NEMWDC Leadership

In 2002, Captain Bailey executed an interservice transfer from the Army Reserve, attended Officer Indoctrination School in Newport, Rhode Island, and subsequently reported to Naval Branch Health Clinic Key West, Florida, where he served as the Division Officer for Aviation Medicine, Occupational Health, Physical Exams, and Preventive Medicine. During this tour, he deployed as an individual augmentee to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa as the Force Health Protection Officer for Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Shortly after returning from Africa, he reported to 3d Medical Battalion serving as a Bravo Company Commander, Camp Hansen Branch Medical Clinic Officer in Charge, and Battalion Training Officer. While in Okinawa, he led detachments to Korea, Thailand, and supported 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit certification events.

In September 2008, Captain Bailey transferred to the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit TWO, in Norfolk, Virginia, initially serving as the Environmental Health Division Officer within the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force Support Department and the Department Head for Plans and Operations Department. During this assignment, he deployed the first Navy Medicine preventive medicine detachment to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he served as the detachment commander and was responsible for Force Health Protection in support of US forces in southern and western Afghanistan.

Captain Bailey transferred in September 2010 to Naval Forces Europe/Africa/US SIXTH Fleet as a Medical Planner. During this assignment, he conducted planning in support of operations and exercises and served as the command's lead medical planner supporting AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STATION. Upon completion of his first staff tour, Captain Bailey attended the Air Force Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama. His utilization tour was as the Chief of Medical Operations for Joint Task Force Civil Support at Fort Eustis, Virginia. While at Joint Task Force Civil Support, Captain Bailey coordinated all medical Global Force Management requirements for the Defense Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, and Radiological Response Force.

In 2016, Captain Bailey assumed the role of the Executive Officer, 2d Medical Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he led daily operations, training, and development in order to support global operations including Maritime Expeditionary Units, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Force Task Force, and surgical team deployments to Afghanistan.

After a successful Executive Officer tour, Captain Bailey returned to Naval Forces Europe/Africa/US SIXTH Fleet as the Deputy Force Surgeon. During this tour, he was responsible for providing oversight of operational planning, medical requirements development, as well as leading the staff's response to support the command's response to COVID-19, Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ, Operation ALLIES REFUGE, and the US response to the conflict in Ukraine.

In August 2022, Captain Bailey reported to Naval Medical Forces Pacific as the Deputy Director for Maritime Operations leading the command's transition to focus efforts on developing and training ready expeditionary medical capabilities in support of the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces. From May 2023 until July 2024, Captain Bailey served as the Director for Maritime Operations.

Captain John M. Burger is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and serving as Class President and Brigade Chief of Staff. He earned his Doctorate in Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) and completed his psychiatry internship and residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). He served as Psychiatry Chief Resident and President of the House Staff Council, representing NMCSD trainees on hospital governing committees. His performance led to an early promotion to Lieutenant Commander.

In 2014, Burger received orders to 1st Marine Regiment, serving as the Officer-in-Charge for the Operational Stress Control and Readiness Team. In 2016, Burger reported to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton where he served as Senior Medical Officer, Mental Health Convening Authority, and Mental Health Department Head. In 2018, Burger deployed in support of Joint Task Force (JTF) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, advising the O-7 JTF Commander.

In 2019, Burger received orders to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, after being selected as the Associate Program Director for the Army's and Navy's largest Psychiatry Residency and was acting Program Director for six months. He was selected as the Assistant Chief of Graduate Medical Education supporting 68 training programs and 718 trainees. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at USUHS and was honored as the Navy's best early-career psychiatrist.

In 2021, Burger was selected as the youngest Director for Mental Health at NMCSD and simultaneously served as the DHA's market mental health lead. He supervised 255 Active Duty and civilian staff supporting 77,000 Service members' mental health, 250 INDOPACOM medical evacuations, and the largest Navy psychiatry, psychology, and second largest licensed clinical social worker training programs. He also served as NMCSD's acting Executive Officer. He was recognized by line leaders for halving mental health Limited Duty cases, improving force readiness, and doubling access to substance care while realizing a $20 million cost reduction. He completed his Masters in Strategy and Defense at the Naval War College. He obtained a Top-Secret clearance and again deployed in support of JTF Guantanamo Bay. He was a below-zone selection for promotion to Captain.

In 2024, Burger returned to the Blue Diamond as the 1st Marine Division Psychiatrist. He led mental health efforts for the entire Division and served as an advisor to the 2-Star Commanding General. He created Division-wide trainings and led Marine Expeditionary Force wide efforts to improve readiness and foster line capabilities and resiliency. He strategically re-aligned mental health assets to match force-design changes.

Burger reported as the Executive Officer for the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center in March 2026.

Burger's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

HMCM Solon was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. He migrated to the United States in February of 1997 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1998. From basic training in Great Lakes, IL, he then attended Hospital Corpsman "A" School. Upon completion, HA Solon attended what was then known as Field Medical Service School (8404) at Camp Pendleton, CA. After completing FMSS, HA Solon reported to USNS Mercy Detachment, Naval Medical Center San Diego, CA on May 1999 and was assigned to the Orthopedics Department.

In October 2001, HM3 Solon attended Basic Radiography "C" school at Naval School of Health Sciences San Diego, CA until January 2002. After completion, he was assigned to the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19), Yokosuka, Japan in March 2002. HM3 Solon then returned to Naval School of Health Sciences San Diego, CA to attend Advanced Radiography "C" School in October where he finished with honors and distinction and advanced to HM2. HM2 Solon reported to Naval Branch Medical Clinic Barstow, CA in April 2006. Although assigned as an Advanced Radiographer, he also functioned as Command Career Counselor, Leading Petty Officer, and Command Physical Readiness Testing Coordinator to name a few. In September 2009, HM1 Solon accepted orders to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, San Diego as an Individual Augment/Global War on Terror Support Assignment to Afghanistan. Due to manning gaps, HM1 Solon was forwarded to Expeditionary Medical Facility Kuwait to be the Directorate for Clinical Support Services Leading Petty Officer and Lead Computed Tomographer. In October 2010, HM1 Solon transferred to 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Medical Logistics Group Camp Pendleton, CA where he deployed to Afghanistan with 1st Maintenance Battalion in support of the Global War on Terror.

After promoting to Chief Petty Officer in September of 2012, and after completing the Navy Instructor Training Course at Navy's Center for Personal and Professional Development San Diego, CA in October 2012, HMC Solon reported to Navy Enlisted Training Element Detachment, Navy Medicine Training Support Center San Diego, CA in November 2012 where he was the Program Director for Advanced Radiography and Nuclear Medicine "C" schools. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration from Trident University International as Summa Cum Laude during this time. He is also a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 252 (Gold Group). Senior Chief Solon reported to Naval Hospital Sigonella, Italy in November 2015 and served as Senior Enlisted Leader for Directorate for Surgical Services, Directorate for Clinical Support Services, and Directorate for Administration. He reported to Naval Health Clinic Hawaii/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor Hawaii in January 2019 and served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the Directorate for Health Services, Directorate for Administration, and Directorate for Platform Support. He reported to 21st Dental Company Kaneohe Bay, HI on 6 December 2021 as the Senior Enlisted Leader. HMCM Solon is the current Command Master Chief for Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center (NEMWDC) reporting in March 2025. HMCM Solon is a graduate of the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course, Class 25050.

Master Chief Solon's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Good Conduct Medal (eight awards) and various unit awards. Master Chief Solon is married to the former Brenda Otero from Cebu City, Philippines and resides in Honolulu, HI with their two children; Cuno, 20, and Alessandra, 16.