“Med Dawgs” welcome new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alice Moore
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Members of the 8th Medical Group better known as the "Med Dawgs," welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony held June 18 here at hangar three. 

Col. Hernando Ortega relinquished command to Col. Rose Layman former deputy commander of the 49th Medical Group, Holloman AFB, N.M. Col. CQ "Wolf" Brown, 8th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. 

"Every change of command is bittersweet as the "Wolf Pack" says farewell to one commander and welcome to another," Colonel Brown said. "Bottom line, the 8th Medical Group ensures the Wolf Pack and those assigned to Kunsan are fit to fight and we couldn't do our mission without them." 

Colonel Brown discussed the "Med Dawgs" success under the leadership of Col. Ortega and welcomed Colonel Layman to the "Wolf Pack." 

"The success or failure of any organization is due to its leadership," Colonel Brown said. "The 8th Medical Group had many successes due to "Hawk's" (Colonel Ortega) leadership."

 "Colonel Ortega has left some big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt Colonel Layman is up to the task," Colonel Brown said. "I couldn't ask for a more qualified officer to take the reins of the 8th Medical Group. There's no doubt she's ready for the rigors of Kunsan." 

Colonel Brown concluded his remarks by welcoming Colonel Lyman to the "Wolf Pack." 

"We look forward to working with you and wish you only the best in command," he said.
Colonel Ortega parted ways by thanking each and every member of the 8th MDG. 

"It's been an amazing year and an amazing run. It has been my humbling pleasure and honor serving with you. Thank you for your support. "Med Dawgs" you all are truly the best in the Air Force," he said. 

Colonel Layman said she was excited to assume command. 

Colonel Layman was commissioned in 1984 after receiving her Bachelor's degree at the University of Delaware. She completed flight school in 1987 and has served in a wide variety of assignments to include obstetrical nurse, emergency room, flight nurse, flight executive and Department of Defense financial analyst. In 2006, she became the deputy commander for the 49th MDG and deployed to Iraq where she served as the Chief Nurse Executive for the Air Force's only forward-deployed hospital and world's top trauma center. 

"I'm extremely honored to be assuming command here," she said. "Being in Iraq, I saw the importance of combat readiness and saving lives. It's an honor to be a part of the best medical group in the Air Force." 

As the 8th Medical Group commander, Colonel Layman is responsible for the healthcare services to more than 2,800 personnel and overseas the maintenance and readiness of $17 million in war reserve medical assets here. She also has functional command and control over all inbound medical forces during contingency operations in support of war fighting taskings at Kunsan Air Base.