Photos

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A passing of tradition...Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick is relieved by Capt. Karla M. Lepore during Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton change of command ceremony, August 15, 2024. "His leadership, judgment and devotion to duty have been an inspiration to his team, along with the continued excellence in innovative quality care to their warfighters and their families," exclaimed Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific, Director, Defense Health Network Pacific Rim, chief of Navy Medical Corps and guest speaker for the event. Fitzpatrick, a Navy Nurse Corps officer from Missoula, Mont., served as NMRTC Bremerton commanding officer and Naval Hospital Bremerton director, leading a team of approximately 930 Navy Medicine and Defense Health Agency personnel, from July 2021 to August 2024. Upon completion of the traditional change of command, Fitzpatrick formally retired after 32 years of active duty service. Lepore, from Phoenix, Ariz., assumes command from her recent role of deputy director, Navy Medical Service Corps at Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Va. (Official Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Benedict, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs)