SAN DIEGO –Rear Adm. Matthew Case, Acting Surgeon General and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, visited the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) on August 7 to gain firsthand insight into the command's most recent research initiatives supporting warfighter health, readiness, resilience and recovery.
During the visit, which highlighted NHRC's pivotal role in advancing medical science for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, Case received comprehensive briefings on several key research programs, including infectious disease surveillance, psychological health initiatives, and environmental health studies. Case toured NHRC's state-of-the-art laboratories and engaged with the command’s military officers, discussing their work and impact on service members and their families.
Case took note of the ongoing efforts in bio-wastewater surveillance, emphasizing the need for rapid translation of research findings into practical solutions for the fleet.
"It was inspiring to witness the dedication and groundbreaking work being done at NHRC," said Case. "The research conducted by these talented professionals is absolutely vital to ensuring our Sailors and Marines are healthy, resilient and ready to meet any challenge. Their contributions directly enhance our operational capabilities and safeguard the well-being of our force."
To conclude his visit, Rear Adm. Case presented two NHRC officers – Cmdr. Ryan Smith and Lt. Joseph Gordon III – with command coins.
Capt. Kellie McMullen, NHRC's commanding officer, expressed gratitude for Case's visit. "We were honored to host the Acting Surgeon General and showcase the breadth of our research portfolio," McMullen said. "His visit reinforces the importance of our mission to optimize warfighter health and readiness through scientific research.”
NHRC, part of Navy Medicine Research & Development, supports Navy, Marine Corps and joint U.S. warfighter health readiness and lethality with research and development that delivers high-value, high-impact solutions to the health and readiness challenges that the U.S. military population faces on the battlefield, at-sea, home and abroad.