Vice Adm. C. Forrest Faison III, 38th surgeon general of the Navy and chief, U.S. Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, visited Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) for an all-hands call Aug. 16.

Faison met with and spoke to Sailors and staff assigned to NMCSD about the transition of Navy military medical treatment facilities (MTFs) to the Defense Health Agency (DHA), as outlined in Naval Administrative Message 180/19.

“Military medicine, including Navy Medicine, is undergoing some of the most significant changes we have seen in decades,” said Faison. “From changes mandated by Congress, to Department of Defense-directed reforms, we have an opportunity to successfully navigate these changes and create an improved Navy Medicine to support our Navy and Marine Corps. In doing so, our focus will be on three major areas: the next fight, a renewed emphasis on readiness, and our new organization.”

Faison assured Sailors and staff that the transition would be seamless.

“Patients should see no immediate impact on access or quality of healthcare services,” said Faison.

The transition to DHA and the transfer of management and administration is intended to create a more integrated and efficient health system.

“Navy Medicine will be ready to support the medical needs of today’s Sailors and Marines,” said Faison. “We will continue to honor the trust placed in our hands to provide the best care our nation can offer.”

MTFs will remain the primary place to ensure Navy uniformed medical personnel maintain operationally relevant skills. Navy Medicine will consolidate operational platforms to where they are best positioned to train hospital corpsman, nurses and doctors.

NMCSD’s mission is to prepare to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver quality health care services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in the San Diego region to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere. 

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