JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – The official opening of the state-of-the-art Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) on April 25, 2025, marks a critical advancement for Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii (VRA, H). The organization, composed of just 45 Soldiers and Civilians, is responsible for all DOD veterinary care and food protection throughout Hawaii, American Samoa, and the Marshall Islands – a vital role in maintaining regional security.
The 12,000-square-foot facility consolidates the diverse mission sets of the U.S. Army Veterinary Service, creating a centralized hub for ensuring the peak performance of critical assets. This facility will provide comprehensive care for military working dogs and pets of service members and retirees, but its primary focus is bolstering operational effectiveness.
"This facility will be a focused training platform for veterinary teams and, crucially, for military working dog readiness," said Maj. Bill Ciancarelli, deputy commander of Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii, who served as end-user lead for the facility. "It will ensure our Soldiers are adequately prepared to handle cases necessary for tactical and technical proficiency in complex large-scale combat operations."
The facility features modern spaces for preventive care, diagnostics, surgeries, dental procedures and extended hospitalization, directly supporting the readiness of military working dogs critical to security operations throughout the region. Its capabilities are designed to maximize the operational lifespan and effectiveness of these invaluable assets.
Sgt. Stacey Collins, a working dog handler with the 520th Military Police Detachment at Schofield Barracks, emphasized the facility's importance to mission success.
"Having a fully equipped treatment facility is critical to our mission as dog handlers," Collins said. "It allows us to conduct regular preventative health checks and rapidly address any emergency situations that may arise, ensuring our K9 partners are always at peak performance."
The facility consolidates veterinary services previously spread across multiple locations, creating a more efficient system for both providers and patients, and accelerating the deployment of fully-capable K9 units. It represents a significant advancement in the Army's ongoing transformation of military healthcare delivery, focused on maximizing combat readiness.
Staffed by Veterinary Readiness Activity, Hawaii—a team of just 45 soldiers and civilians—the facility will support veterinary care and food protection responsibilities throughout Hawaii, American Samoa and the Marshall Islands, safeguarding vital resources and personnel.
Tara Schramm, a civilian animal health assistant, noted the facility’s contribution to the wellbeing of service members through the enhanced care for their companion animals, indirectly supporting morale and focus on the mission.
The project required extensive coordination among the Defense Health Agency, Navy Facilities, the 15th Medical Group, the Army Corps of Engineers and civilian contractors, according to Ciancarelli.
Sgt. Nayontae Kirksey, acting NCOIC of the Hickam facility, said the unified approach "enhances training opportunities, strengthens team cohesion, and ultimately elevates the quality of veterinary service across the Pacific, contributing directly to our ability to respond to any contingency."
The new facility stands as a testament to the Army's commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery across all domains. As the Indo-Pacific region continues to serve as a critical focus area for U.S. military operations, investments like this veterinary treatment facility ensure that every component of the force—including the four-legged warriors who protect installations and personnel—receive world-class care to maintain peak operational readiness and deter potential adversaries.
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