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History of David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB

David Grant Medical Center (DGMC), located at Travis Air Force Base, California, was established in 1943 and named in honor of Major General (Dr.) David Norvell Walker Grant, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Throughout its history, DGMC has served as one of the largest military medical centers in the United States Air Force, providing care for active duty personnel, retirees, and their families. The center played a critical role in supporting medical operations during conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Today, DGMC continues its mission as a premier healthcare facility, offering advanced medical training, research, and comprehensive healthcare services to the military community.

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ABOUT David Grant Medical Center, Travis AFB

  • Origins in WWII: David Grant Medical Center (DGMC) traces its origins to World War II, when Travis Air Force Base served as a key air logistics hub supporting the Pacific Theater.
  • Namesake: The hospital was named in honor of Major General (Dr.) David Norvell Walker Grant, the first Surgeon General of the U.S. Army Air Forces and a pioneer in military aviation medicine.
  • Largest Air Force Medical Center on the West Coast: DGMC is the largest medical center in the U.S. Air Force west of the Mississippi River, providing care to thousands of service members, veterans, and their families.
  • Innovative Partnership: DGMC partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the VA Northern California Health Care System, jointly operating portions of the hospital to serve both active duty and veteran populations.
  • Critical Aeromedical Evacuation Hub: During conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom, DGMC was a primary receiving point for wounded personnel evacuated from the Pacific and Middle Eastern theaters.
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: The current DGMC hospital building was opened in 1988, featuring more than 808,000 square feet and 116 beds, with advanced surgical, trauma, and intensive care capabilities.
  • Disaster Response: DGMC has played a critical role in regional disaster response, including mass casualty incidents and supporting the Northern California community during wildfires and crises.
  • Teaching and Research: The center is a training site for military medical residents and fellows, and is affiliated with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, contributing to military medical research and education.
  • First in Many Medical Advances: DGMC was among the first military hospitals to implement telemedicine, electronic medical records, and advanced trauma care protocols in the Air Force medical system.
  • Distinguished Humanitarian Service: The staff of DGMC have received numerous awards for humanitarian missions, including treating refugees and disaster victims, both in the U.S. and around the world.

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