Change Clarifies Identity, Supports Medical Readiness

Naval Health Clinic New England:

"Naval Branch Health Clinic Portsmouth and its associated Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit were officially renamed Naval Branch Health Clinic Kittery and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Kittery, Oct. 30, 2026, establishing a clearer geographic identity and strengthening communication among patients, military commands, and community partners.

The milestone was commemorated during a re-designation ceremony, Nov. 5, 2026, attended by Rear Adm. Robert Hawkins, director of Defense Health Network Atlantic and commander of Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.

“Clarity is not simply an administrative preference. It is a matter of patient safety, operational effectiveness, and mission readiness,” said Hawkins. “When a patient is seeking care, when a referral is being processed, when a Sailor receives orders, or when emergency assistance is needed, there should be no uncertainty about which facility or command is involved. By aligning the clinic’s name with its actual geographic location, we are taking a practical and deliberate step toward reducing unnecessary confusion, improving coordination, and strengthening the systems that support our people.”

The name change further distinguishes the Kittery-based organizations from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Virginia, reducing the potential for confusion involving patient referrals, correspondence, and coordination of medical services.

“A name change is significant. It represents a new chapter, a new identity, and an opportunity to recognize the community in which we serve,” said Capt. Kevin Lyle, director for Naval Health Clinic New England and commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command New England. “I want to emphasize something that I believe is far more important - the people and the mission.”

The new name also reinforces the distinct but complementary missions of both organizations: the Defense Health Agency operating as a combat support agency focused on healthcare delivery and warfighter readiness, while Navy Medicine organizes, trains, and equips uniformed medical personnel to meet operational requirements.

Located on the grounds of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, the clinic supports the health and readiness of shipyard personnel, submarine crews, and military families. While the name change will continue to reflect its geographic location, it also preserves its long-standing mission to the nations maritime force.

That connection dates to 1834, when the first medical facility was established at the shipyard to provide services to personnel stationed there. Nearly two centuries later, Navy Medicine carries on that legacy through the healthcare capabilities it supports as a force multiplier for the the shipyard workforce and submarine community.

“Healthcare delivery on Seavey’s Island has seen many changes over the past two centuries, but our commitment to the people who work here, and the warfighters we support, has remained constant.” said Cmdr. Jenny Paul, the clinics Officer in Charge. “I’m proud of our Kittery clinic team and our place in the rich history of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard”

Naval Branch Health Clinic Kittery provides primary care, occupational health, dental services, and specialized operational medicine to active-duty service members, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard personnel, retirees, and military families - delivering the high-quality care our beneficiaries deserve while keeping the nation's warfighters ready to deploy.

NMRTU Kittery provides operational training to healthcare professionals through healthcare delivery to optimize both medical staff and Warfighter readiness."