Photo By Master Sgt. Blair Heusdens | Navy Rear Adm. Tom Copeman shakes hands with Navy Capt. David Wright during a change...... read more read more
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Service members and family members gathered to celebrate the successes of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay's naval hospital and Joint Medical Group under the command of Navy Capt. David Wright during a change of command ceremony, Dec. 30. Navy Capt. Monte Bible assumed the dual command from Wright, who leaves Guantanamo for a position in Virginia as director of health care operations at Navy Medicine East.
The naval station hospital at Guantanamo Bay is a general care medical facility with 12 operating beds, capable of expanding to 25 beds with a combined staff of military and civilian employees. The hospital supports the base community with inpatient and outpatient services. In addition to the hospital's care of the general base population, the Joint Medical Group provides medical care to Joint Task Force Guantanamo Troopers and the detainee population.
Wright saw the ceremony as an opportunity to recognize his shipmates who have contributed to the success of the mission at Guantanamo. His unique command brought together two organizations of professionals from multiple branches of the service into one team that benefitted from the combined experience of all.
"I'm honored to serve two excellent teams of professionals who have together accomplished exceptional things," Wright said.
Wright credited the diversity and professionalism of his team for successes including gaining approval for a new long-term care facility on base, preparing for an upcoming survey by the Joint Commission and repeated recognitions from the International Committee of the Red Cross for compassionate medical care for detainees.
"You've demonstrated perseverance under difficult situations to provide safe, humane, legal and transparent care for the detainees," Wright said.
Navy Rear Adm. Tom Copeman, commander of JTF Guantanamo, praised Wright's leadership by saying that although he was only in command a short time, he made a positive impact on the community. Copeman cited his family's personal experience with the hospital staff as being caring and professional, a direct reflection on their leadership.
"The commander sets the tone that enables his subordinates to flourish," said Copeman. "It is the people who operate the technology, and how they've been led — that leads to success."
Guest speaker Navy Rear Adm. William Kiser, commanding officer of Navy Medicine East, spoke of the leadership qualities demonstrated by Wright during his command.
"He invested himself in those he's been blessed to lead, he has lived the values of honor, courage and commitment with reckless abandon, and he remembers that he and the hospital are part of something greater than themselves," said Kiser. "He is leaving this place, the staff and facility better than he found it."
Kiser also brought a message to the medical staff in attendance about the significance of Guantanamo Bay, and in particular, one man — John Blair Gibbs — an acting assistant surgeon in the Navy attached to the 1st Marine Battalion during the Spanish American War. Gibbs participated in the 1898 invasion of Guantanamo Bay, providing medical care to the Marines he supported. During the battle, Gibbs, along with five other Marines, died.
"You are now proud bearers of the legacy of sacrifice left to you by John Blair Gibbs," said Kiser. "It was in this place he gave his life for his shipmates and exercised commitment, focus and passion in support of his country and the Marines he was serving."
Kiser encouraged the medical staff to follow the examples set by Wright and Gibbs and to continue to provide a high level of care under the leadership of Capt. Bible.
"Today we are a nation at war," said Kiser. "One hundred years from now, people will be telling stories about what you do."
Bible assumed command with a few short words and a promise to those present.
"I'm here to be a part of the team," said Bible. "I want to help you succeed and make sure you're fulfilled personally and professionally."
| Date Taken: | 12.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2009 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 43346 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 302 |
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