Miller takes command of AFMOA Published May 9, 2016 By Shannon Carabajal 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Brig. Gen. Robert I. Miller took charge of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency during a May 6 change-of-command ceremony at nearby Port San Antonio.Miller takes charge of the executing agency responsible for Air Force medical operations worldwide. He replaces Brig. Gen. Lee E. Payne, who was selected to serve as command surgeon of Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.With an annual operating budget of $152 million, AFMOA implements policy, plans and programs for medical and dental operations, ancillary services and most medical support for all levels of command, including Blood Bank and War Reserve Material. The agency also operates the Air Force Drug Testing Lab and Service Treatment Record Processing Cell and hosts the Defense Department’s Hearing Center of Excellence.Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Mark A. Ediger, who presided over the event, said “The agency may not be known to many, but (AFMOA) plays a huge role in how Air Force Medicine supports one million beneficiaries and the Air Force mission around the world.“Your support ensures the care we provide meets the utmost quality and continuously improves as we work to perfect the patient experience," he said.AFMOA’s more than 500 active-duty military members, contractors and civilian government employees, provide consultative services for about 44,000 people at 76 military treatment facilities running on a $6.1 billion budget.“I’m truly excited to be a part of this organization,” Miller said. “In many ways, it feels like coming home. I promise to ensure AFMOA remains at the cutting edge of support for the Air Force medical service.”Prior to leading AFMOA, Miller was dual-hatted as director of education and training for the Defense Health Agency, and as commandant of the Medical Education and Training Campus at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. Board certified in both general pediatrics and developmental pediatrics, Miller has diverse background experience in command roles at facility and major command levels.“General Miller is a superb leader and a great mentor,” Ediger said. “I can’t think of anybody more prepared to take this role.”For more information about AFMOA, visit www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/AFMOA. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)