Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) conducted a Change of Command and Change of Responsibility ceremony July 25, 2014 at 10 a.m. at the TAMC Flag Pole, where Col. David Dunning assumed command of TAMC from Brig. Gen. Dennis Doyle, Commanding General of Pacific Regional Medical Command and outgoing TAMC Commander.
During the ceremony, PRMC Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Luciano handed over TAMC Command Sergeant Major responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Donald George, interim TAMC Command Sergeant Major.
The ceremony was attended by senior leaders from across the Pacific to include Gen. Vincent Brooks, Commanding General of United States Army Pacific Command.
Both Doyle and Luciano maintain their roles as PRMC leaders, with TAMC remaining a major subordinate command alongside the U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks, Medical Activity-Japan and Medical Activity-Korea.
The ceremony marks a new chapter in the growth of the regional medical command staffing to enable expanded and enhanced medical support and partnership throughout the area of responsibility.
"Tripler Army Medical Center will have a Colonel commander like all other Army Medical Centers but will retain its unique position however-- as the Tertiary referral center in the Pacific, as a top producer of health care for the AMEDD and as a critical partner in the Pacific with other service facilities, civilian hospitals and our long standing Joint Venture partner, the VA," stated Doyle.
The PRMC commander also recognized TAMC staff for the tremendous work he witnessed over the last 20 months. "Countless patients and family members have told me their story about the compassionate care here and expressed their extreme appreciation. Command Sgt. Maj. Luciano and I are proud beyond words for this team's service to our Nation's sons and daughters and honored to have been your command team."
Under Doyle's leadership, TAMC opened a new Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a state-of-the-art facility and the first single-family NICU on the island of Oahu.
Tripler also was awarded the Psychologically Healthy Workplace and Best Practice Award by the American Psychological Association--the first DoD facility to receive that recognition.
More recently, Tripler underwent a highly successful Joint Commission Survey, receiving only one direct finding; a feat unprecedented for a medical center of it's size.
TAMC's incoming commander, Dunning, was welcomed to the stage and addressed his new staff saying he was humbled by the mission that had been entrusted to him, by the patriots who have led and served in the organization before him and by the Soldiers that stood in front of him.
"I am truly honored that the Army has seen fit to entrust me with not only a second command, but with what I consider the crown jewel. I will make only one promise today. That promise is that I will do my utmost to ensure that I do not fail as you look toward me to lead this great organization. Not only will I lead, but I will also serve our beneficiaries and the Soldiers, Civilians and Family Members of Tripler Army Medical Center. We will continue the legacy of those that have gone before," Dunning said.
The new TAMC commander also thanked Doyle for the leadership he provided. "You have built a finely tuned organization that we will continue to refine and move forward. Congratulations on a job especially well done. It will be a pleasure to continue serving under you in your role as the Commanding General, Pacific Regional Medical Command."
Dunning is the 41st TAMC Commander since it's establishment in 1920.
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