U.S. Public Health Service Promotion Ceremony on the USNS Comfort

For the first time, on July 3, 2007, the HHS U.S. Public Health Service held a promotion ceremony aboard the USNS Comfort while on deployment. Near the bridge of the USNS Comfort, back row left to right: CDR Steve Johnson, LCDR Catherine Rockwell, CAPT Arturo Bravo, Commodore Robert Kapcio, CAPT Craig Shepherd, CAPT Bruce Boynton, Commanding Officer, LT Jennifer Tredway, LCDR Lori Goodman, LT Joseph Shurina, CDR Ulana Bodnar, LCDR Karen Lee, and LT William Williamson. Front row left to right: CDR Sheryl O’Shea, CDR Daniel Singer, LCDR Harry Ko, LT Amy Dayhoff, LCDR Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, CDR Diane Kelsch, CAPT Chris Brady, and LTJG Lisa Begay.

July 19, 2007 - The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) saw its first at-sea promotion in an historic ceremony aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort on July 3, 2007. Five USPHS members received promotions to ranks ranging from lieutenant to captain.

Comfort’s humanitarian assistance mission commander, Commodore Robert Kapcio, praised the USPHS officers for their dedication to the hospital ship’s four-month mission to Latin America and the Caribbean, saying, "They have absolutely astounded me with their can-do attitude, their spirit and their enthusiasm for this mission."

USPHS personnel are providing medical treatment to patients in a dozen countries in the region.

For more information:

• Public Health Service promotes officers in historic ceremony (United States Southern Command)
• USPHS Promotion Ceremony Photo Gallery
• Mission to Latin America and Caribbean
• At Sea and on Shore with the USNS Comfort
• USNS Comfort Photo Gallery

Last revised: July 30, 2007