID-19 diagnostic testing. - Active engagement and collaboration between our Navy Expeditionary
Preventive Medical Units (NEPMUs) and operational commanders continues in
order to proactively respond to needs of Fleet regarding advisement on port
visits to different countries. - A Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit (FDPMU), consisting
of four highly trained specialists, is available to deploy with 48 hours
lead time to provide decision-makers with information on outbreak response
and to assist afloat surgeons in Public Health Emergency Response Afloat. - Developed a Health Protection Condition (HPCON) determination
matrix to aid commander’s decision making to ensure the continued health and
safety of our force, civilians and families. - Created an algorithm for determining status of individuals related
to COVID-19 outbreak. - BUMED has validated our stockpile of personal protective equipment
(PPE) to ensure continued operations should the virus penetrate the force. - We have shipped PPE to our OCONUS MTFs to ensure they have what
they need to respond to this crisis. - Developed interim guidance for cleaning and disinfection of public
facilities for COVID-19 - Developed flowchart to individuals who are ill and think they may
have COVID-19 - Developed guidance for housing suspected COVID-19 patients
- Supporting fleet operations with Pandemic Influenza and Infectious
Disease plans - Navy Medicine is advising and coordinating on a Concept of Operations for medical screening at Air Mobility Command terminals
You are delivering NAVAL MEDICAL POWER to our Sailors, Marines and their
families in person, over the phone and via the internet. The force health
protection of our warfighters is paramount and directly enables naval
operations. I want to emphasize that we must provide clear and objective
guidance to those we care for. As subject matter experts, they are relying
on us.
In order for us to continue to project medical power and protect our
shipmates, we, too, must to healthy and ready. Please ensure you are
protecting yourself and your families so you can continue to provide
outstanding care to those who need us. All commands in the Navy are being
encouraged to help limit Sailor, Marine and family member exposure to the
virus. This includes using flexible work hours, alternating work schedules,
and telework. We need the Navy Medicine workforce to remain strong during
these challenging times. Our Sailors and Marines depend on us.
In closing, please keep an eye on your fellow Navy Medicine teammates and
continue to follow health guidelines, which includes washing your hands more
often, avoiding public gatherings, and staying away from others if you’re
sick. Crushing COVID-19 will be a marathon and not a sprint. The hallmark
of a high reliability organization is not perfection, but resilience. We
will get through this together and we will be a stronger organization as a
result.
Thank you for all the superb work you are doing during this national
emergency, you are STANDING STRONG, not only for our military beneficiaries,
but the country as a whole and you make me incredibly proud to be a part of
the Navy Medicine team.
BZ
V/r, SG
Bruce L. Gillingham, MD, CPE, AOA
RADM, MC, USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
SG’s Op Order – Medical Power for Integrated Naval Superiority
Navy Medicine Shipmates,
In early November, I issued my SG’s Day One guidance and outlined how Navy Medicine will optimize to project medical power in support of Naval Superiority. I also promised that I would provide more detailed guidance on each of my priorities and the steps that we will take to build the Navy Medicine that our Nation needs to ensure that we prevail in any future fight. Attached you will find my operational order that describes the ideal end state for each of Navy Medicine’s priorities and charts the course that we will take to achieve these outcomes. I have also included a graphic version of these priorities for your reference and to help you carry the conversation to your work center. As a member of the One Navy Medicine team I am counting on your leadership, influence and personal commitment to help breathe life into these initiatives and bring them to full operating capability.
Thank you for your tireless efforts, professionalism and dedication to our Navy and Marine Corps team. I look forward to getting your feedback and seeing you on the deck plate.
-SG Sends
(Here is a link to a PAO summary of the OPORD as well.)
SG’s Talking Points from Specialty Leader Business Meeting
Here are the SG’s talking points from last week’s Specialty Leader Business Meeting in one slide:
Day 1 Messages from the New SG, RADM Gillingham
Esteemed Shipmates,
I am honored and privileged to serve as your 39th Surgeon General of the Navy. Attached you will see an outline of my priorities, and the course that we will sail together. Take a moment to review and discuss this information with your Shipmates, reflecting on how YOUR actions contribute to maritime superiority. As a high reliability organization, your active engagement and feedback will be critically important to our continued success. More detailed guidance will be forthcoming. As always, thank you for everything you do for our warfighters and their families.
I look forward to seeing you in the fleet!
SG Sends
Here also is a video from the SG:
SG’s Farewell Message
Shipmates,
As I complete my tour as your Surgeon General and almost 40 years of military service, I want you to know how proud I am of Navy Medicine and each of you for all that you do every day to care for those who have or are sacrificing and serving to defend and protect us. You don’t do it for money, for fame, for glory…..or for any other reason than to help those in need and I am proud of you beyond words. I asked you to do three things:
– Honor the trust that is placed in our hands every day by those we serve and their families to do all in our power to provide them the best care our nation can offer and, one day, return them home safely and alive. Providing that care doesn’t just occur in our medical centers, hospitals, clinics, sick bays, or aid stations…..it also occurs in our labs in the research we are doing to protect the force, in our support commands in the work they do to ensure our commands have what they need to honor the trust, and in our training commands as we train and prepare those who will not only safeguard that trust but will, one day, take our place on the watch.
– Honor the uniform you wear. We represent life, hope, caring, compassion, and strength to countless thousands around the world today whose lives have been saved or improved by Navy Medicine. That uniform is not only the military uniform of our active and reserve shipmates, it is also the civilian uniform that our civilian colleagues wear every day. All of you have dedicated your lives to service and all of you carry on that tradition and heritage that is the hallmark of Navy Medicine: selfless service to others.
– Honor the privilege of leadership. Each of you is a leader and, as leaders, we put an additional trust in your hands: our future. As leaders, you guide, groom, mentor, and prepare those shipmates of our team entrusted to you who will, one day, take your place on the watch. Like those we serve, every one of them has family back home who is hoping, praying, and depending on us to care for them, watch out for them, and, one day, return them home safely as well. It is a trust that must be earned every day and I am so proud of each of you and all you have done, and continue to do, every day to honor that trust.
These have also been times of incredible change as we have witnessed what is becoming the most significant changes to military medicine in over 50 years. With change comes both concern over what the future will be….but also prospects of realizing a better future that, while different from one we might have imagined, is filled with promise and opportunity in allowing us to better honor that trust, preserving and protecting that force to which we have dedicated our professional careers. Despite the change and uncertainty, you have persevered and kept focus on what’s important: those we serve. You have also taken advantage of the opportunities that change presents us and I am so proud of all you have done. Innovative programs like Connected Corpsmen in the Community, Value Base Care for primary care, Corpsmen Trauma Training, amazing advances in medical research in all our labs, innovative changes to curriculum and training to better prepare our shipmates for service and for making a difference, to name just a few, all bear witness to your commitment, your ingenuity, your dedication to those we serve.
Now, more than ever, our nation needs a strong military and, in particular, a strong Navy and Marine Corps. We have, and always will be, a maritime nation. We live in tumultuous times and in a world that is far from stable or at peace. A Navy and Marine Corps that is healthy, ready, and on the job to be where it matters, when it matters, is vital to our national security, our prosperity, our way of life, and our ability to pass on to our children the greatest gift we will ever leave them: freedom. Every day, you ensure that force is healthy and on the job to protect our nation and our interests around the world, whether that is deterrent presence, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, or operations against those who would attempt to undermine and defeat us….you are there to protect and preserve that force and I am proud of each of you for the magnificent job you are doing. You are making a difference!
As I close this chapter of almost 40 years of service, I know our Navy and Marine Corps is in good hands because they are in your hands. I know you will continue to do what you have always done since the founding of our nation: honor the trust. I wish each of you all life’s blessings ahead and please know that you go forward with my deepest thanks and admiration for all you do. Thank you shipmates and may God, in His love and wisdom, bless each of you as you have blessed my family and I with the privilege and honor of serving with you.
Godspeed and safe journeys ahead!
V/r
Forrest
Forrest Faison III, M.D.
VADM MC USN
Surgeon General, U.S. Navy
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Vice Adm. C. Forrest Faison, III, Retires as Navy’s 38th Surgeon General
Story by Angela Ciancio (original link here)
WASHINGTON (NNS) – Vice Adm. C. Forrest Faison, III, the Navy’s 38th Surgeon General, celebrated the culmination of 39 years of active duty service at a retirement ceremony at the Navy Yard in Washington, DC, Oct. 25, 2019.
Secretary of the Navy, Richard V. Spencer presided over the ceremony, and former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, USN (Ret.), gave remarks.
“I’m particularly grateful for the steady hand Admiral Faison provided in our military medical transformation efforts, strengthening readiness and increasing maneuverability. Thanks to his efforts and the hard work of all of our Navy medical professionals, the Department is better prepared to confront a complex world & respond wherever needed,” said Spencer.
The ceremony commemorated both Faison’s career as well as the role of Navy Medicine in the support to the daily readiness of the Fleet and Marine Corps.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to honor the trust placed in our hands by those we serve and their families,” said Faison. “The Navy Medicine team is ready and dedicated to doing everything within our power to provide those we serve with the best care our nation can offer so that each Sailor and Marine can return home safely and alive.”
A native of Norfolk, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, Faison graduated from Rocky River High School in Cleveland. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forrest University in 1980 and received a commission as a Naval officer through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in 1980, completing his medical degree in 1984 at USUHS. He is also a board certified and a Distinguished Professor of Military Medicine and an associate clinical professor in pediatrics.
During his tenure as Surgeon General, Faison led the way as Navy Medicine redefined itself from a primarily military treatment facility-based care model to a readiness focused, critical wartime enterprise in support of operational medical platforms and enhanced Fleet and Marine Corps Operational unit integration.
Among his many contributions to improving Navy Medicine, Faison dedicated himself to ensuring Hospital Corpsmen were prepared to fight tonight as he directed a comprehensive review, rewrite and update of the Hospital Corpsman “A” school curriculum. His attention to the Hospital Corpsman trauma training curriculum leveraged civilian partnerships to augment the clinical and trauma training experiences to better prepare warrior caretakers for casualty responses.
He established the Navy’s Global Health Specialist Program to ensure professionals who have global health experience, skills and training receive specialized certifications to fill key positions across the Department of Defense, interagency and international communities. As part of this effort, Navy Medicine successfully conducted a trauma collaborative exchange with the government of Vietnam to provide emergency medicine services. The resulting effort strengthened allied medical trauma capacities and provided Navy medical teams the opportunity to sustain their trauma skills in an unfamiliar and resource-constrained environment.
Faison also led the first deployment of the Department of Defense’s $4.3 billion electronic health record system “MHS GENESIS” at Naval Hospital Bremerton and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor, Washington. The new computer system will be implemented at all military medical facilities to manage health information in a single health record across the continuum of care for service members, veterans, and their families.
As Faison retires, Rear Adm. Terry Moulton will serve as the Acting Navy Surgeon General until a new Surgeon General is confirmed.
“As I close this chapter of almost 40 years of service, I know our Navy and Marine Corps is in good hands because they are in your hands. I know you will continue to do what you have always done since the founding of our nation: honor the trust,” Faison said. “I wish each of you all life’s blessings ahead and please know that you go forward with my deepest thanks and admiration for all you do.”
Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.
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