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Expeditionary
Medical Facility Portsmouth
Deployment
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth deployed 130 medical and support personnel assigned to Expeditionary Medical Facility Portsmouth March 12 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 130 members of EMF met at the medical center's gymnasium March 11 at 9:30p.m. At approximately 11 p.m., the group filed into ranks in front of the gym and boarded buses to travel to the Air Mobility Command terminal at Naval Station Norfolk where it deployed via military flight.
This group just joined 70 EMF members who deployed Feb. 1 and Feb 14-15 as part of the pre-advance and advance parties. This portion of the EMF was in the Central Command area of responsibility setting up communication and supply lines and living quarters in preparation for the arrival of the remaining EMF members.
EMF is scheduled to relieve two Army combat support hospitals and will operate jointly with Army high headquarters. It is providing medical support to personnel assigned to the area. This effort is part of the largest rotation of troops since World War II.
EMF has been establishes to fulfill a Joint Chiefs of Staff yearlong deployment order, and its members will work for the Combined Forces Land Component Commander and the Amy's 8th Medical Brigade.
Captain Martin L. Snyder, MC, commanding officer of EMF, explained to the families and friends of those deploying that Portsmouth was picked for this mission because, "... We have a reputation of getting the job done."
"I want you (Families and friends) to know that I am responsible for all your loved ones while deployed," said Cmdr. David Price; executive officer of the EMF. "This is a job I take very seriously, and I intend to bring everyone back safely."
EMF has established two groups to help facilitate the yearlong mission. Each group is set to remain in theater for six months. The second EMF group is schedule to relieve the first in August of September.
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from "The Flagship", Thursday, March 18,2004
