By Lt. Phillip Boyer
Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait, Public Affairs Officer
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Navy Capt. Kevin D. Moore passed the reins of both the Medical Task Force - Kuwait and the Expeditionary Medical Facility - Kuwait to Navy Capt. Elaine C. Wagner at a change of command ceremony held at a chapel on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Apr. 17.
Moore, who held the dual-post command for the last year has accomplished much during his time in Kuwait. Under his leadership, the Camp Arifjan hospital moved from tents into a fixed facility. The move was a key component of EMF Kuwait's mission to provide combat force health sustainment. He has been tapped to command Naval Hospital Yokosuka in Japan.
Many of Moore's colleagues said they have been impressed with his dedication to building cooperative relationships between the Army, Navy, and sister services.
"He's leaving me in a great position to continue the mission here," Wagner said. "For me, the greatest things Captain Moore has achieved are the inroads and connections he's made with our Army teammates."
Wagner was not alone in her regard for her predecessor.
"Every time I had an issue (Moore) made me feel like I was his number one priority," said Air Force Col. Thomas Palmer, Commander of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group.
Army and Air Force leaders in the Kuwait area all concur with Wagner's assessment of the outgoing commanding officer's fine reputation. Brig. Gen. Luis R. Visot, the deputy commanding general of operations for the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater), said "Speaking on a personal level, I'll miss (Moore's) ability to keep his sense of humor while meeting the challenges that came his way."
Visot continued, "From a professional standpoint, I'll miss a shipmate who knows what our sons and daughters need in the way of healthcare in the field. The gentle manner in which he approached such a difficult mission was commendable."
Brig. Gen. Michael J. Schweiger, the deputy commanding general of support for the 1st TSC, summed up Moore's contributions by saying, "What I like most about [Moore] is that he's a straightforward guy. He's sincere and honest and has a great sense of humor. Where I come from he's what we call 'good people'."
Wagner, the incoming commanding officer, is no stranger to leading a healthcare organization. She has previously held the positions of executive officer at Naval
Hospital Jacksonville, Florida, and as Commanding Officer at Naval Hospital Beaufort, South Carolina.
Those familiar with her said she is the perfect person to pick up where Moore left off. Navy Capt. Reginald McNeil, deputy force surgeon for Navy Central Command said, "(Wagner) brings a high level of compassion, and steadfast leadership to the job...She really knows how to get people to work together."
Of the new commanding officer, Moore said "I think her strongest qualities are her humility and willingness to learn about her new operating environment – she really takes the time to assess the situation before acting."
The executive officer of Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait Capt. Robin Wilkening said, "I can already see she incorporates visionary leadership and collaborative teambuilding in her approach to command – I look forward to working with her."