TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands - Rear Adm. Newton E. Kendig visited the Tinian Health Center here Dec. 13 during Exercise Forager Fury 2012.
Kendig is the assistant director of health services for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and assistant surgeon general and is in the Marianas to review the healthcare systems of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“We extended an invitation to him so he could visit the Tinian Health Center and gave him a tour of the health center and the island,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew R. Boubrava, the Senior Medical officer for Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “He also saw all the dental care that is being given and understood its importance. He was very well received.”
Though Kendig came to Tinian alone, his team remained on Saipan to review their medical status.
“I have been charged by the Surgeon General’s office to come here and lead a team of 10 public health officers to assist the government of Saipan into looking at how we can best support their health care system here with a focus on the hospital in Saipan, but also community health systems that extends to Rota and Tinian,” said Kendig. “We are here for a 90 days, and we are bringing a spirit of collaboration to work with health care leadership here. We want to see how we can best assist them in all aspects of the health care system from hospital and ambulatory care to fiscal management of their health care budget.”
During Kendig’s assessment of the medical facilities on Tinian, he stopped by the dental clinic to show his appreciation to the Navy dental technicians for their hard work.
“I think it is outstanding what these guys are doing,” said Kendig. “Everyone seems very appreciative of what the military is bringing to the people of Tinian.”
Kendig also stressed the importance of the training being conducted on Tinian.
“This is a great location for the military to train and it’s great that we can provide some medical assistance while we’re here,” said Kendig. “It works out well for the military and the people here.”
After getting a good assessment of the Tinian Health Center and a quick tour of the island, Kendig returned to his team in Saipan to further discuss the medical status in the Marianas.