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AGANA HEIGHTS (March 27, 2026) – U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (USNMRTC) Guam Commanding Officer Capt. Joel M. Schofer officially transitioned leadership to Capt. James G. Demitrack during a change of command ceremony, March 27.
Rear Adm. Kevin J. Brown, Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific, was the presiding officer at the ceremony, which also marked the transfer of authority from Schofer as the Director of U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Guam to Demitrack.
Brown opened his comments by expressing gratitude to Schofer for his leadership and accomplishments during his time leading the command and the hospital.
“Today is more than a change of command ceremony,” said Brown. “It provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the strategic importance of Navy Medicine in defending our nation, sustaining our warfighters, and strengthening alliances across this critical region, and our obligations cannot be achieved without exemplary leadership provided by our shipmates like Capt. Schofer.”
The Honorable Lou Leon Guerrero, governor of Guam, thanked Schofer for his partnership and presented him with the Maga'håga Award to honor their collaboration together.
During his tenure, Schofer led a team of 750 personnel in managing a $67 million budget. His leadership was instrumental in delivering high-quality healthcare for more than 27,000 beneficiaries and 43 tenant commands. Schofer’s oversight also led to the successful doubling of the hospital's Neonatal Stabilization Team, directly enhancing vital medical services in support of the military community’s most vulnerable patients.
Schofer significantly advanced USNH Guam’s clinical capabilities to better support the joint force. A key achievement was the establishment of Level III trauma capabilities, a critical step that ensures medical staff maintain their clinical skills and readiness to handle complex combat casualties. This focus on delivering medical warrior currency and medical readiness is further demonstrated with the upcoming opening of the new branch health clinic at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, opening later in 2026. These initiatives underscore the principle that Navy Medicine is present in every facet of war fighting, providing essential, life-saving care where it is needed most.
Schofer ensured that Navy Medicine’s expeditionary medicine platforms were prepared to support the fleet in a distributed maritime environment. Under his charge, eight Expeditionary Medical Systems (EXMEDS) became fully mission-capable, supporting numerous deployments and reinforcing one of Navy Medicine’s top priorities. Collectively, Schofer’s accomplishments while at the helm of USNMRTC and USNH Guam served as a fitting culmination of his distinguished 29 years of dedicated military service. Reflecting on his time in command, Schofer expressed his gratitude and emphasized the dedication of the USNH Guam team and their commitment to delivering high-quality care to service members and their families.
"For the hard work you do and the smile you do it with, thank you!" said Schofer.
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U.S. Naval Hospital Guam is a 282,000 square foot military treatment facility (MTF) that supports the joint forces and strengthens the island by projecting forward-deployed medical power, delivering high-quality care, and forging strategic partnerships. The MTF and its staff of nearly 700 offers a broad range of primary and specialty medical services in support of more than 27,000 beneficiaries.
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery 7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113 This is an official U.S. Navy website This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system. General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.list.bumed---pao@health.mil