SAN DIEGO (Apr 9, 2021) Capt. Bradford Smith, outgoing commanding officer Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD)/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego (NMRTC), plays To the Colors on the bugle during morning colors before the change of command ceremony on board NMCSD/NMRTC Apr 9, 2021. Smith was relieved by Capt. Devin Morrison as the commanding officer of NMCSD/NMRTC. NMCSD’s number one priority is providing the safest, highest quality patient-centered medical care for our veterans, service members and their families. NMCSD is committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service and always delivering world-class health care. NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Harley K. Sarmiento.

SAN DIEGO (April 9, 2021) Capt. Devin Morrison (right), incoming commanding officer Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD)/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command San Diego (NMRTC), relieves Capt. Bradford Smith (left) as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony on board NMCSD/NMRTC April 9, 2021. Photo by MC3 Harley Sarmiento.

NMCSD/NMRTC holds change of command
April 9, 2021
by PO1 Vernishia Vaughn, Naval Medical Center San Diego
SAN DIEGO – Capt. Bradford Smith turned over command of Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD)/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego to Capt. Devin Morrison, presided over by Naval Medical Forces Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Tim Weber April 9.
With family, executive steering committee (ESC) and senior enlisted leaders (SEL) in attendance, Smith passed command to Morrison in a brief exchange immediately following morning colors where Smith performed ‘To the Colors’ on his bugle and remarks from Weber.
Weber expressed gratitude for being able to preside over the change of command ceremony, not only to mark the complete transfer of authority from Capt. Smith to Capt. Morrison, but to also recognize the NMCSD/NMRTC team.
“I also want to recognize military civilian and Sailors of this command for their commitment to mission, commitment to those they’re honored to serve and commitment to each other,” said Weber.
The presiding officer continued his remarks sharing a few command accomplishments that took place under Smith’s leadership to include, delivering on Navy medical mission, providing well trained medical experts, operating in high performance teams to project power in support of Naval superiority and while doing so, keeping the Navy and Marine Corps family ready, healthy and on the job.
“You’ve been in the thick of COVID,” said Weber. “You did all of this while taking care of more than 250,000 warfighters and beneficiaries while facing the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. You created a proactive and comprehensive response to COVID.
For Smith, the accomplishments could not have been possible without the team within the command. In his final address he shared his final thoughts as the commanding officer.
“When I look back at the incredible accomplishments of this command within the past two and a half despite unprecedented challenges, it is certainly not about me,” said Smith. It’s about one of the most incredible teams I’ve had the honor to serve with at every level within the command. We have much to be proud of, and it because of the amazing staff of Naval Medical Center San Diego.”
Immediately following the relinquish of command, Morrison followed suit with his remarks highlighting the accomplishments of the command which include administering more than 88,000 vaccines, facilitating more than 140,000 COVID-19 tests to date and launching a new electronic health record system in what Morrison considers “world class style.” He encouraged the audience and those tuning in virtually to give themselves a round of applause.
“You’ve confronted the pandemic and you did it against the backdrop of our daily mission taking care of our relatives and retirees,” said Morrison. “I know these accomplishments come at great costs and I know everyone who hears these words bear the physical and mental awareness the complexity of the work we do each and every day.”
Although Morrison’s tenure as commanding officer is a short one, he acknowledged being ready to embark on the next seven weeks as what he calls, “the caretaker of this post.”
In closing, Morrison shared, “NMCSD and NMRTC team, you’re a world class group and much to be proud of.”
As Morrison assumes command as commanding officer, Capt. Kelly Elmore, director healthcare business will assume the role as executive officer.
NMCSD’s number one priority is providing the safest, highest quality patient-centered medical care for our veterans, service members and their families. NMCSD is committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service and always delivering world-class health care.
NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC serves as the single point of contact in support of installation and operational commanders, providing medical information, support and over medical cognizance of the active duty and reserve force.
Visit sandiego.tricare.mil or facebook.com/NMCSD for more information.

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