MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Cmdr. Cesar A. Odvina was appointed as officer-in-charge of the Branch Health Clinic during a change-of-charge ceremony at the station chapel here Aug. 28. Odvina succeeded Cmdr. William M. Wike, whose next duty assignment will be at Cherry Point, N.C.
“Commander Wike, I sincerely thank you for your exceptional leadership,” said Odvina. “Under your charge, you successfully met all operational and contingency requirements while providing and maintaining the highest quality healthcare standards, ensuring successful accreditation and recognition.”
Prior to assignment here, Odvina had assumed duties as the Defense Health Program Requirement officer as part of Chief of Naval Operations staff, Washington, D.C.
Odvina was born in Cavite, Philippines. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, he enlisted in the Navy at U.S. Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines.
Having spent 11 years in the Navy, Odvina was then selected to participate in the Medical Service Corps Inservice Procurement Officer’s Program.
Over the course of his 29-year career, Odvina has held a multitude of billets in locations around the world.
He served as the director of Force Requirements at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. He then reported as personnel and manpower officer at U.S. Naval Hospital, Naples, Italy in 2001. In May 2005, he reported as the director for Administration of U.S. Naval Hospital, Keflavik, Iceland.
At the change-of-charge ceremony, Odvina reminded the clinic staff of the challenges ahead and the importance of remaining vigilant and ready for those challenges.
“To quote Capt. McCarten, my mentor and former (commanding officer) at U.S. Naval Hospital Keflavik, ‘We need to keep our eyes on the ball,’” said Odvina. “We need to stay focused. Let us continue to become better by being good stewards of our time, talent and resources ensuring our clinic remains a highly effective, productive and well managed organization.”
Odvina’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star.