A Fond Farewell

From my earliest days in the United States Navy as a Health Professions Trainee to the great privilege of serving as the 36th Surgeon General of the Navy, to leading the VA Maryland and Washington DC Health Care Systems, and the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System, this path has been one of immense responsibility, but even greater reward. I have witnessed the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. I have seen the power of teamwork and the impact of compassionate leadership. And through it all, I have been reminded, time and again, that service is not about rank or title—it is about people. It is about those who raise their hand to serve. It is about those who are dedicated to a cause greater than themselves, and those who carry forward a legacy of excellence.

I am proud of the work we’ve done together to serve Veterans throughout the pacific islands. In the past five years we’ve experienced continued growth in the number of Veterans we serve, in our enhanced collaboration with federal and community partners, and in the clinical services we provide. We’ve grown our VAPIHCS ohana, and focused steadfast on doing the right thing, resulting in our staff providing safe, quality, and compassionate care to our Veterans every day. Together, we’ve created robust health care models that will sustain our Veteran community for years to come.

To the countless Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Guardsman, Merchant Mariners, Veterans, staff, and colleagues I have had the honor to serve alongside, you have been my inspiration. Your resilience, your dedication, and your selflessness have made every challenge worth facing and every sacrifice worth making. I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me throughout my career—the trust to lead, to heal, and to uphold the values that make our nation strong. To my staff, colleagues, friends, and family—thank you. Your support, your wisdom, and your encouragement have been my anchor.  Every success I have had reflects the people who stood beside me, challenged me to be better, and believed in the mission we shared. Your contributions to VAPIHCS and to the VA are immeasurable, and it has been an honor to work with you in support of the most honorable mission of caring for our nation’s heroes. I have no doubt the mission lives on in each of you.

On March 31, 2025, I leave you in very capable hands, as Thandiwe Nelson-Brooks takes the helm as Interim Director for VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. As I close this chapter and begin the next, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. While my uniform may be retired, my commitment to service remains.  I look forward to continuing to contribute in new ways, to support those who serve, and to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Fair winds and following seas to all who continue the mission. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve with you, and to be your Director.

With honor, courage, and commitment,

A hui hou. 

Watch my farewell video here.

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE 
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

Stay Informed

Website: https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast:  https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/