JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON –
Navy Rear Adm. William M. Roberts became the second commandant of the Medical Education and Training Campus during an Assumption of Command ceremony Sept. 7.
Among the distinguished guests were Roberts' wife, Patricia, inaugural METC commandant retired Rear Adm. Bob Kiser and his wife, Geraldine, and Navy Cross recipient, retired Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Don Mason and his wife, Sharon.
In his remarks, Roberts recognized Army Col. Gino Montagno, METC's deputy commandant, for his dedicated and devoted leadership while serving as interim commandant during the past three months. He then played homage to Kiser for his accomplishments as the first commandant.
"What you were able to accomplish with your team as the METC commandant plankowner was and truly is remarkable," Roberts said.
"I am both proud and humbled to have been selected to follow you as the next flag or general officer in succession, and will do my very best to make you proud as well."
Roberts pointed out that his potential success would be "a result of the amazing energy, innovation and dedication of our multifaceted METC team."
He told the METC staff and faculty, "I am here for you, I am dedicated to your quality of service, I encourage your innovation and your bright ideas, and I eagerly await the opportunity to partner with you, hear from you, and be motivated by you."
Roberts arrived from his previous assignment as fleet surgeon for the U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.
A native of Washington, D.C., Roberts was raised in Europe while his father served as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.
He earned his bachelor of arts (cum laude) from Princeton University in 1975, and completed his doctor of medicine in 1979 at George Washington University.
He completed medical school through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program and earned a master's degree in Business Administration from Edinburgh Business School, Edinburgh, Scotland, in November 1999.
In 2008, he was named a "Hero of Emergency Medicine" on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the American College of Emergency Physicians, and, also in 2008, he was selected for the "Excellence in Emergency Medicine" Award by the military chapter of ACEP.
Roberts was promoted to admiral and assigned as medical officer of the Marine Corps from July 2007 to September 2008.
He also served as director, Medical Resources Plans and Policy Division (OPNAV N931), at the Pentagon, as well as chief of the Navy Medical Corps