Cmdr. Shelton L. Lyons II relieved Capt. Jason S. Spillman as officer in charge, Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 5 during a change of charge ceremony held aboard the USS Midway (CV 41) Museum at Navy Pier in San Diego, Aug 21.

Spillman successfully led NEPMU-5 through many specialized fleet support and training operations throughout the region as well as several Pacific Partnership humanitarian missions from 2011 - 2015. His departing sentiments were nothing short of his profound appreciation of the priceless relationships established throughout the years by those who flourished as a result of his leadership.

"I could not be more proud of your efforts and the lasting impact you have made," said Spillman. "What has made me most happy over the past four years is your loyalty and devotion to duty to our country and the over 40 times I've seen our troops promote to the next pay grade...seeing our people excel for their outstanding work is something I take great pride in."

Capt. Spillman took a few moments to express his great admiration for Cmdr. Lyons as he takes the helm and assumes the watch of NEPMU-5.

"Shelton and I go back to early 2000 when we were stationed in Italy together...NEPMU-5, Cmdr. Lyons and I are cut from the same cloth and I am confident that you are in very capable hands," said Spillman.

During the ceremony, Spillman and Lyons read their orders followed by the ceremonious salute to symbolize the official changeover of charge. Upon acceptance of authority, Cmdr. Lyons, a native of Johnson City, Tennessee, shared a few words with his unit members as their new officer in charge.

"I would like to begin by first thanking those involved in the planning and execution of this change of charge ceremony," said Lyons. "We will continue our mission to provide world class preventive medicine services to the warfighter and to those eligible beneficiaries."

Lyons concluded his speech by saying, "I am honored to have been chosen for the opportunity and am looking forward to continuing the rich heritage and commitment to excellence that has been well rooted here at this unit."

The mission of NEMPU-5 is to provide specialized consultation, advice, and recommendations in matters of occupational health, health promotion, preventive medicine, environmental health, and deployment medical surveillance; to include chemical, biological, radiological and environmental defense to unified and naval component commanders, naval shore activities, and fleet units of the operational forces in the areas assigned, and to perform such other functions and tasks as may be directed by higher authority.



For more news from Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit 5, visit www.navy.mil/.