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Winn Army Community Hospital commander suspended
COL Patrick J. Ahearne
Col. Patrick Ahearne

Col. Patrick Ahearne, the commander of Winn Army Community Hospital on Fort Stewart, has been suspended from command, according to a news release from Terry Goodman, director of strategic communications for the Army’s Regional Health Command – Atlantic.

Brig. Gen. Ronald J. Place, the commanding general of Regional Health Command – Atlantic (provisional), took the action Tuesday following the results of an investigation involving judgment into Ahearne’s exercise of command authority, the release, issued Friday, says.

Ahearne has the opportunity to submit matters for Place’s consideration prior to any final determination being made on the command of the facility, according to the release.

Col. Joseph K. Weaver was appointed the interim commander Thursday. It is not known at this time how long Weaver will be the interim commander. Further information about Weaver’s background was not immediately available.

“The medical care and services for our soldiers, family members and retirees has not been impacted in any way,” the release says. “Excellent health care continues to be our priority and focus; this change will not cause any interruptions to our high standard of care.”
Ahearne took over command of Winn from Col. Kirk Eggleston, who retired from the Army last year.

Ahearne came from Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he served as chief of the Army Nurse Corps Branch at U.S. Human Resources Command.

In an interview with the Coastal Courier after the July 8 change-of-command ceremony, Ahearne said his priorities included wellness programs and increasing the health and readiness of the force.

Further information about the circumstances surrounding Ahearne’s suspension was not immediately available.

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