Courtesy Photo | BILLINGS, Mont. (Aug. 22, 2026) – U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Matthew Case, acting Surgeon...... read more read more
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U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Matthew Case, acting surgeon general of the Navy and acting chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, joined more than 80 Sailors in Billings, Montana, to kick off the city’s first-ever Navy Week, Aug. 20-22.
The 3-day visit was part of a Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) program that brings senior U.S. Navy leaders together with the local community to increase awareness and understanding of the Navy’s mission and heritage.
The visit underscores Case’s previous visits to Billings as Navy Medicine continues to build lasting connections and partnerships between Montana and the sea service through engagements with local healthcare professionals, civic and educational leaders, veterans, and students.
“Its great to be back in Billings,” Case said during an event with the Friends of the USS Billings. “My last trip went so well, I jumped at the chance to come back with all of these resilient Sailors. It's a privilege to be here with them and share the story of the Navy with the great city of Billings.”
Throughout the week, Case focused on medical readiness and education. He visited Montana State University and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine for campus tours and speaking engagements with military medicine students, as well as strategic meetings with leadership at the Billings Clinic and Riverstone Health.
Case said to students, “As future leaders and doctors, remember that every patient you see is an opportunity to learn more. That's how you grow - you place yourself in new and uncomfortable positions and places that challenge you and broaden your experience.”
Beyond healthcare discussions, Case was joined by BUMED’s STEM and Military Medical Ambassadors to prioritize connecting with the next generation of Montanans. During these events, he shared leadership lessons and STEM information with youths at the Billings Family YMCA Leadership Camp and the Boys & Girls Club of Yellowstone County.
Cmdr. Brandi Gibson, Nurse Corps recruiting and retention lead assigned to BUMED, added, “We are so excited to be here in Billings to tell our stories. We have Sailors here from all over the world to share the unique careers and opportunities in the Navy.”
The Navy Week visit also provided poignant moments to honor local history and military service. Case met with the Veteran Navigation Network, and honored a U.S. Air Force veteran, Airman 1st Class Billy Goodwin, at a ceremony dedicated to his years of service among his friends and family. He also celebrated the city's namesake warship, the Freedom-class littoral combat ship, USS Billings (LCS 15), at a barbecue hosted by the Friends of the USS Billings.
“Your service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation have helped strengthen the freedoms we all share,” concluded Case. “We are deeply grateful for your example and for the lasting contributions you continue to make to your families, your communities, and our country.”
Billings Navy Week is the eighth of 12 Navy Weeks taking place in 2026 as part of the Navy Office of Community Outreach’s “Road Trip to 250,” a nationwide effort supporting America's 250th birthday, Freedom 250. Navy Weeks bring a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to connect communities across America with their Navy, highlighting shared history and the enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting the nation’s independence.
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| Date Taken: | 08.25.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.25.2026 10:49 |
| Story ID: | 573162 |
| Location: | BILLINGS, MONTANA, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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