Navy Surgeon General Visits Expeditionary Forces, Naval Hospital

Camp Lejeune, N.C. (NNS) -- Discussing Navy Medicine's roles in maintaining readiness and supporting the warfighter were amongst the top priorities for the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery during a two-day visit to the Camp Lejeune area that concluded May 23.

U.S. Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan toured Navy Medicine facilities, held all hands admiral's calls, and met with senior leaders from the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, Second Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Second Division Marine Air Wing during the visit.

The visit began at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune with a breakfast hosted by NHCL's Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lane and Sailors and civilians of the quarter, then an all hand's admiral's call for Sailors and civilians. Nathan lauded the efforts of NHCL's staff and the consistently strong work done at the hospital, particularly as the nation winds down more than 10 years of war.

"Things are tough...there is a lot of uncertainty. But through all the uncertainty, the one thing that never changes is the praise I hear about the work done here at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune," said Nathan. "And when I come down here and hear you all ask what more you need to do to be at the top of our own game - well, that's always inspiring."

Hospital leadership then led Nathan on a tour of the multi-million dollar construction and renovation projects designed to increase the capabilities necessary to provide medical care for Marines, Sailors, retirees and their family members.

"The community here is going to be very appreciative of the way this will facilitate primary care, emergency care and specialty care," Nathan explained. "Add to that the compassion and dedication of the medical crew itself and you've got a winning combination."

Shortly after leaving the hospital grounds, the surgeon general toured the French Creek Branch Medical Clinic, one of six Marine-Centered Medical Home pilot sites, and several other Second Marine Division battalion aid stations before speaking to more than 300 Marines and Sailors from several units throughout the installation in an admiral's call.

During the call, the surgeon general spoke to the attendees and facilitated an open question and answer period. Topics ranging from Navy Medicine policies, the Navy's Medical Home Port, suicides, sexual assault prevention and response and the importance of looking out for each other were discussed between the audience and the surgeon general.

"You work for a company where we don't fail - personally, professionally and in integrity," explained Nathan. "You are one of the most important and special communities in the military. You're the ones who are going to set the tone for all those you come in contact with. Those who are dealing with issues, invisible wounds, or those who are afraid to ask for help...the country respects you and is in awe of you, military medicine, and the military in general."

Nathan then met with several key commanding generals including Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta, Second Division Marine Logistics Group; Maj. Gen. Raymond C. Fox, II Marine Expeditionary Force; and Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry, Marine Corps Installations East - Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Office calls were held to discuss joint efforts to keep Marines and Sailors healthy and ready to support the nation when called upon. The visit concluded at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point where the surgeon general toured Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, several air wing training centers and met with Maj. Gen. (sel.) Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general Second Marine Aircraft Wing.

"Vice Adm. Nathan's visit to Camp Lejeune clearly demonstrates his personal commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health care for our deserving military personnel and their families," noted Brig. Gen. Gorry. "From pre-deployment training, to combat operations, to post-deployment care, Navy Medicine continues to lead the way in providing world class medical services to our war fighters. He and Capt. Lane's team at our naval hospital have my sincere gratitude and admiration for their tireless efforts and dedication to our Marines and Sailors."

As the U.S. Navy Surgeon General and Chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Nathan leads a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailor and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

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