Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, director of the Defense Health Agency, visited Naval Medical Forces Atlantic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, to participate in a socially distanced establishment ceremony to mark the standup of the Tidewater Market, April 28, 2021. Tidewater Market is on the leading edge of the Military Health System's historic change, following its certification by the Defense Health Agency on April 19, 2021. By standing up the Tidewater Market, DHA enables greater collaboration across military hospitals and clinics strengthening the medical readiness of service members and enabling these facilities to deliver better care and a better patient experience. "I'm excited to hit the ground running as Tidewater's director," said Rear Adm. Darin Via, director of the Tidewater Market. "This change benefits everyone in our market. Our patients can now access a larger network of providers and specialists; our medical professionals have greater opportunities to maintain their skills; and our facilities can more easily share resources. In other words, I know our system as a whole will be healthier and more prepared due to this transition."