Photo By Joe Wiggins | Capt. Rita G. Simmons (left) assumes command of the Naval Medical Research Unit-San...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO -- One of Navy Medicine’s newest labs welcomed a new commanding officer today in a ceremony rooted deep in Navy traditions and customs.
Capt. Rita G. Simmons became the second commanding officer of the Naval Medical Research Unit San Antonio, during a ceremony officiated by Capt. Richard L. Haberberger Jr., commanding officer of the Naval Medical Research Center at Silver Spring, Md.
“Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to tour the facilities and meet almost all of the staff, and all I can say is ‘Wow!” said Simmons in accepting her assignment and offering her initial impressions of the NAMRU-SA facilities.
“I have worked in or visited many research labs, and I can say the laboratories, capabilities and brain trust resident within this command are unparalleled,” she said.
“To the staff of NAMRU-SA, you should be very proud of your accomplishments,” Simmons added. “I am very fortunate to be stepping into this command at this moment in time.”
Outgoing commander Capt. Vincent DeInnocentiis received the Legion of Merit award for his service and recalled many of the challenges he and the command have faced during his tenure.
“The amazing men and women of NAMRU-SA were able to keep their focus on the mission as we met the challenges of the BRAC decision that brought us here,” DeInnocentiis said.
“During the past three years, we have established the command, moved personnel and equipment from three locations to one, and still completed more than 48 cutting-edge warfighter-oriented research studies, and received three patents, with another three pending,” he added.
As the ceremony’s presiding officer, Haberberger offered praise to the command’s staff and its’ first commander.
“Today, one of Navy Medicine’s leading research units is saying goodbye to their first commanding officer, Capt. DeInnocentiis, and welcoming their new commanding officer, Capt. Rita Simmons,” Haberberger said.
“When you look at NAMRU-SA’s accomplishments over the short three-year life of this command, it’s apparent that they have made vast contributions to the Navy medical research community,” he added.
“The people of this command have demonstrated their excellence and eagerness to excel. To Capt. Simmons, the Navy has the utmost confidence in your ability to command. Enjoy your time; it will be over before you know it.”
| Date Taken: | 09.13.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2012 12:59 |
| Story ID: | 94900 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 360 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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