Camp Pendleton, California - Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton staff members celebrated the 145th birthday of the U.S. Navy Medical Corps with a cake-cutting ceremony March 3.

The Medical Corps was established in 1871 by the 41st U.S. Congress to provide medical care to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel aboard ships and shore stations, as well as on the battlefield.

During the event, members from the Nurse Corps, Medical Service Corps, Hospital Corps and Dental Corps read letters from their leaders thanking the Medical Corps for their contributions to Navy Medicine and wishing them a happy birthday.

In his birthday message, Vice Adm. C. Forrest Faison III, U.S. Navy Surgeon General, said, "to everyone serving in our Medical Corps, I want to thank you for your sacrifice, your steadfast dedication, compassion, and selfless service as you care for those who need us most. Happy 145th birthday!"

No matter where sailors and Marines may serve, the Navy Medical Corps is there to ensure the health and well-being of the fighting force.

Today more than 4,000 active duty and reserve doctors serve with the Navy throughout the world providing exemplary care.
Medical Corps officers are part of more than 63,000 Navy Medicine personnel that provide healthcare support to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, their families and veterans in high operational tempo environments, at expeditionary medical facilities, medical treatment facilities, hospitals, clinics, hospital ships and research units around the world.