Photos

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Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, Navy Surgeon General and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, presents the Legion of Merit award to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes for his accomplishments as the Naval Medical Forces Pacific commander during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Medical Center San Diego on July 25, 2025. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Guido Valdes relinquished command to Rear Adm. Kevin Brown. “On behalf of everyone in Navy Medicine, thank you, Admiral Valdes, for your exemplary leadership, your tireless efforts, and your profound impact,” Via said. “We congratulate you on this incredible achievement and wish you fair winds and following seas in your next tour as The Medical Officer of the Marine Corps and director, U.S. Marine Corps Health Services.” (U.S. Navy photo by Arsenio R. Cortez Jr.)