Preserving the Force: NEPMU-5 Charting the Future of Force Health Protection as Leadership Change of Charge Solidifies Navy Medicine Readiness

Capt. Johnfritz Antoine relieved Cdr. Emily Owens as officer in charge (OIC) of Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) FIVE at the San Diego Veterans Museum in San Diego, Ca., July 31, 2026, with Capt. Darryl Arfsten, Commander, Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC), as the presiding officer and guest speaker.
Antoine assumed charge of the command after a 3-year tour as Senior Environmental Health Officer at Naval Medical Forces Pacific.
“The future will bring new challenges,” said Antoine. “Emerging diseases, environmental threats, operational demands, and evolving global health risks will continue to test Navy Medicine. But if history has taught us anything, it is this: when the Navy needs NEPMU-5, NEPMU-5 answers. I have complete confidence that together we will continue that legacy.”
After three years as OIC at NEPMU-5, Owens goes on to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Beaufort.
"Over your three-year tenure, you have left an indelible mark on this unit, the Pacific Fleet, and the entire Force Health Protection enterprise,” said Arfsten of Owens. “You have led with unmatched integrity, driven elite readiness, and taken phenomenal care of your people."
The NEPMU-5 change of charge ceremony highlighted a seamless transition of leadership anchored in Navy Medicine’s core Lines of Effort: Force Health Protection, Elite Readiness, and a "People First" command culture. NEPMU-5 is a subordinate command of NMCFHPC.
The NMCFHPC enterprise plays a critical role in protecting the health and readiness of Department of the Navy and Department of War forces. Through expeditionary platforms such as the Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Units, expert consultation to commanders and medical leaders, and advanced testing and epidemiologic capabilities, our personnel provide rapid, flexible, and scalable health protection across the globe, ensuring operational forces remain medically ready and mission capable – anytime, anywhere.

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