Camp Pendleton, California - Capt. Lisa Mulligan relieved Capt. Mark Kobelja as Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton commanding officer during a change of command ceremony Friday.

Hundreds of hospital staff, friends and family attended the ceremony, which was held outside in the hospital's Medal of Honor Mall.

The guest speaker for the event was U.S. Navy Surgeon General and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Vice Admiral Matthew L. Nathan, who spoke on the impact that Navy Medicine has had on the Navy and Marine Corps and how Kobelja and NHCP has made exceptional contributions in supporting those in need.

"Mark you have got this crew leaning forward and leaned out. I have been so impressed with what you are doing to capture care and increase acuity," said Nathan. "The good news is that [NHCP is] inheriting an amazing leader in Lisa Mulligan. I couldn't be prouder of the two of you. I am so grateful that we have such dedicated officers who will lead and be our ambassadors to the Marines, to the Navy and to the families that we support in this community."

Following Nathan's speech, Kobelja gave his detaching remarks where he gave thanks to his family, mentors and most of all, the hospital staff.

"To the crew of Navy Medicine's premiere teaching hospital; you have expertly cared for patients here, in our near and distant clinics, in the field during training, humanitarian missions, disaster relief around the world and in combat," said Kobelja. "What I have been most impressed with is your absolute commitment to improving our capabilities, quality of care and our training imperatives. I am humbled and privileged to have served with you."

After his remarks, Kobelja read his orders, followed by the reading of Mulligan's orders and the transition of command.

A neurosurgeon and native of Lawrenceville, N.J., Mulligan comes to NHCP after serving as deputy commander and executive officer at Naval Medical Center San Diego since 2013.

In her remarks, Mulligan addressed the staff and expressed her enthusiasm in joining the NHCP team.

"To the crew of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, I am delighted to be here and look forward to working with you to continue the incredible momentum you've gathered under Capt. Kobelja's deft leadership," said Mulligan. "We are blessed to work in a place where what we do every day really matters in the lives of Marines and sailors, past and present, and their families. We will stand ready to do that here or on the battle field wherever we are called."

Kobelja is transferring to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet, to serve as the Force and Fleet Surgeon where he will be the principle advisor to the commander on medical and health matters for Naval forces in Europe, Africa and surrounding waters.