Hospital construction complete; A major milestone for Yongsan Relocation Program

Photo By Antwaun Parrish | Col. Teresa Schlosser, former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (USACE), Far East District (FED) provides remarks during the new Brian Allgood Army Community Hospital Acceptance Release Letter signing ceremony, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24.  

41, SOUTH KOREA

07.24.2019

Story by Antwaun Parrish 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Far East District

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea— An acceptance release letter (ARL) signing ceremony was held in front of the new Brian D. Allgood Army Community Hospital, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 24. The ARL ceremony marks the completion of a project and acceptance from the ROK government to the U.S. government.

Since breaking ground in 2012, construction on the hospital at Camp Humphreys has been an ongoing endeavor, however, the project is now complete and the 65th Medical Brigade will welcome patients later this year.

The new hospital is part of the $10.7 billion, multi-year, massive relocation effort known as the Yongsan Relocation Program (YRP). The YRP relocates most U.S. Forces and headquarters United Nations Command activities from the Seoul metropolitan area to areas south, most notably to U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Humphreys. USAG Humphreys has grown exponentially over the past 10 years due to projects led by the Far East District.

For Col. Teresa Schlosser, former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Far East District (FED) commander, it was important that this event occurred as a part of her last action during her command of the district.

“I wanted my final act as the FED commander to be able to turn over this hospital,” said Schlosser. “Thankfully due to extremely hard teamwork by everyone involved, this day has come and the hospital is complete.”

Schlosser admitted that signing the hospital over was a day that she thought would never come. This is due to many construction delays throughout the seven year process.

“I want to be the first of many to thank all the partners associated with this and everybody who combined to bring this hospital forward,” said Schlosser. “I appreciate being able to close out this hospital after all these years of hard work to get it across the finish line and to turn it over to my medical brethren.”

Col. Derek Cooper, 65th Medical Brigade commander, was also in attendance and offered a few remarks to show his appreciation for everyone involved in constructing the facility.

According to Cooper, the facility will enable the medical community here in Korea to greatly enhance the quality of life for the Soldiers and family members that serve here on the peninsula every day.

“It’s my honor to be accepting this world-class healthcare facility on behalf of the entire medical enterprise here in Korea and it extends all the way back to the U.S. Army Medical Command,” said Cooper.

Cooper went on to thank the partners, of whom he saw fit to rename teammates, for their efforts in getting it across the finish line.

“You all should be proud of your accomplishments in getting us to this point,” said Cooper. “I want to thank you on behalf of the entire AMEDD [Army Medical Department] community and the Army medical enterprise.”

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 20 and the hospital will officially open for patients on Nov. 15.

• Date Taken: 07.24.2019
• Date Posted: 07.25.2019 23:58
• Story ID: 333111
• Location: 41, KR