By Spc. Bradley J. Wancour
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- The Expeditionary Medical Facility-Kuwait transferred authority to the 325th Combat Support Hospital (Forward) here Nov. 3, marking the end of the Navy's eight year health care mission.
"In the past eight years EMF-K has provided medical support to Third Army coalition forces and critical, time sensitive missions in Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Bahrain, Jordan, the Gulf of Aden, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Djibouti, Yemen, and on U.S. Naval vessels operating within the Arabian Gulf," said Capt. Dick W. Turner, commanding officer, EMF-K and native of Columbia, Mo.
Turner explained that an average of 8,850 patients per month have passed through the EMF-K main hospital and outlying clinics for both emergency and routine care.
The transfer of authority ceremony was not focused on the remarkable achievements of the EMF-K, but on the hand-off of responsibility to the 325th CSH (FWD).
"Today was significant because of the transition from Navy to Army," said Turner.
Turner said that the transition between the two units had been smooth, despite the difficulties caused by differences between Navy and Army administration.
"We've learned from each other, they picked up some of our terms and some of our processes," Turner stated. "The merging of our two staffs has been a model of efficient cooperation, providing a seamless patient care hand off."
According to Turner, the quality of patient care did not change in the transition between Navy and Army.
The commander of the 325th CSH (FWD), Col. Joe D. Robinson, gave thanks to the Sailors of the EMFK.
"Thank you for the hard work and dedication for the many years of patient care you provided," said Robinson, a San Angelo, Texas resident.
After acknowledging his predecessor, Robinson turned his words to the members of his own command.
"The Navy started the mission in 2004 and now the mission has passed to us," Robinson stated.
Robinson shared his optimism and the confidence he has in the Soldiers of his command.
"I've got the finest troops that I've ever taken to the field," said Robinson. "I've never seen a group of more energetic people. We want to continue to provide the finest medical care that our Servicemembers deserve."
The 325th CSH (FWD) is dedicated to carrying on the mission of the EMF-K and shaping the future of Third Army by ensuring Servicemembers continue to receive the highest quality care possible throughout the area of responsibility.
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