The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (USAMRICD) welcomed Capt. Christina Thompson as the new detachment commander on May 25. Thompson assumed command from Capt. Kimberly Newell in a traditional ceremony hosted by USAMRICD Commander Col. Robin Neumeier.

"As detachment commander and adjutant, Capt. Newell expertly balanced prioritizing people and mission, devoting countless hours to putting first the health and welfare of our officers and enlisted Soldiers," said Neumeier of Newell's service to the institute.

Under Newell's leadership, Neumeier noted, USAMRICD maintained a 98% deployability rate, which is the best within all of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, USAMRICD's parent organization. In addition, the detachment's timeliness with awards and evaluation reports was 96 and 98 percent, respectively, and despite COVID-19 challenges, Newell maintained the skills of USAMRICD Soldiers by coordinating realistic training opportunities and rotations.

"Congratulations on a job extremely well done," Neumeier said. "Your future in our Army, I'm sure, is long and bright."

Newell is heading to Fort Detrick to attend the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity's year-long Program Management–Acquisition Internship Program.

Neumeier introduced Thompson to USAMRICD's staff by sharing some background information and anecdotes as well as personal observations from Thompson's friends and family. A close friend of Thompson's called her "one of the kindest, most caring individuals [she'd] ever met," and Thompson's twin sister, Serena, described her as a "humble, kind, and empathetic leader" as well as someone who has "always been the one to take charge" and "always gone after what she's wanted."

Thompson comes to the USAMRICD from serving as the 1st Infantry Division's medical plans officer. She's also served as a brigade medical operations officer, an executive officer, and an evacuation platoon leader. Of note, in 2019, Thompson was featured in one of the Army's "Know Your Military" promotional videos.

Thompson hails from Norman, Oklahoma, and under the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, attended the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science.