A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Industrial Hygiene headquarters at Naval Support Facility Indian Head launched a multi-site command visit by Rear Adm. Robert Hawkins, commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL). The visit to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Patuxent River and its Indian Head detachment focused on evaluating operational readiness, touring updated facilities, and engaging directly with deckplate leadership and staff.
The ceremony celebrated a $1.06 million joint investment that transformed Building 320 into an administrative and operational hub. Modernizing the historic 1918 facility—originally a World War I-era base firehouse and later a chapel—provides front-line occupational health specialists with a modernized, dedicated workspace to monitor and mitigate workplace hazards. By carefully preserving the building's historical exterior, the team completely rebuilt the interior, successfully blending the base's century-old heritage with its future mission requirements.
"This is an exciting day because this facility represents a critical investment in the readiness of our force," Hawkins said. "Readiness is not simply our ability to treat injuries after they happen. Readiness means preventing those injuries whenever possible."
Prior to the renovation, the team spent more than 30 years operating out of a temporary trailer that had become a highly deficient workspace. Modernizing the building represents a direct investment in the safety of these essential personnel, providing them a professional workspace that matches their operational dedication.
The successful completion of Building 320 represents a highly collaborative effort across multiple military organizations.
Hawkins expressed gratitude to Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) for funding the office conversion and utility infrastructure, and to Navy Medicine (BUMED/NMFL) for supporting the facility's outfitting and IT installation. Additionally, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) South Potomac and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collaborated closely on the planning, engineering, and construction execution.
During the event, Cmdr. Robert Lusk, executive officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, spoke to this critical alignment, highlighting how the modernized space directly supports the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD). The NSWC IHD serves as the military's largest full-spectrum energetics facility, playing a critical role in joint services development by researching, developing, and testing explosives, propellants, and reactive materials.
The industrial hygiene team manages a comprehensive environmental and workplace safety portfolio—including medical surveillance, hearing conservation, hazardous material assessment, ergonomics, and radiation safety.
“The Department of the Navy industrial hygiene team at NMRTC-Det. Indian Head plays an important role in safeguarding against workplace hazards and worker safety,” said Capt. Ken Radford, commanding officer, NMRTC Patuxent River. “Rear Adm. Hawkins’ visit today as commander, NMFL, signifies a deep gratitude and commitment for the hard work they are doing while celebrating a modernized workplace for this team.”
Radford highlighted Steven Robey, NAVFAC Indian Head Facilities Project Manager, praising him for flawlessly executing the complex renovation and bringing the modernization project to a successful completion.
Following the ceremony, Hawkins toured NMRTC-Det. Indian Head and recognized an outstanding staff member.
Hospitalman Jocelyn Morales Garcia, a dental technician, was celebrated for her exceptional dedication in single-handedly managing dental operations and ensuring a near-flawless Joint Commission assist visit for the understaffed department.
During his visit to NMRTC Patuxent River, Hawkins focused on direct dialogue with the command’s Board of Directors, Senior Enlisted Leadership, and Triad to address local challenges and future strategic goals. He toured clinic spaces, engaging with the crew on the deckplate and recognizing key staff members with challenge coins. Additionally, in his role as the director of the Navy Nurse Corps, Hawkins concluded his visit meeting with the command's Nurse Corps officers to discuss career development and clinical sustainment.
"Hosting the commander of Naval Medical Forces Atlantic to walk our deckplates is critical to ensure our operational alignment to Navy Medicine," Radford said. "Rear Adm. Hawkins saw firsthand the successes and challenges we experience at our geographically dispersed command. His visit and advocacy send a powerful message to our Sailors of the important fusion between healthcare and medical readiness to ensure we’re ready for the future fight."