Surgeon General
RADM Via Nominated for VADM and DHA Director Position
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced today that the president has made the following nominations:
Navy Rear Adm. Darin K. Via for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as director for Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia. Via is currently serving as surgeon general of the Navy, N093/Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia.
SG July 4th Message – A Salute to Independence
Shipmates,
As the Fourth of July dawns, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each of you – the dedicated men and women of Navy Medicine. This week, we celebrate with fireworks and barbecues the foundational principles upon which our nation was built. The belief that an independent nation governed by its people could form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, and provide for the common defense of our people.
The Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our Navy are directly related to providing for the common defense of our people. For 248 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has been one of the most powerful symbols of our freedom and global power: protecting our shores, securing trade routes, serving as a deterrent to our adversaries, and a testament to our ability to project power abroad.
The men and women of Navy Medicine are an essential component of this proud history and an assurance to those who courageously serve our nation that they and their families will be cared for while deployed at sea, in hostile territories around the world, and at home.
So, as you celebrate this Fourth of July, take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday. Remember the sacrifices made by those who dared to dream of a free nation and the innovative spirit that led to the creation of our service. Let the fireworks remind you of the battles fought and won to secure our liberties and let the laughter with your families be a testament to the peace we strive to protect.
Finally, as you enjoy this well-deserved time off, please remember that our safety and the safety of our loved ones is paramount – please make safe and responsible choices.
Your dedication and sacrifice are what make our nation and our Navy strong. I wish you a happy, safe, and meaningful Fourth of July!
SG #40, Corpsman Up!
RADM Darin K. Via
Medical Corps, United States Navy
Navy Surgeon General
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
Surgeon General of the Navy – Memorial Day Message
Shipmates,
As the final Monday of May arrives, Navy Medicine joins our nation in solemn pause to remember those who died in service to our country and the families they left behind. Memorial Day is not just a marker of barbeques, summer blockbusters, televised car races, and long weekends; it’s a day dedicated to the more than one million brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
For all of you in Navy Medicine, your dedication mirrors the heroism we honor and is the greatest tribute. You serve on the front lines, not just in wartime, but EVERY DAY. You mend broken bodies, comfort grieving families, and keep our forces healthy and deployable. You carry the weight of this responsibility, knowing that your actions can mean the difference between life and death.
This Memorial Day, let us reflect on the legacy of those who came before us. Their courage and devotion remind us of the sacred trust we hold—to ensure the well-being of our warfighters, wherever they serve.
Every fallen hero has a story, and it is our duty to remember those who served and died for our freedom. Let us continue to push the boundaries of medical care, offering the best possible support to those who defend our nation.
As we honor our American heroes this Memorial Day, I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of Navy Medicine. Your unwavering compassion, expertise, and commitment are a cornerstone of America’s Navy’s strength!
SG #40, Corpsman Up!
RADM Darin K. Via
Medical Corps, United States Navy
Navy Surgeon General
Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
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