Continuity of Care: Celebrating Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit FIVE’s 75th Anniversary

19 March 2024

From Courtesy Story

March 10, 1949, marked a pivotal moment in Navy’s Medicine’s history when the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) orchestrated the consolidation of four World War II epidemiology teams into five dynamic Epidemic Disease Control Units, strategically positioned across the nation’s key locations in Virginia, North Carolina., Illinois, California, and Hawaii.

Fast Forward 75 years, and the legacy of these units lives on through the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Units (NEPMUs) now operating under the Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC) in Norfolk, VA.

On March 8, members of NEPMU FIVE gathered to celebrate 75 years of history, when in 1949, the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) consolidated four epidemiology teams into five dynamic Epidemic Disease Control Units known today as the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit’s (NEPMU). As part of their celebration and to build esprit de corps, NEPMU FIVE’s Sailor 360 Program hosted a clean-up event where the team collected more than 35 pounds of trash. The Team also hosted a motivational command hike, and a potluck where they took time to reflect on three-quarters of a century of service and look ahead as the unit remains committed to 'Force Health Protection - anywhere, anytime.’ (Navy photo by Lt. J. G. Michael Arnold)

On March 1, members of NEPMU FIVE completed a hike at Cowles Mountain, San Diego to celebrate 75 years of history. Their history began in 1949, when the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) consolidated four epidemiology teams into five dynamic Epidemic Disease Control Units known today as the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit’s (NEPMU). The hike was sponsored by the commands Sailor 360 Program. NEPMU FIVE also hosted a clean-up event and command potluck where they took time to reflect on three-quarters of a century of service and look ahead to their continued efforts of promoting 'Force Health Protection - anywhere, anytime.’ (Navy photo by Lt. J. G. Michael Arnold)

While their names and structures have evolved, their mission remains unwavering: safeguarding the health, wellness, and safety of the warfighter. These units also, often, coordinate with local health departments, federal agencies, and foreign national officials to conduct these key duties.

Today, NEPMU FIVE, nestled in San Diego, California, stands as a beacon of continuity, serving Sailors, Marines and forward deployed expeditionary forces with unwavering dedication and expertise since their founding 75 years ago.

NEPMU FIVE Officer in Charge, Cmdr. Emily Owens reflected on the unit’s history and achievements stating, “NEPMU FIVE has been a key component, contributing to the health and readiness of the fleet and fielding highly trained and specialized Sailor-scientists in all parts of the world to support the warfighter. It is an honor and privilege to serve alongside the civilian corps and active-duty staff that assist this command in the execution of its unique role in protecting Sailors and Marines throughout the world.”

On March 8, members of NEPMU FIVE gathered to celebrate with a potluck where they took time to reflect on three-quarters of a century of service and to look ahead. NEPMU FIVE’s continued and vital role remains to protect the nation's defenders, embodying the enduring commitment to 'Force Health Protection - anywhere, anytime.’

Story originally posted on DVIDS: Continuity of Care: Celebrating Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit FIVE’s 75th Anniversary

Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
7700 Arlington Blvd. Ste. 5113 Falls Church, VA 22042-5113
This is an official U.S. Navy website
This is a Department of Defense (DoD) Internet computer system.

General Navy Medical Inquiries (to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery): usn.ncr.bumedfchva.mbx.bumed-general-inquiries@health.mil