Capt. Peter J. Obenauer relieved Cmdr. Shelton L. Lyons II as officer in charge (OIC) of Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 5 during a change of charge ceremony at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club, San Diego, Aug. 10.

Lyons successfully led NEPMU-5 in maximizing readiness of operational forces and Navy medical commands by providing specialized public health support throughout the region, as well as several Pacific Partnership, Southern Partnership Station, and other Global Health Engagement missions from 2015-2018. He effectively managed the Forward Deployed Preventive Medicine Units (FDPMUs), ensuring the provision of force health protection in forward-deployed environments. 

Additionally, he oversaw the planning and execution of the unit’s $4 million renovation project that directly supported upgrades to building safety, modernization of office spaces and advancement of microbiology and chemistry lab capabilities.

“It has been an extreme honor and pleasure to lead such a talented group made up of subject matter experts that know their function and are capable of prosecuting the mission, and because of that my time behind the wheel here at NEPMU-5 has been easy,” said Lyons.  “We at NEPMU-5 have done great things together, and I appreciate the attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile further establishing an excellent reputation. As I relinquish my charge and responsibilities, I hope that NEPMU-5 will continue to be united and believe in themselves and continue to be a cohesive force that can make a difference in the lives of our forces globally.”

During the ceremony, Lyons and Obenauer read their orders, followed by the ceremonious salute to symbolize the official change of charge. Upon acceptance of authority, Capt. Obenauer shared a few words with his unit members as their new officer in charge.

“It is a great honor to serve you,” said Obenauer. “There is one thing I want to emphasize today - never forget the daily impact you make. You are a part of a unique team of specialists that protect our Sailors and Marines from the ravages of infectious diseases.  Your contribution to our deployed forces is essential and should never be taken lightly. As your new OIC, I will work hard to make sure that you have the best tools necessary to continue forward and to continue the excellent reputation that Commander Lyons has instilled.”

“Thank you for being here today, and I look forward to contributing to our missions, rich heritage, and commitment to excellence that has been well established,” concluded Obenauer.

NEPMU 5 is a public health resource for the Navy and Marine Corps forces in the western United States. It provides specialized consultation, advice, and recommendations in matters of occupational health, health promotion, preventive medicine, environmental health, and deployment medical surveillance; to include chemical, biological, radiological and environmental defense to unified and naval component commanders, naval shore activities, and fleet units of the operational forces in the areas assigned, and to perform such other functions and tasks as may be directed by higher authority.

 For more news from Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit FIVE, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nepmu5 and follow NEPMU-5 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nepmu5. 

For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/.

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For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/.