Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service

09/25/2026

RDML Richard Schobitz, Director of the Commissioned Corps Headquarters, recently visited the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) to meet with leadership and the officers stationed there to learn more about their duties and operations.

09/25/2026

USPHS Commissioned Corps participated in the Pacific Partnership 2026. The Pacific Partnership is a U.S. Pacific Fleet led humanitarian assistance and disaster response preparedness mission that strengthens readiness, global health security, and multination collaboration across the Indo-Pacific region.

09/22/2026

As America’s Health Responders, Public Health Service officers are the first in line to defend our nation’s public health against threats large and small. Our officers stand ready to answer the call to protect our nation’s health. The Readiness and Deployment Branch (RDB) are the spotlight this National Preparedness Month for its efforts to prepare our officers. “RDB put me on the front line of readiness, supporting deployments and preparedness efforts that strengthen the (USPHS Commissioned) Corps' ability to respond when it matters most.” - LT Anzeribiam Akum

09/18/2026

Just one week after 9/11, our Public Health Service officers immediately answered the call again alongside many other responders during the 2001 Anthrax attack. Our officers tested for communities for anthrax exposure, distributed prophylactics and antibiotics, and informed others on how to stay safe.

In this video, some of our officers tell their story. Now retired, they reinforced our foundation through commitment in spirit, service in action and strength during adversity.

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

“My role includes supporting preparedness by assisting with deployment operations and exercises, tracking the readiness of Ready Reserve officers, as well as providing administrative support. Being able to Protect, Promote, and Advance the Health and Safety of our Nation is very rewarding.”- CDR Yaneke Tamara Duffus.

This National Preparedness Month, we recognize those that help our officers prepare to deploy to help our nation when needed most.
Photo caption: CDR Yaneke Tamara Duffus pictured far left

09/15/2026

When asked why he joined the Commissioned Corps Headquarters Readiness and Deployment Branch (RDB), CAPT Kent Forde said “My inspiration to be a part of RDB was to more directly support deploying officers in the care for vulnerable population in need. That way, we can collectively leave our safe places to meet the moment that each mission offers with courage, trust, and hope."
Photo caption: CAPT Forde (then LCDR, far left) deployed to New York on a disaster case management team in 2011.

09/11/2026

"Service over Self"
These words stand tall as retired CAPT Gene Migliaccio reflects on 9/11:

In September 2001, I was an active-duty U.S. Public Health Service officer leading the Immigration Health Service program, including clinics in lower Manhattan and Queens. Following the September 11 attacks, many of our clinical officers joined hundreds of USPHS officers deployed to support first responders at Ground Zero. At the request of the Office of the Surgeon General’s readiness and response leadership, I helped provide clinical staff for that mission.

About a week later, I traveled to New York City with three other senior Public Health Service officers to assess our clinical operations and support activities. The city appeared to have resumed its familiar pace, but it felt profoundly different. At one intersection, a man approached our government vehicle, pounded on the window beside me and, seeing us in uniform, demanded to know what was being done to help. I have never forgotten that moment.

At Ground Zero, we received hard hats, were fit-tested for respirators, and walked toward the Pile. I remember the extraordinary quiet, the smell of smoke and contaminants, and the overwhelming destruction. My immediate thought was this must be what war looks like.

We met with Public Health Service officers throughout the response to evaluate clinical operations and other support activities, including services to the command center, laboratories, and forensic dentistry operations. Most importantly, we listened to the officers about what was working, the challenges they were facing, and what additional resources they needed to continue supporting and caring for responders.

What has stayed with me most for 25 years is the spirit of those officers: service over self. Despite the difficult conditions, they were grateful for the opportunity to serve.

I remain humbled by their compassion, professionalism, and dedication. It was a privilege to support them and an honor to serve our nation.

Most of all, I will never forget the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, the families who endured unimaginable loss, and the countless lives forever changed. Twenty-five years later, we honor their memory and we will never forget.

09/11/2026

“It was a beautiful day today…[at] St. Peter's Cathedral, a sanctuary for workers and a mission of Trinity Church, the oldest church in Manhattan. There are…many cards from children, I took one with a complete address. I'll write him back. His letter says:
‘Dear Rescuer
My name is Anthony C------- and I'm 9 years old. I am from Kingwood School. I am writing this because of how generous you were to help the people out of the rubble from the plane crashes. I feel proud because of how brave and kind you were to help the people. You were daring for touching hot rubble and for helping the people to escape. Thank you for helping people.
God Bless,
Anthony C---------'

I have read at least a hundred similar cards and letters from children all over the USA. I have probably seen several thousand. I can't even grasp how many there might be.”

This journal entry is from CAPT Timothy Jiggens, an Environmental Health Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, who deployed in the 9/11 aftermath. Stories like these are why we will always remember the valiant efforts of our heroes who served during one of America’s darkest hours.

09/11/2026

Answering the call and stepping up to serve alongside countless others when our nation needed it most. Fulfilling our mission to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of the nation.
We can never thank you enough for your commitment in the service of health.