AFMEDCOM holds redesignation and change of command ceremony

Published Sept. 11, 2025
Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs

FALLS CHURCH, Va. -- Air Force Medical Command leadership hosted a combined redesignation and change of command ceremony, Sept. 10, 2025, marking a historic transition for the Air Force Medical Service. Airmen, Guardians, and senior leaders celebrated AFMEDCOM’s formal establishment as a direct reporting unit and the transfer of authority from Maj. Gen. Sean T. Collins to Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, Air Force and Space Force Surgeon General.

Image of an Airman speaking. — After relinquishing command, Maj. Gen. Sean T. Collins, AFMEDCOM’s first commander, addresses attendees during AFMEDCOM’s redesignation and change of command ceremony Sept. 10, 2025, at the Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. Collins, AFMEDCOM’s first commander, will continue serving as the Air National Guard assistant to the Surgeon General, Senior Medical Advisor to the ANG, and as Director of the Space Force Medical Operations Directorate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Megan Hearst)

The DAF officially designated AFMEDCOM as a DRU in August 2024, initiating the most significant organizational change in the AFMS’ 76-year history. Collins, AFMEDCOM’s first commander, guided the command through its stand-up and initial operating capability in March 2025. He oversaw the first inter-command transfer and established the foundation for a readiness-focused medical command.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, who presided over the ceremony, presented Collins with the Legion of Merit. Allvin thanked Collins and the AFMEDCOM leadership team for their efforts in reaching this transition point for the command.

“If our medics are not ready, our Air Force will fail, and if our Air Force fails, our nation fails,” Allvin said. “We're developing this command structure for our Air Force as we move into this unknown environment … We've got to have them helping the rest of the force to maintain the readiness [required] to continue generating combat power.”

As Collins, a member of the Air National Guard, reflected on his tenure, he emphasized gratitude for his fellow Airmen, his family, and the opportunity to lead and shape the culture of trust within AFMEDCOM, during this time of transformation. He highlighted the Total Force partnership of active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilian medics, reminding the audience that readiness requires preparation before the future fight reaches our doorstep.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as your commander,” Collins said, closing his remarks by urging AFMS medics to remain committed to the mission and to one another.

Image of an Airman unfurling a flag. — AFMEDCOM holds redesignation and change of command ceremony

Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force Surgeon General, watches as the Air Force Honor Guard unfurls the Air Force Medical Command flag during the AFMEDCOM redesignation and change of command ceremony Sept. 10, 2025, at the Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Megan Hearst)

Image of Airmen posing for a photo. — AFMEDCOM holds redesignation and change of command ceremony

Chief Master Sgt. James Woods, Chief of Medical Enlisted Forces and Enlisted Corps Chief, secures the Air Force Medical Command flag as U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, Maj. Gen. Sean T. Collins, AFMEDCOM Commander, and Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force Surgeon General, prepare to begin AFMEDCOM’s change of command ceremony Sept. 10, 2025, at the Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. AFMEDCOM is the Department of Air Force’s largest direct reporting unit and it centralizes command and control of the medics responsible for delivering medical readiness, operational support, and health care delivery to America’s Airmen and Guardians. (U.S. Air Force photo by Megan Hearst)

DeGoes, confirmed by the Senate in his new role on June 29, 2025, assumes dual responsibilities as Surgeon General and AFMEDCOM Commander. As SG, he oversees medical policy for the Department of the Air Force. With this transition, he now leads both policy and medical readiness execution under one unified vision.

In his address, DeGoes outlined his commander’s intent, emphasizing three priorities: providing operationally relevant medical capability integrated into combat units, caring for Airmen and families, and partnering with the Defense Health Agency and sister services to deliver healthcare benefits.

“AFMEDCOM is a readiness-focused, mission-oriented service organization that happens to also deliver healthcare,” DeGoes said.

Image of people in a crowd. — Dr. Jonathan Woodson, President of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science; Dr. David Smith, Defense Health Agency Acting Director; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, Headquarters Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services; and retired Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Douglas Robb, former DHA director, react to comments at the Air Force Medical Command redesignation and change of command ceremony transitioning AFMEDCOM command authority from Maj. Gen. Sean T. Collins to Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes Sept. 10, 2025, at the Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Megan Hearst)

He stressed that operations must come first and pledged to lead with a sense of urgency, optimizing training and equipment for agile combat employment, preparing for contested aeromedical evacuation, and advancing human performance.

“With unified leadership from headquarters through medical readiness commands to the medical groups, I am confident we will provide the trusted care necessary to fly, fight, and win anytime, anywhere,” he said.

The unfurling of the AFMEDCOM flag, delegated to Chief Master Sgt. James M. Woods, Medical Enlisted Force and Enlisted Corps Chief, symbolized the command’s new identity and the trust placed in its enlisted members. With the baton now passed, AFMEDCOM moves forward under DeGoes’ leadership, unifying more than 26,000 medics and ensuring the Air Force and Space Force remain medically ready to meet the demands of future operations.