Acting U.S. Navy Surgeon General, Texas-based Sailors honor enduring legacy at 251st birthday ball

SAN ANTONIO – The acting U.S. Navy surgeon general joined local leadership, Sailors, and community members in the heart of "Military City, U.S.A.," to celebrate the Navy’s 251st birthday at the South Texas Navy Region Ball, Oct. 17, 2026.

The event honored the Navy’s rich history, from its inception to the modern-day service of Sailors stationed around the world.

In his remarks, Rear Adm. Matthew Case, acting surgeon general of the U.S. Navy, acting chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), and guest speaker, connected the Navy’s past to the present, emphasizing the vital role Sailors play in national defense.

"We are gathered tonight not just to commemorate the humble beginnings of our Navy’s story, but to celebrate the continuation of that story through the vital work each of you do every single day," said Case. "Whether you are out in the fleet, embedded with the Marines, or right here in San Antonio, every day, you play an essential role in optimizing the medical readiness of our warfighters and sustaining our expeditionary medical capabilities." Case highlighted the significance of celebrating in San Antonio, noting the city’s "proud and profound military heritage," drawing a link to one of Navy Medicine’s most courageous figures, a Texas native whose story of valor continues to inspire.

"San Antonio is also famously the home of record for one of the most heroic figures in the Navy; a figure many of you are probably familiar with: Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class John E. 'Jackie' Kilmer," said Case.

Kilmer was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Korean War. In his final moments, he used his own body to shield a fellow Marine from incoming fire.

"He saved his Marine, but at the cost of his own life," said Case. "Jackie’s valor on that day is the bedrock of Navy Medicine’s shared values. His sacrifice reminds us of the extraordinary responsibility we place on our youngest corpsmen. In the chaos of battle, these young men and women hold the line between life and death."

Rear Adm. Walter Brafford, commander of Naval Medical Forces Development Command (NMFDC) and the senior Navy official in the region, served as the evening's host. He addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the strength of the Navy resides in its people and the networks that sustain them.

“Today is more than just a celebration of ships, aircraft, or technology,” said Brafford. “It is a day to honor the Sailors – past and present – whose courage, discipline and dedication have shaped our history. It’s about the Sailor standing mid-watch on a lonely deck in the Pacific; the Sailor in harm’s way far from home yet fully committed to the mission; the Navy veteran who served with honor and now strengthens our communities, here at home.”

The evening's proceedings connected with the official theme of the Navy’s 251st birthday: "Unwavering Vigilance and Unmatched Lethality." Case emphasized that this readiness relies on the profound dedication of individuals who choose to serve.

"Instinct tells us to retreat from danger, confusion, and uncertainty,” said Case. “Yet, every single day, our Sailors run towards the sound of the crisis. While instinct screams to seek shelter, they stand tall, committed to our Nation, our Navy, and each other, declaring: 'Not on my watch.' That is something rare, powerful, and worthy of celebration."

A solemn moment in the ceremony was the setting of the POW/MIA table, a tradition honoring prisoners of war and missing comrades. Guests stood in silence as a single chair was left empty and symbols representing their sacrifice: a red rose, a yellow ribbon, and a slice of lemon, were placed at the solitary setting.

“We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation, and internment,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jeffrey Duncan, master of ceremonies. “They are unable to be with their loved ones and families tonight, so we join together to pay our humble tribute to them, and bear witness to their continued absence.”

Case concluded the evening by thanking all service members in attendance for their personal commitment to preserving the nation’s security.

"To those who wear or have worn the cloth of our Nation, remember this: You belong to the less than one percent of Americans who stepped forward to defend our freedom," he said. "Thank you for everything you do to keep America’s Navy strong. Happy Birthday, Shipmates!"

NMFDC is the headquarters element designated within the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery as a direct subordinate to the Surgeon General of the Navy, charged with leading and managing all medical training, education, professional development, and instruction to produce highly trained and ready medical personnel.

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