The Navy promoted its 38th surgeon general during an official ceremony at the Pentagon, Dec. 15.

Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, presided over the ceremony, promoting Rear Adm. C. Forrest Faison III to the rank of vice admiral and the dual position of Navy surgeon general and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

"I am humbled to represent more than 63,000 active duty, reserve, civilian and contract personnel who are entrusted to provide the best care that our nation can offer for those who have volunteered to defend our freedom," said Faison.

A native of Norfolk, Virginia and Cleveland, Ohio, Faison graduated from Rocky River High School in Cleveland, received his bachelor's degree from Wake Forrest University in 1980 and received his commission through the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in 1980. He earned his medical degree in 1984 from USUHS.

Faison most recently served as the Navy's deputy surgeon general and deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

As the Navy's new surgeon general, he will lead the Navy's health care enterprise through a transformational time in medicine while continuing to ensure the health and well-being of every Sailor, Marine and family member.

"Our main focus is keeping the Navy and Marine Corps force and their families healthy, ready and on the job," said Faison.

"We must also build on the unprecedented combat survival rate we attained during recent conflicts and preserve our ability to save lives at a moment's notice no matter what setting - on, above, below the sea and on the battlefield," Faison said.

Faison is board-certified in pediatrics and is an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He is also a senior member of the American College of Physician Executives.

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 personnel that provide health care support to the U.S. 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 about Navy Medicine, visit www.med.navy.mil


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