A time-honored naval tradition unfolded at the historic Bluejacket Memorial Chapel on board Naval Station Great Lakes as Cmdr. Katherine Dozier relieved Cmdr. Jason Schmittschmitt as commanding officer of Navy Drug Screening Lab Great Lakes (NDSL GL) August 12, 2025, Great Lakes, Illinois.

The ceremony, rich in naval heritage and symbolism, ushered in a new chapter of leadership for the unit. Capt. Darryl Arfsten, commander, Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC), headquarters for the drug lab, presided over the ceremony.

“It’s a privilege to be here today to witness this time-honored tradition,” said Arfsten. “Cmdr. Schmittschmitt’s leadership has been instrumental to the success of this command, and I have no doubt that Cmdr. Dozier will continue to build upon that foundation.”

Schmittschmitt was celebrated for spearheading the digital transformation of lab processes implementing a 2D barcoding system which sped up specimen processing while maintaining productivity, improved work-life balance, and sustained operational effectiveness to the Fleet. By eliminating paper forms and stamps, NDSL GL became the Navy’s only digital lab, leveraging automation to streamline tracking, recording, and reporting.

During the event, Schmittschmitt expressed his gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the staff under his command. “I truly believe the innovative spirit of our command is our greatest strength, securing our future regardless of budget cuts, legalization of narcotics, or any other obstacle that comes our way,” he said. “We won't just survive, we will innovate, not evaporate!”

Dozier, a proven who comes from the Navy Drug Screening Lab in Jacksonville, expressed her enthusiasm for assuming command and her commitment to the mission.

“To the incredible Great Lakes team, thank you for welcoming me with open arms over the last few weeks,” she said. “I am so excited to start this journey with you, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us as a team!”

Established in 1971 as the Toxicology Laboratory at the Naval Hospital, Great Lakes, NDSL GL emerged in response to a Department of Defense study on drug use in the military. Today, it stands as one of only two Navy Drug Screening Laboratories authorized to conduct forensic urine drug testing for the Department of the Navy (DON). Serving the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), NDSL GL processes 1.3 to 1.4 million samples each year, ensuring the success of the DoD Drug Deterrence Programs and the operational readiness of our service members.

Navy and Marine Corps public health and preventive medicine teams play a critical role in protecting the health and readiness of deployed forces. Through expeditionary units such as the Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit (FDPMU), and with support from Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Units (NEPMUs), these teams provide rapid, flexible, and scalable health protection capabilities. From identifying environmental and occupational health hazards to advising commanders on risk mitigation, their mission is to ensure operational forces remain medically ready and mission capable—anytime, anywhere.