AFMS hosts MRC-Bravo, DHN Continental change of command

Official Statements

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “The Air Force Medical Service hosted a change of command ceremony for Medical Readiness Command-Bravo and Defense Health Network Continental, Oct. 27, 2026, transferring leadership from Maj. Gen. Jeannine M. Ryder to Brig. Gen. Gwendolyn Foster. Foster will serve in the dual-hatted role of MRC-Bravo commander and Defense Health Network Continental director.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “Both leaders have nursing backgrounds and previously served in dual-hatted roles as commander of the 59th Medical Wing and director of Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Foster also succeeded Ryder as Chief Nurse of the Air Force in 2021, establishing policies and maintaining programs for 19,000 active duty, Guard and Reserve nursing personnel - a role that she will continue alongside her new MRC-Bravo position.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “As the MRC-Bravo’s inaugural commander, Ryder helped establish the MRC, execute its priorities and develop a culture of disciplined prioritization. In 2024, the Secretary of the Air Force activated MRC-Alpha in San Antonio and MRC-Bravo in Falls Church, Virginia, as intermediate management organizations within the Air Force Medical Command. The MRCs were established to improve operational medical support.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “Ryder oversaw 33 units supported by more than 12,000 Air Force medics while managing a $1.2 billion portfolio across 26 military hospitals and clinics, serving over half a million patients. She will retire from the Air Force after 35 years of service, effective Jan. 1, 2027.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “Lt. Gen. John J. DeGoes, U.S. Air Force and Space Force Surgeon General, thanked Ryder for her commitment to supporting Airmen and Guardians, and for her confidence in the people who make the mission possible. “You leave behind a highly capable team, stronger partnerships, and a command positioned to continue delivering for all warfighters,” DeGoes said.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “Under Ryder’s leadership, MRC-Bravo strengthened warfighter medical readiness; expanded opportunities for Air Force medics to train in realistic operational environments, including Northern Strike 26-2; and improved the delivery of safe, effective and accessible care. The command also responded to emergency operational requirements, supporting installations through crises and preparing for future conflict. In her remarks, Ryder recognized members of the MRC-B and DHN Continental teams for their unity of effort in identifying and addressing medical group and network gaps.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “[They] understand the mission and its criticality to service equities, combat support and readiness requirements,” Ryder said. “MRC-Bravo, the beacon of excellence, always. It is time to watch the team soar to new heights.” Foster brings three decades of military service to the role, including experience as bedside nurse, commander of two medical groups, and director of staff for the Air Force Surgeon General.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “She enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17, serving eight years as a field medic in the Illinois Army National Guard and Army Reserve. She later completed a master’s degree in midwifery and worked as a certified nurse-midwife before being commissioned into the active duty Air Force in 2001 following the Sept. 11 attacks.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “She understands the mission from the perspective of a medic executing it, as the commander responsible for it, and the senior leaders charged with preparing the enterprise for what comes next,” DeGoes said. Foster thanked Ryder for her mentorship and acknowledged the personnel of MRC-Bravo and DHN Continental.”

• Air Force Medical Service, November 12: “Every day I will bring my best self to take care of our people and the mission,” Foster said. “Thank you for sharing what it means to be part of your teams, driving home what you do each and every day, not only for our great Air Force and the military health system, but for our nation.”