Navy surgeon general and force master chief visited U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples, April 28-29.

Vice Adm. Forrest Faison, Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and Force Master Chief Terry Prince, director of the Hospital Corps, toured the naval hospital in Italy, met with Sailors and staff and conducted all hands calls at the military treatment facility.

During the visit, Faison spoke about his vision and the operational imperative of the Navy Medicine mission.

"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 forward-deployed 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.

"As we come out of our country's longest conflict, we have the highest combat survival in recorded history," said Faison. "We must build on that unprecedented survival rate and preserve our ability to save lives at a moment's notice no matter what the environment."

During the all-hands calls, Faison and Prince answered a wide range of questions from Sailors and staff members. Prince discussed enlisted training, advancement opportunities and the future of the Hospital Corps. In addition, they recognized Sailors for the great work they are doing.

The surgeon general presented a coin to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Keith Anthony, from Spartanburg, South Carolina, for his duties as leading petty officer for surgical services and his role as a career development team member.

"My vow is to take care of junior Sailors and help them achieve personal goals through mentorship and education," said Anthony. "Receiving this recognition today is a testament to my passion of seeing others succeed."

USNH Naples leadership praised Anthony for the significant positive impact he has on the command.

"I have no doubt Petty Officer Anthony will be successful in whatever task he is responsible for," said Command Master Chief Maurice Coffey. "His drive to succeed and to help others is truly inspiring."

Faison was impressed with what he observed during his first visit to the naval hospital at Naples.

"Navy Medicine is entrusted to provide the best care that our nation can offer for those who have volunteered to defend our freedom," said Faison. "I thank you for honoring the trust that is placed in your hands, and carrying on not only the tradition of honor, courage and commitment, but also that of hope, caring and compassion."

USNH Naples is committed to the delivery of high-quality, family centered care by providing care to 12,000 beneficiaries to the region.

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 news from Navy Medicine, visit http://www.navy.mil/.