MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Goodbyes are never easy, although many times they are necessary. Service members never stay in one place too long- with most tours lasting two or three years.
The Naval Hospital aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune wished fair winds and following seas for Capt. Daniel J. Zinder, commanding officer for NHCL for the last two years, during the Naval Hospital’s Change of Command ceremony aboard MCB Camp Lejeune June 8. They also welcomed Capt. David A. Lane aboard as the hospital’s new commanding officer.
Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, was in attendance and spoke at the ceremony- with nothing but praise Zinder’s tenure at NHCL. Paxton served three overseas tours alongside Zinder and spoke of his dedication to patients who needed medical attention, and how he reduced the number of light or limited duty personnel overseas down to virtually none.
When it was his turn to speak, Zinder evoked great emotion reflecting on his tenure at the hospital. While most of Paxton’s speech illustrated admiration for Zinder’s leadership, his dialogue was full of praise for his fellow sailors and others he worked side by side with for his two-year tour. He also praised the community for all they have done, and for all the support he received from the Jacksonville-Onslow people.
Zinder will be the new commanding officer of the Multi-National Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He concluded his speech with asking the whole room to let out one loud “go Navy” during his last seconds in charge of NHCL.
Lane spoke after Zinder about takingthe assumption of his new command. He said he looks forward to continuing the excellent legacy and reputation Zinder left behind. Lane thanked everyone for welcoming him at the helm of the hospital’s command.
The ceremony, although sad for those who worked with Zinder, was a fun occasion for Paxton, Zinder and Lane, as they were able to roast each other and kept the laughter rolling through much of the event.
The staff of NHCL, MCB Camp Lejeune, and the Jacksonville community looks forward to the new things Lane brings to the table as commanding officer and how he will continue the hospital’s future advancement.
Lane served many tours- both domestic and overseas- including working as Aide to the Surgeon General of the Navy at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. In the past he served with Marines, originally enlisting as a corpsman. Lane was also the group surgeon for the 3rd Marine Logistics Group and the force surgeon with III MEF.