Portsmouth Naval Medical Team Takes Command in Kuwait
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040416-03
Release Date: 4/16/2004 8:17:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class Daniel A. Bristol, Navy Expeditionary Medical Facility Portsmouth Public Affairs
KUWAIT (NNS) -- Sailors from Navy Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Portsmouth, Va., relieved the Army 801st Combat Support Hospital in a Transition of Authority Ceremony April 1.
This is the first time a Naval Medicine unit has taken on this type of assignment, which is part of the largest troop rotation since World War II.
"These Army Soldiers have given their support to the war on terrorism and to their country," stated Commander, 8th Medical Brigade, Army Brig. Gen. Michael Walter, guest speaker at the ceremony.
Walter said the Soldiers of the 801st have given their best to ensure top medical attention was given to those who needed it. He said it is time for these Soldiers to go back home, and thanked their families for all of their support throughout the tour.
Commander, 801st Combat Support Hospital, Army Col. Craig Bugno, passed operational control to Commanding Officer, Navy EMF, Capt. Martin Snyder.
"Our current surgeon general, Vice Adm. Michael Cowan, coined the phrase, 'Muddy Boots,'" explained Snyder. "It was his goal to instill in the minds of Navy medical personnel that their focus should be on those Sailors, Marines and Soldiers who wear the muddy boots. I think that is truly fitting here in Kuwait. Although the mud may be sand, the mission is still the same."
Navy EMF Portsmouth is expected to remain in Kuwait for one year.
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