The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine was formally reflagged as the U.S. Army Public Health Command during a redesignation ceremony July 11 at McBride Field, Aberdeen Proving Ground"South, Md.
The redesignation is another step in the transformation to full operational capability of the USAPHC and in the transformation of Army Medicine to a focus on prevention, health promotion and sound lifestyle choices.
More than 250 people"dignitaries, family, friends and USAPHC Soldiers and Civilians"witnessed Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command, and Brig. Gen. Timothy K. Adams, USAPHC commander, uncase the USAPHC colors.
Schoomaker acknowledged the significance of the USAPHC mission to the health of the Army, calling it a “force multiplier.”
“The long-term value of preventive health measures cannot be overstated,” he said. “Keeping the entire Army Family healthy is the centerpiece of a national strategic goal"the center of gravity of the strength of the Army and the nation as a whole. This places the Public Health Command at the hub of all we do.”
While acknowledging the many accomplishments of the USACHPPM and its successor organization, the U.S. Army Public Health Command (Provisional), Schoomaker advised USAPHC employees not to rest on their laurels.
“While you proudly reflect on your accomplishments, I encourage you to remain vigilant and seek continual improvement,” he said. He urged the Army’s public health professionals to be futuristic and visionary, focusing on long-term health outcomes while simultaneously meeting today’s needs and preparing to surge for immediate crises.
Adams, who has led the transition to the USAPHC for almost two years of its formation, offered a verbal salute to the two organizations that are merging to create it.
“Today we case the colors of the Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine and unfurl the colors of the Public Health Command. Later this month [July 22], we will case the colors of the Veterinary Command,” he said. “We close the chapter on two legacy organizations, both with proud histories and contributions that have immeasurably impacted the health and readiness of our Army, the Department of Defense, and their families.”
As the single point of accountability for public health, the USAPHC has the mission to promote health and prevent disease, injury, and disability of Soldiers and military retirees, their families, and Department of the Army civilian employees; and assure effective execution of full-spectrum veterinary service for Army and Department of Defense Veterinary missions.
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