BETHESDA, Md. -- Capt. Darla Dietrich relieved Capt. Jeffrey J. Klinger as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Bethesda, during a combined change of command and retirement ceremony at the historic Art Deco hospital tower at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, April 2, 2026.
During a change of command, commanding officers complete a formal turnover of responsibility in front of their assembled crew, in the presence of the immediate superior in command, witnessed by distinguished guests.
Rear Adm. Robert J. Hawkins, commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic and director, Defense Health Network Atlantic, presided over the event.
“Both of these individuals didn’t get up here on stage without a lot of support from all of you, clearly, over the years, but especially the family,” said Hawkins. “Frequent moves, frequent uncertainty, frequent deployments, all those things. And quite frankly, without family and friends, not possible. It’s just not. So, to all of you, thank you, each and every one of you for your support, for your sacrifice, and don’t ever underestimate the fact that that sacrifice is in support of this great nation as well.”
Klinger retires after 33 years of service, serving as the third commanding officer of NMRTC Bethesda.
“If I could do it and you want to do it, I’m telling you, you could do it,” said Klinger. “So go for it. Do your job, take care of each other. I’m going to be rooting for all of you from the sidelines. Go Huskies. Go Navy, beat Army again.”
Following his remarks, NMRTC Bethesda Sailors presented Klinger with retirement gifts in appreciation of his leadership and dedication to the crew.
Under the supervision of Hawkins, Dietrich then relieved Klinger of command. Dietrich’s command pin was adorned by her husband.
“As I look across the crowd, I am blessed to see shipmates that I have worked with throughout my entire career,” said Dietrich. “If you’re here today and you’re one of my previous bosses, a peer or shipmate, please know that you have played a vital role in mentoring me. I thank you for the encouragement and the confidence in my abilities, the rudder adjustments that may have been needed on a rare occasion, of course, and no matter the rank, the honest talk and feedback that always led to our mission success.”
Dietrich joined the U.S. Navy in 2002 and previously served as the executive officer aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). She will serve as the fourth commanding officer of NMRTC Bethesda.
“As your CO, I am fully invested in you,” said Dietrich. “I want each of you to be mentally, physically and professionally ready for the fight. I know it can be a heavy burden caring for the warfighters, both past and present and their families, especially when we are adaptable to every scenario of care, from the MTF [military treatment facility] setting to the forefront of military operations.”
The ceremony concluded with the benediction and the departure of the official party.
NMRTC Bethesda’s mission is to maximize warfighter performance through optimized medical readiness tailored to operational requirements; enhance the readiness of the medical force to sustain expeditionary medical capability; and train and develop the Navy Medicine Force.