Courtesy Photo | The passing of the ceremonial saber from Chief Warrant Officer 5 Deanna Hughes,...... read more read more
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The U.S. Army Medical Command marked a significant milestone on August 28, 2026, with its first-ever Command Chief Warrant Officer Change of Responsibility ceremony. The event honored the trailblazing service of Chief Warrant Officer 5 Deanna Hughes, the inaugural Command Chief Warrant Officer, as she relinquished her duties to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Terrence Ward.
Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre, the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General of USAMEDCOM, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the historic nature of the occasion and the critical role warrant officers play in the success of Army Medicine.
Over 275 warrant officers serve in Army Medicine as technical and tactical experts in medical logistics and food safety. Health Services Maintenance Technicians manage medical equipment maintenance and repair. Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officers prevent food-borne illnesses and assure the procurement of safe, quality foods within the Department of War.
"Trailblazers don't walk on paved paths," said Izaguirre, addressing Hughes. "You were handed a blank canvas. You cleared the brush, you dug the trench, and you laid the foundation for others to come. You have shown everyone why this command team must have a command chief warrant officer."
During her tenure, Hughes was instrumental in establishing the CCWO position as a vital part of the command’s strategic leadership. She championed professional development initiatives, created the Army Medicine Warrant Officer Executive Fellowship program, and enhanced the role of Health Services Maintenance Technicians within Army Divisions, directly improving medical readiness.
As Hughes moves on to retirement after a remarkable 35-year career, her work has ensured that the CCWO position has shifted from a novel initiative into an enduring pillar of Army Medicine, creating a powerful legacy for all future warrant officer leaders to build upon.
“The greatest triumph in establishing this position within Army Medicine is the integration into a super web of 17 warrant officer branches comprised of nearly 28,000 warrant officers,” Hughes said. “This strategic alignment taps into a robust network of technical experts all ready to support combat ready care. What a great day to celebrate.”
In her closing remarks, Hughes reflected on the honor of being the first to hold the position. "It has been the greatest honor and privilege of my military career to serve as your inaugural Command Chief Warrant Officer," she stated. "I am honored to have been the first and I am thankful I will not be the last. Today marks a significant milestone as I stand before you for the last time."
The ceremony saw the passing of the ceremonial saber from Hughes to Ward, symbolizing the transition of leadership and responsibility. Ward, a Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer, brings a wealth of experience to the role, most recently as the command food safety officer for Public Health Command, East at Fort Meade, Maryland.
Ward enlisted in the Army in 1994 as a petroleum supply specialist and transitioned to preventive medicine in 1998. He was selected for the 640A Veterinary Corps Food Safety Officer Warrant Officer Program in 2007 and graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School in 2008.
Izaguirre expressed her full confidence in the incoming CCWO. "Terrence, you are taking the helm of a role that is now vital to the readiness of Army Medicine," she said. "You are taking charge of a legacy, started by Deanna and truly solidified by you. You will bring your own vision and your own technical brilliance to this command."
In his first remarks as the command’s chief warrant officer, Ward thanked his family and mentors for their support and stated his commitment to the Army Medical Enterprise.
“The Army Medicine we have tomorrow will be shaped by the leaders we develop today."
"As I take on this responsibility, my commitment is simple,” said Ward. “Represent Army Medicine with integrity. Extend the reach of the Surgeon General. Support our medical command teams. Build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us. Build the bench. And develop the next generation of leaders.”
| Date Taken: | 08.28.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2026 16:48 |
| Story ID: | 574115 |
| Location: | FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 23 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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