JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, D.C. –
Summer months across the military bring many Change of Command ceremonies, welcoming of new leadership and implementing their fresh ideas and duty expectations. The 579th Medical Group recently said farewell to one commander and rendered a first salute to another.
Col. Kathryn Tate assumed command of the medical group July 23 on the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Lawn at JBAB where members in uniform and friends of the military viewed the time-honored tradition.
79th Medical Wing Commander Maj. Gen. Gerard Caron presided over the ceremony where Col. Roseanne Warner relinquished command of the 579th MDG to Tate.
"Col. Warner has led the 579th MDG through some of the most significant changes ever seen by her organization and together with their mission partners on JBAB, they have made history. There is no 'template' for a joint base; each has its own unique strengths and challenges," said Caron. "JBAB is the only joint base in which the medical support is not provided by the host or supporting service. Under the overarching structure of a medical wing, the 579th MDG has been able to continue the proud legacy of service and medical support to those who live and work at JBAB and the Pentagon."
Tate, a Certified Nurse-Midwife, recently held the position of deputy group commander and chief nurse at the 35th Medical Group at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Her Air Force career first brought her to the National Capital Region in 2008 as the commander of the 779th Surgical Operation Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, Md. which was followed by an executive officer position alongside former Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren McDew.
"We chose Col. Tate specifically because we saw no other candidate whose record of excellence and caring so closely matched that shown by Col. Warner during her command tenure at the 579th Medical Group," said Caron. "[Tate] brings a tremendous depth of experience in healthcare-serving as a nurse on various types of units at five different locations including Bitburg, Germany and Lakenheath, England."
Tate comes to the 579th MDG with experience at the flight, squadron and group levels which have given her first-hand knowledge about support required by front-line clinic staff and their patients.
"To the men and women of the 579th, thank you for taking care of your families and yourselves. For you must first take care of both your family and yourself so you can fully focus on our patients when they need you," said Tate.
The 579th MDG, team JBAB and Air Force District of Washington welcomes Col. Tate back to the National Capital Region. She thanked those that came before her who set the expectations high. Tate shared hers-as does each incoming commander.
"I need you focused on the mission. Our work demands full focus, for what you do everyday affects the lives of not only the patient in front of you but the mission of our Air Force," said Tate. "I am proud to serve you as commander and I look forward to serving with you."