File:Defense Health Program (House Committee on Appropriations 2013) (IA 17163C4HS24APR13HACDDefenseHealthProgramNATHANFINAL).pdf

STATEMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL MATTHEW L. NATHAN, MC, USN, SURGEON GENERAL OF THE NAVY BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON DEFENSE OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS.

"Navy Medicine exists to support the operational missions and core capabilities of both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. These responsibilities mandate that we are fully synchronized with the leadership priorities of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps. The Navy-Marine Corps team is forward deployed and operating around the world in support of the warfighting mission.

My charge to the Navy Medicine leadership is clear: Our strategic planning efforts must reflect the direct and sustained actions to meet our readiness mission and remain flexible in the face of changing operational requirements. We are a responsive force that is capable of operating in all warfare domains.

My 2013 Charted Course reflects the following strategic goals: Readiness; Value; and Jointness. These are direct, clear and relevant to the men and women of Navy Medicine. Our planning process allows us to take a critical assessment of what we do, how we do it, and how well we are doing it. We must recognize when course corrections are required and decisively execute them. Our priorities are aligned with the efforts of the Military Health System (MHS) as well as those of Army Medicine and the Air Force Medical Service. This collaboration is particularly important in our support of overall MHS Governance Reform where clear lines of authority and sustaining operational capabilities are crucial. Collectively, Navy Medicine is engaged in deliberate planning and rigorous analyses in support of solutions that will add value and improve jointness while maintaining each of the Services’ readiness missions."