JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- More than 100 people saw Naval Medical Research Unit-San Antonio's (NAMRU-SA) change of command ceremony May 21, 2021 when Capt. Gerald DeLong relieved Capt. Andrew Vaughn. DeLong became NAMRU-SA's sixth commanding officer since the unit was established May 6, 2009.
The ceremony, inside Brooke Army Medical Center's Carolyn D. Putnam Auditorium, adhered to COVID-19 limitations for social distancing so dozens more watched live through social media and a government-provided streaming service. It featured hallmarks of Navy customs and tradition including piping aboard distinguished visitors and the ringing of a bell to render honors for high ranking officers.
Capt. Adam Armstrong, the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) commanding officer presided. NMRC is NAMRU-SA's higher headquarters in Silver Spring, MD. NMRC's higher headquarters is Naval Medical Forces Pacific which is located at San Diego, CA.
"With Capt. [Andrew] Vaughn, at the helm, this command has navigated a steady course," said Rear Adm. Tim Weber, Naval Medical Forces Pacific Commander, during his remarks as the guest speaker. Vaughn has commanded NAMRU-SA since Aug. 6, 2019.
The medical research and development unit conducts gap-driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations.
NAMRU-SA has more than 100 military and civilian members assigned with offices and workspace at two separate buildings on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas. For more than a year however, NAMRU-SA has operated with much of its staff teleworking to comply with Department of Defense and Joint Base San Antonio guidance.
Regardless, Weber said NAMRU-SA has met the challenge and excelled.
"[Capt Vaughn] delivered high quality research solutions and well-trained medical experts for the Navy medical mission of providing high performance teams who project medical power," said Weber.
Among other accomplishments within the last year, NAMRU-SA collaborated with the Army Institute for Surgical Research and the Air Force's 711th Human Performance Wing. It helped develop an intensive care unit for COVID-19 surge requirements and it assisted operational units with directed energy initiatives.
According to Weber, NAMRU-SA's scientists had secured funding for research initiatives and contributed to medical and dental science knowledge by developing 64 abstracts, 22 journal articles, 20 posters, seven presentations, four technical reports, and four manuscripts that highlighted research findings.
He presented Vaughn with the Legion of Merit, the second such award in a military career that has spanned thirty years including duty as a Navy line officer and, since 1996, as a medical doctor deployed worldwide.
"Alas, there is not enough time for me to mention all of the deserving folks here at NAMRU-San Antonio, each and every one of whom is responsible for this unit's success," said Vaughn moments before reading his orders aloud thereby relinquishing command to Capt. DeLong.
"The bottom line is that it is a team effort," said Vaughn.
Weber introduced Capt. DeLong and proclaimed that he is confident that NAMRU-SA will maintain a steady course.
DeLong, a Medical Service Corps officer, previously served as the Deputy Commander of Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA.
"It's a day of celebration for all," said Weber.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2021 18:16 |
| Story ID: | 397649 |
| Location: | FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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