JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. FaLana C. Gideon assumed command of the 316th Inpatient Squadron during an activation ceremony, Friday. The 316th IPTS is the Air Force’s first squadron at Walter Reed.
Gideon previously served as the commander of the 42nd Operational Medical Squadron’s Operational Medicine Flight at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
The Air Force activated the 316th IPTS to train the next generation of Air Force physicians, nurses, and medics, who serve alongside mission partners to receive and recover injured Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Guardians.
During the ceremony, Gideon spoke about the squadron’s future at Walter Reed.
“To the men and women of the 316th Inpatient Squadron, we have been given an extraordinary opportunity to solidify the Air Force’s footprint on this prestigious compound,” Gideon said. “As we tackle all the changes on the horizon, I look forward to getting to know each of you and growing with you.”
The new squadron, comprising 130 Air Force personnel in the critical care unit and graduate medical education programs, will now have direct access to their leadership team.
“Walter Reed National Military Medical Center is a critical node in the DoD’s medical evacuation system and care continuum,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Stacy G. Friesen, 316th Medical Group commander. “This would not be possible without the contribution of our Airmen.”
Having a new inpatient squadron allows the medical members to serve the community as well as service members located at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
“Lt. Col. Gideon is the perfect leader for this new squadron. FaLana brings 17 years of nursing experience and knows what it means to serve in complex healthcare environments,” Friesen said. “I have no doubt that her leadership skills will be a valuable asset to the Walter Reed team.”