By Megan Burnham
Joint Task Force Guantanamo
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Joint Task Force Guantanamo's Joint Medical Group is currently going through an organization reload as 95 percent of their staff finish their six-month tour and return to their home duty station.
"The outgoing group has performed in an exceptional manner, improving both the efficiency and quality of care provided here," said Navy Capt. Bruce Meneley, the JTF's senior medical officer. "I feel that they have overcome every obstacle that they have been presented and fully succeeded in every aspect of their mission."
The JMG staff provides 24/7 medical care including general surgical, dental care, preventive medicine, routine care, mental health services, specialty care, and mass casualty support. The staff also provides general and mental healthcare services to all JTF and active duty service members.
"The Guantanamo Naval Hospital provides a significant degree of staff support whom we refer to as 'dual-hatters,'" said Meneley. "These members not only provide their various services to the patients at the Naval Hospital, but also to the detainees and staff of the JTF. This also includes the commander of the JMG"
The JMG is staffed primarily by U.S. Navy individual augmentees; however, it is also supported by members from the Army and the Air Force.
The mission of JMG is to provide safe, humane and ethical medical care to detained enemy combatants while also providing a comprehensive standard of care to all JTF staff.
"I feel the mission of the JMG contributes to the JTF mission in two very important ways," said Meneley. "It allows the JTF to focus on their mission knowing that all their medical needs will be met. Additionally, it assures that the detainees receive the appropriate level of medical care enabling the JTF to focus on its mission here."
As their replacements arrive in Guantanamo, many of them will be shipmates from the U.S. Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla. while others come from both stateside and overseas commands.
"I have every confidence that the incoming group will continue to exceed all expectations and overcome any obstacles that we are presented with," said Meneley. "Although the JMG has performed in an exemplary manner, like any other unit or organization, there is always room for future improvement."