Surgeon General Highlights the Role of Navy Medicine, Force Health during Pacific Tour

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

June 4, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Surgeon General visited Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) on June 4 during his tour of Navy medical facilities in the Western Pacific.

Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson held an All Hands call with the staff U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka, had lunch with enlisted Sailors in the hospital's galley, held media availability with Japanese reporters and met with members of the 7th Fleet staff.

"Yokosuka is a place that is near and dear to my heart," Robinson said. "The hospital and its staff here is a shining light in our Navy. When I am asked about what has kept me motivated in my 33 year career, it has been the people I've served with. The Navy medicine community has kept me excited, fresh with ideas and always want to do more."

Robinson led the doctors, nurses, corpsmen and civilian employees at U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka from September 2001 to January 2004, serving as commanding officer. As the Navy Surgeon General, he said he enjoys having the opportunity to speak with Sailors about Navy Medicine and offer feedback. He also stressed what he believes makes Navy Medicine the success it is today.

"The greatness of Navy Medicine is not the ships, the airplanes or the submarines. It's not the upper leadership in the Navy, the greatness of the Navy. Navy Medicine is the people in uniform who are taking care of people in need everyday," he said. "They're sacrifice and commitment to duty is what helps make our Navy a more determined and strong force."

Throughout his tour of the Pacific, Robinson is focusing on the valued principles of Navy Medicine and the role of Navy medical professionals as they care for the fleet.

"Aspects important to Navy Medicine are to care for the men and women of Navy Medicine, to do the force health protection mission, which is to have a fit and ready force to care for the war fighters, and also take care of eligible family members and those who are our retirees - which is an honor to care for," Robinson said.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Japan Alliance. Robinson said he was honored to be back in Yokosuka during this historical year for the two nations and sees no end in sight to their bond.

"The U.S. Japan Alliance is stronger than I have ever seen it," he said. "It is a critical alliance which has provided not only the basic foundation for our lives in Japan, but has based our security and our commitment to the whole Asian basin and the peoples in this part of the world."