SEMBACH, Germany -- With a ceremonial passing of the colors, Brig. Gen. Ronald T. Stephens assumed command of Regional Health Command Europe from Brig. Gen. Dennis P. LeMaster on May 23.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Clark, U.S. Army Medical Command Deputy Commanding General (Operations), presided over the ceremony. Stephens previously served as the MEDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff for Support (G-1/4/6). LeMaster will take command of Regional Health Command Pacific.

Clark praised both the outgoing and incoming commanders.

LeMaster created a remarkable relationship with NATO and allied partners, Clark said. "Perhaps the most striking examples of this were his initiatives to significantly improve the military medical capabilities and readiness of Ukrainian Land Forces."

Clark went on to say that under LeMaster's leadership, "the U.S. Army Europe medically ready force statistics have exceeded the Army standard for the past 14 consecutive months -- the leaders here today know this translates into more Soldiers fit and ready to do the next mission."

He also said that Stephens is the right right leader to assume command of RHCE and serve as USAREUR Command Surgeon.

Stephens "has excelled in myriad leadership opportunities -- generating force, operational force and in combat," Clark said. "Thank you in advance for taking ready medical force and medically ready force to the next level."
Stephens said it was an honor to assume command of such an outstanding organization.

"I look forward to working with colleagues and allies across Europe as we improve medical, dental, veterinary and public health care," he said.

Regional Health Command Europe is made up of four subordinate commands: Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Medical Department Activity Bavaria, Dental Health Command Europe and Public Health Command Europe. Together they enable RHCE to provide a trained, ready and capable health force at Army medical and dental treatment facilities in Germany, Italy and Belgium, while providing the full spectrum of Public Health and Veterinary services at military installations throughout Europe.

RHCE offers world-class health care to Department of Defense beneficiaries and their Families serving in EUCOM, AFRICOM, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command Areas of Responsibility.