Navy surgeon general visited Navy Medicine East, one of two regional commands that manage Navy Medicine's global health care system, June 23.

Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, met with staff and spoke about his vision and the operational imperative of the Navy Medicine mission during an all-hands call.

"Military medical readiness is our mission," said Faison. "Keeping the naval force healthy and on the job is why we exist. I thank each of your for what you do every day to meet this mission. You play a critical role in ensuring our naval forces are able to do their jobs."

In addition to protecting, promoting and restoring the health of Sailors and Marines around the world, the surgeon general explained the importance of maintaining the combat skills and competencies of the medical force in order to be ready for the next conflict.

During the all-hands call, Faison answered a wide range of questions from staff members. In addition, he recognized the NME team for the great work they are doing.

The surgeon general presented Capt. Judith Walker with the Meritorious Service Medal, gold star in lieu of fourth award, for her outstanding contributions as NME deputy chief of staff, operations. Walker focused on recapturing civilian network enrollment and previously deferred specialty care to drive down costs, while maintaining a patient centered care delivery model focused on quality and safety.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marco Weygan and Camille Cunningham-West, both from NME, as well as Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Lee Foreman from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, received command coins for noteworthy contributions.

NME leadership praised staff for the positive impact they are having on Navy Medicine's ability to meet its mission.

"Your contributions each and every day help ensure our facilities across Navy Medicine East are the preferred choice for our patients to receive care, and the preferred choice for staff to work," said Rear Adm. Kenneth Iverson, NME commander.

NME oversees the delivery of medical, dental and other health care services to approximately 1 million patients across almost 100 facilities in six countries: U.S. (East and Gulf Coasts), Spain, Italy, Greece, Cuba and Bahrain. Also, its public health activities extend globally. For more information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nme and www.twitter.com/NavMedEast.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel who provide health care support to the 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.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Medicine East, visit www.navy.mil/.