FORT CAMPBELL. Ky. – Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Commander Col. George “Ned” Appenzeller relinquished command to Col. Telita Crosland Monday afternoon during a Change of Command Ceremony on the hospital’s parade field.

In addition to her Doctorate of Medicine, Crosland has degrees in public health and national resource strategy. She is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and is a recipient of the Surgeon General’s “A” proficiency designator. Crosland is a former senior medical officer with the Office of the Surgeon General and was most recently assigned as the Chief of Medical Corps Branch, Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Ky.

“I am truly humbled by the opportunity to command again and blessed to be able to serve here at Fort Campbell,” Crosland told the audience after assuming command, symbolized by the traditional passing of the colors.

Echoing remarks from a recent medical commander’s training event, Crosland said Army Medicine exists to ensure medical readiness of the force, which enables the military to win the nation’s wars. “We do this as a team – a team of highly professional, committed and passionate Soldiers and civilians,” she said.

“For my Blanchfield team, I want you to know that we will continue to build on your successes, and we will adjust in the areas needed as we realize our mission.”

Crosland replaced Appenzeller, whose two-year command saw remarkable growth with a myriad of projects, many of which are still edging closer to completion.

Brig. Gen. Barbara R. Holcomb, commander of the Southern Regional Medical Command and Market Manager of San Antonio Military Health System, presided over the ceremony and recognized Appenzeller for the many achievements he and his team attained during his command.

“Your tenure has been characterized with emphasis on patient safety, facility restructure and upgrade, and providing your patients quality care,” Holcomb said.

“Additionally, your command became the first Army command in the continental United States to earn the Army Safety and Occupational Health Star Award.”

Appenzeller will assume a new role at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart-Moehringen, Germany, where he will serve as U.S. Africa Command Surgeon.