New officer assumes NAMRU command following ceremony

Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton (NAMRU-Dayton) held a change of command ceremony Nov. 5 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Echoing the rich heritage of naval traditions, Capt. Matthew W. Hebert turned command over to Capt. Nimfa Teneza-Mora.

“I’m truly honored to be here as we gather not only to mark the complete transfer of authority, responsibility and accountability from one accomplished naval officer to another as Capt. Hebert turns over the helm to Capt. Teneza-Mora but also to recognize the military and civilian sailors of this command for their commitment to mission, commitment to those they are honored to serve and their commitment to each other,” said Rear Admiral Tim Weber, commander, Navy Medicine West and director, Medical Service Corps.

Weber addressed ceremony attendees and members of the official party as the guest speaker.

As NAMRU-Dayton commanding officer, Hebert supported the success of the two science directorates, the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory and the Environmental Health Effects Laboratory in addition to the support staff.

“NAMRU-Dayton, is only a command of 150 persons, but we possess all the strength, firepower and reputation of a much, much larger command,” said Hebert.

During his tenure, Hebert had direct oversight of the Navy’s largest medical research and development Environmental Health and Aerospace research laboratory. As a reimbursable lab, NAMRU-Dayton competes for research dollars and increased their research budget almost 65% and nearly doubled the research science and support staff elements from the previous two years.

Capt. Adam Armstrong, commander, Naval Medical Research Center, recognized Hebert for his leadership and said, “Throughout it all, you and your command remained on mission, providing knowledge, advice and products that directly benefit the warfighter and keeps them on point.”

According to Hebert, the success of NAMRU-Dayton is because, “We are in tune with our fleet customers and priorities. They in turn, trust in your work and lean heavily on what you discover and the conclusions you draw.”

Hebert’s next assignment is commanding officer at the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center in Pensacola, Florida.

NAMRU-Dayton’s new commanding officer, Capt. Teneza-Mora, is an infectious disease physician from Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 in Lima, Peru, where she was the executive officer. She is a seasoned Navy Medicine research and development professional.

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be granted the opportunity to lead NAMRU-Dayton and to serve as your commanding officer,” said Teneza-Mora, “I am grateful to Rear Adm. Weber, Capt. Armstrong and Navy Medicine leadership for your trust and confidence in me, and for this extraordinary opportunity to be at the helm of an exceptional research command, that is contributing every day to enhance the health, safety and performance of our Sailors and Marines.”

NAMRU-Dayton is a distinguished laboratory in the Department of Defense with an operational medical research mission and home of the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory and the Environmental Health Effects Laboratory.

About the Author