Capt. Tim Richardson assumed command of Naval Medical Logistics Command (NMLC), relieving Capt. Mary Seymour in a ceremony held on Fort Detrick, Maryland on Aug. 25.

Seymour leaves in her wake a legacy that dates back to 2009, when she served as NMLC's executive officer. In 2011, she departed to complete a year at National War College, earning a master's degree in national security strategy. She then returned to NMLC in 2013 as commanding officer.

She led an unprecedented medical equipment initiative that remains unmatched. With the most unique role in the United States Navy, according to a senior Bureau of Medicine and Surgery flag officer, NMLC ensures that all forces afloat and Military Treatment Facilities around the globe have on-hand the world-class medical equipment necessary to treat the nation's warfighters and their family members.

Rear Adm. Rebecca J. McCormick-Boyle, Commander, Navy Medicine Education Training, and Logistics Command, San Antonio, Texas, was the ceremony's presiding officer. She reflected on the command's many successes under Seymour's leadership.

"NMLC's footprint and responsibilities touch all aspects of the Navy Medicine enterprise at home, abroad, in clinics, in hospitals, on ships, on planes, on submarines and on land. From making eyeglasses to ensuring Sailors can see what lays ahead, to procuring and managing large equipment sets so that Sailors might be ready for what lays ahead. Members of the NMLC Team - and the AOR team, are where it matters when it matters," McCormick-Boyle said. "The scope of your responsibilities and fiduciary stewardship is amazing. And your commitment to service and the agility with which you execute your mission is nothing short of breathtaking."

Rear Adm. Terry Moulton, deputy surgeon general and deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia, welcomed the distinguished guest as well as family members and the NMLC workforce. He then described some of the significant successes for which Seymour was recognized as having achieved.

"Your leadership led to the execution and procurement of more than $2 billion in personal service and non-personal service contracts, providing more than 15,000 full-time equivalent health care workers," Moulton said. "NMLC has been the face of Navy Medicine during the transition of shared services to the Defense Health Agency. This liaison has saved the Defense Department millions of dollars."

Moulton continued to share key milestones in Seymour's time then went on to welcome Capt. Richardson and reassure the command that it would be in good hands.

"Today, the mantle of command will be given to Capt. Richardson. He is well prepared for this assignment," Moulton said. "He has had a successful career that led him to today. Capt. Richardson, you are inheriting an experienced, knowledgeable and capable crew. I have every confidence that with your outstanding leadership skills, your passion and stellar track record, you will be able to take on the task of command and continue to push Naval Medical Logistics Command to even greater heights."

As the attention returned to Seymour, she took the podium and prepared to say her final goodbye to the NMLC staff she served with throughout her tenure.

She acknowledged the three executive officers who served under her command and quipped, "It's not because I go through them quickly. It's just that I've been here a long time." She acknowledged Capt. Edward Sullivan, Capt. Michael Kemper and Cmdr. Steve Aboona, and said they were amongst the finest officers with which she had ever served. She recognized her family and the support they have given her over the years. And she praised the staff that has served with her, ensuring Navy Medicine achieved its role of ensuring patients are first.

After reminiscing about the journey she had traveled throughout the years, she prepared to turn the reigns over to Capt. Richardson by reading her orders.

With that, Richardson greeted the audience and shared a few brief comments, then each captain faced one another and offered a crisp salute.

"I stand ready to be relieved, sir," Seymour said. Richardson replied, "Capt. Seymour, you are relieved."

With those words, Richardson assumed the duties as commanding officer, Naval Medical Logistics Command.

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