Naval Hospital Oak Harbor bid farewell to Commanding Officer, Capt. Colin G. Chinn, Medical Corps, USN, and welcomed incoming
Commanding Officer, Capt. James A. Thralls, Medical Service Corps, USN during a change of command ceremony June 18 at Naval
Air Station Whidbey Island.
Chinn assumed command of Naval Hospital Oak Harbor in June 2006. During his tenure, he focused his efforts on partnerships with
regional healthcare facilities and transforming an aging medical facility into a more organized and aesthetically pleasing family-centered
patient care environment.  Chinn also improved the scope of services, access and continuity of care for Naval Hospital Oak Harbor
patients while as many as 15 percent of his military staff was deployed in support of the global war on terror. 
His accomplishments were a result of his visionary leadership and empowerment of staff to deviate from the status quo. Chinn, his
wife Eiko and son Kelly will depart for Camp H. M. Smith, Oahu, Hawaii as Marine Forces Pacific Surgeon.
Thralls returns to the Northwest where he previously served as officer-in-charge of Branch Health Clinic, Bangor and Director of
Ancillary Services at Naval Hospital, Bremerton.
During his most recent tour at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, he supported the development of future plans and strategies
for Navy Medicine.
Thralls and Capt. Mary Elizabeth Neill, his new executive officer, are anxious to continue the evolution of making Naval Hospital Oak
Harbor the premier hospital of choice for Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands.
Thralls and his wife Lynda reside in Oak Harbor.