Public Health Command - Pacific

02/03/2026

Army opens new Camp Pendleton Veterinary Hospital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ziT5vaTMw

Sailors and Marines turn to Navy doctors when they're sick, but when their service animals, or pets fall ill, there's just one branch that answers the call — the U.S. Army.

On Camp Pendleton, that's U.S. Army Veterinary Readiness Activity San Diego.

On Thursday, the Army celebrated the opening of its new clinic at the base.

Army Lt. Col. Craig Calkins is the unit commander. He said the entire military community can benefit from the clinic.

"First and foremost, this building exists to take care of the military working dogs," he said.

But they also treat military family pets as a service.

"Also, to give us additional sets and repetitions of doing tasks so that when there is a military working dog emergency, we're ready," Calkins said.

Army veterinarians care for all the military working dogs across the U.S. Department of Defense. They're also responsible for military food inspection, certifying that food sold on base meets safety and health standards.

"Most people don't realize there are a lot of veterinarians in the Army," he said.

The new facility provides the same level of pet care as civilian providers off-base — but at a significantly lower cost, said Army Staff Sgt. Temujin Benton.

"If you came to us and you got all the vaccines, it'd be like $150, $160," Benton, a veterinary technician, said. "Out in town, you're looking at paying $400 or $500 for the same vaccines."

He said that's an aspect the community appreciates as pet health care costs have skyrocketed over the last decade.

A recent study found that since Oct. 2024, half of all pet owners said they've skipped necessary or recommended treatment for their pets.

According to PitchBook, these price increases coincide with the almost $50 billion that private equity firms have poured into the veterinary services industry since 2017.

"I think especially for California, we are cheaper — significantly cheaper — than the outside," Calkins said.

That's because the Army controls the price of its veterinary services worldwide — the price of a checkup at Camp Pendleton is the same as one in Vicenza, Italy, he said.

"We don't up-sell stuff," Calkins said. "We don't get any commission from selling stuff. "We're just here offering a service — just practicing high-quality medicine and surgery."

L-R MWD Scott, SGT Ramirez, COL Ramirez, 1SG Trujillo, LTC Calkins, LtCol Larish, COL Hill, SGT Vernier, MWD Pit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ziT5vaTMw

- By Andrew Dyer / Military and Veteran Affairs Reporter
Published January 23, 2026 at 5:25 PM PST

01/27/2026

Soldiers assigned to Veterinary Readiness Activity Fort Lewis conducted their first-ever Arctic training event on Fort Wainwright, operating in temperatures nearing −30°F. Army 68T Animal Care Specialists are responsible for the medical care, treatment, and evacuation of military working dogs, ensuring they remain healthy and mission-ready. Training in the Arctic challenges 68Ts to adapt veterinary medicine to extreme cold, practicing emergency care and medevac procedures in conditions that mirror real-world operations.

This training strengthens readiness and ensures Army veterinary teams can deliver lifesaving care anytime, anywhere, including the most austere environments on Earth. - Video and Article by: Cole S Keller

12/29/2025

PHC-P Monthly Newsletter December 2025 Edition

10/22/2025

“The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.”

09/15/2025

TRIPLER ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Hawaii – Sergeant Major (SGM) Phillip R. Tally assumed responsibility of Public Health Command-Pacific (PHC-P) during a formal ceremony held at the Commander's Lanai, Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), on September 4, 2025. Colonel Edgardo Ramirez, Public Health Command-Pacific Commander, presided over the event.

The assumption of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored Army tradition, symbolizing the transfer of authority and accountability to a new senior enlisted leader. The passing of the guidon, the unit's flag, from the commander to the incoming Sergeant Major formally announces the transition to the troops, representing the continuity of command.

"As Soldiers, we must maintain a high state of readiness to answer our nation's call," stated Colonel Ramirez during the ceremony. "We need to ensure that we can continue to support our nation in a multi-array operational environment."

SGM Tally, a native of Clayton, North Carolina, completed Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Preventive Medicine Occupational Skill Advanced Individual Training at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. His diverse career includes assignments with the 38th Preventive Medicine Detachment in Yongsan, Korea; Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany; and the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Liberty. He has also served in key leadership roles at Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center, Fort Huachuca; the 1st Medical Brigade, Fort Cavazos; and the Army Public Health Center. SGM Tally’s deployments include two tours to Afghanistan in support of Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan, and a deployment to Katy, Texas, for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. SGM Tally is married to MSG Losivale Tally, who serves as a Preventive Medicine NCO.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve,” said SGM Tally in his remarks. “It’s an honor to stand with this team and carry forward a mission that protects the force, promotes health, and prevents harm across the Indo-Pacific. I will lead with integrity, listen with humility, and serve with purpose. Together, we will build readiness, strengthen relationships, and rise to every challenge.”

The ceremony commenced with a dynamic performance by the Siva Tau (War Dance) performers: SFC Imo Aieti ** (94th Army Air Missile Defense Command, JBPHH, HI), SFC Terrence L. Sinapati ** (Tripler Army Medical Center, TAMC, HI), SFC Mathew T. Tuinei (225th Combat Support Battalion, Schofield Barracks, HI), SGT Washington P. Ameperosa (94th Army Air Missile Defense Command, JBPHH, HI), SPC Erupi E. Autele (7th Field Artillery Battalion, Schofield Barracks, HI), SPC Aitofele E. Sakaria (14th Armored Squadron, Schofield Barracks, HI), and SPC Duwayne S. Su'esu'e (US Army Law Enforcement Element, Fort Shafter, HI). A Woodwind Quintet, led by SGT Ethan Miller, also provided musical accompaniment. ** Dance Team Lead

09/08/2025

Day 3 Veterinary One Health International Symposium,
Indo-Pacific, 25-29 August 2025

09/08/2025

Day 2 Veterinary One Health International Symposium,
Indo-Pacific, 25-29 August 2025

09/08/2025

Day 1 Veterinary One Health International Symposium,
Indo-Pacific, 25-29 August 2025

The second annual event included over 80 Military Veterinarians and civilians representing the U.S. and Indo-Pacific partner nations, 22 hours of continuing veterinary education, and four full days of professional events, including educational lectures, networking, Hawaiian cultural day, and a formal military dinner hosted by Public Health Command - Pacific Commander, Col. Edgardo Ramirez

07/28/2025

07/24/2025

TRIPLER AMC – Command Sergeant Major Carmen R. Ross relinquished responsibility of Public Health Command-Pacific at the Commander's Lanai, Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii, on July 14, 2025. Colonel Gregory T. Reppas, Public Health Command-Pacific Deputy Commander, presided over the ceremony. In addition to this ceremony, the audience was able to witness SGM Ross’ lateral appointment to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. A lateral appointment to CSM acknowledges an individual's exemplary leadership skills and performance. It highlights their ability to take on increased responsibilities without the traditional promotion path. Such an appointment recognizes the person’s extensive experience and expertise, crucial for advising the commander and influencing decision-making and operational effectiveness.

A relinquishment of responsibility ceremony holds significant importance in military traditions. It formally recognizes the outgoing sergeant major's dedication and service to the unit. This is a time to honor their achievements, leadership, and the impacts they've made. The ceremony marks the transition of leadership and responsibilities from the current sergeant major to an appointed successor until the incoming sergeant major arrives. It symbolizes continuity and stability within the unit. The ceremony upholds military traditions and ensures that changes in leadership are conducted with respect and formality. It's a way to show the value placed on the role and its duties. Such ceremonies strengthen unit cohesion and morale by publicly recognizing leadership changes and providing a transparent process for these transitions. Overall, this ceremony is a pivotal moment that underscores the roles and dedication of leaders within the military hierarchy.

One of CSM Ross’ favorite quotes “If you don’t like your situation in life, don’t fret or worry-do something about it. Worry less, act more!”

The following Public Health Command-Pacific First Sergeants were present at the Relinquishment of Responsibility: 1SG Ricardo Villareal, VRA, Hawaii; 1SG Ashley D. Survillion, VRA, Guam; 1SG Carlos H. Trujillo, VRA, San Diego; 1SG Milton A. Bridges, VRA, JBLM; 1SG Joshua M. Jones, VRA, Japan, and 1SG Nestor A. Villafane-Sola, VRA, Korea/106th MED DET. MSG Achley N. Lyons was the NCOIC of the ceremony.

One of COL Reppas’ favorite quotes is from John Maxwell who said, “leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand.” This is no better exemplified than by Command Sergeant Major Ross. The PHC-P Tridents will miss her compassion and presence but look forward to the continued positive impact she will have on our Army.

COL Reppas expressed his gratitude to CSM Ross for her exceptional leadership at PHC-P, over the last year and a half, marked by her commitment to service and readiness. Her exemplary leadership skills and performance to PHC-P significantly impacted the well-being of the military community in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific. PHC-P has been known for maintaining readiness, excelling in competitions, developing leaders, and expanding their operational reach.

07/08/2025

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/839863100

Click on the "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT information. This position is located at the Schofield Barracks Veterinary Treatment Facility. To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, ad...

07/08/2025

https://www.usajobs.gov/job/839962100

Click on the "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT information. This position is located at the Fort Shafter Veterinary Treatment Facility. To better expedite the hiring process, we recommend including full contact information (name, address, ph...