Jones transitions to his next assignment as the Commander of Public Health Command West. VIEW ORIGINAL
Jones transitions to his next assignment as the Commander of Public Health Command West. VIEW ORIGINAL
Jones transitions to his next assignment as the Commander of Public Health Command West. VIEW ORIGINAL
SAN ANTONIO, TX. - The U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) headquarters hosted a Transfer of Authority ceremony today, officially transferred the authority and leaders of the Medical Capabilities Development Integration Directorate (MED CDID) from Col. James Jones to Col. John Catalano.
The ceremony presided by Brig. Gen. Clint Murray, commanding general, MEDCoE, which celebrated the accomplishments of MED CDID under Jones' leadership and welcomed Catalano as the new MED CDID director.
Murray praised the MED CDID team for their significant contributions to modernizing the Army Health System (AHS) over the past three years. "Under Colonel Jones' leadership, MED CDID has made remarkable strides in advancing our medical capabilities," said Murray. "From Limited Objective Experiment to integrating groundbreaking technologies in Project Convergence, Colonel Jones and his team have set a high standard for innovation and excellence."
During his tenure, Jones led MED CDID through several critical initiatives, including experimenting with command and control of medical units in 2030 and beyond, defining requirements for future Role 1, 2, and 3 capabilities that are mobile and survivable, integrating Theater Medical Information Requirements (TMIR) joint requirements as Army solutions, securing approval for the Army Futures Command Concept for Medical 2028, and publishing the Army Medical Modernization Strategy.
The MED CDID enhanced operational capabilities through internal reorganization to tackle future AHS problems post-COVID lockdown. It integrated groundbreaking technologies and conducted persistent experimentation to refine medical force structure and evacuation processes.
Jones expressed his gratitude to his team and partners. "We have built a strong foundation for the future of the Army Health System through collaboration and dedication," said Jones. "I extend my deepest gratitude to our senior leaders, staff, and especially my wife, Jennifer, for their unwavering support. As Abraham Lincoln once said, 'The best way to predict the future is to create it.' Together, we have created a future of excellence for Army medicine."
As the new Director, Catalano is poised to continue the momentum. "I am honored to join the MED CDID family and build on the exceptional work led by Colonel Jones," said Catalano. "Our focus will be on driving forward key game-changer requirements such as the Division Medical Mobile Shelter, Medical Trauma Sensor, and operational health information technology. With the dedication and expertise of our team, I am confident we will reach new heights."
Catalano emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration. "I look forward to working closely with our partners and staff to ensure we are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. As Army Futures Command reminds us, 'Tomorrow is worth protecting,' and together, we will forge the future and bring the hammer."
Jones also thanked the Materiel Research and Development Command (MRDC), Defense Health Agency (DHA), fellow CDID Directors, MEDCoE Directors, and senior leaders for their friendship, mentorship, and partnership. "Your support has been critical in our journey toward modernization and excellence," said Jones.
The passing of the Army Field Flag symbolized the transfer of authority. Sgt. Maj. Stephen Robbins, the MED CDID Sgt. Maj. secured the flag, which was then passed from Jones to Murray and finally to Catalano, signifying the transfer of leadership and responsibility. Jones transferred the MED CDID "Hammer" to Catalano, emphasizing the Director's role in "Forging the Future" by bringing the "Hammer!"
The ceremony also included the presentation of bouquets to Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Catalano, recognizing their support and welcoming them to the MED CDID family. Jones will next serve as the Public Health Command, West commander. He is currently the 11th Physician Assistant Consultant to the Surgeon General (TSG), signaling his continued commitment to advancing military health capabilities.
The MED CDID team looks forward to continued success and innovation under Catalano's leadership, building on the solid foundation Jones and the MED CDID team laid!
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