Statement of Vice Admiral Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MC, USN, Surgeon General of the Navy Before the Subcommittee on Defense of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

"Navy Medicine – World Class Care … Anytime, Anywhere. This poignant phrase is arguably the most telling description of Navy Medicine’s accomplishments in 2009 and continues to drive our operational tempo and priorities for the coming year and beyond. Throughout the last year we saw challenges and opportunities; and moving forward, I anticipate the pace of operations and demands placed upon us will continue to increase. Make no mistake: We have been stretched in our ability to meet our increasing operational and humanitarian assistance requirements, as well as maintain our commitment to provide Patient and Family-Centered care to a growing number of beneficiaries. However, I am proud to say to that we are responding to this demand with more flexibility and agility than ever before. We are a vibrant, world-wide health care system fully engaged and integrated in carrying out the core capabilities of the Maritime Strategy around the globe. Regardless of the challenges ahead, I am confident that we are well-positioned for the future.

Since becoming the Navy Surgeon General in 2007, I have invested heavily in our strategic planning process. How we accomplish our mission is rooted in sound planning, sharp execution and constructive self-assessment at all levels of our organization. I challenged our leadership to create momentum and establish a solid foundation of measurable progress. It’s paying dividends. We are seeing improved and sustained performance in our strategic objectives. Just as importantly, our planning process supports alignment with the Department of Navy’s Strategic Plan and Operations Guidance."

Subjects: Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE; Haiti; earthquake; humanitarian assistance; Iraq; Afghanistan; military medicine; Congressional testimony