Kathryn Schmidt Elliott

Captain Kathryn Schmidt Elliott, Class of 1984, is a Navy officer and medical professional. She has served on active duty as a Navy physician for 30 years most recently as the Commanding Officer of the USNS Comfort where she successfully led numerous humanitarian and medical missions. Previously, she served as Force Surgeon for the Military Sealift Command, where she managed healthcare operations for the worldwide logistics command, encompassing over 120 ships. She was the lead medical subject matter expert for the development of the COVID19 pandemic response plan and in early 2020 she coordinated the first simultaneous deployment of both hospital ships (Mercy and Comfort) since Operation Desert Storm.

Captain Elliott is originally from San Diego, California. She is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Captain Elliott was accepted into the Health Professions Scholarship Program and received a commission into the Navy Medical Corps. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Master of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. She graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

After completing her Internal Medicine internship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, Captain Elliott completed training as a Naval Flight Surgeon. From April 1996 until August 1998, she served as Flight Surgeon for Carrier Air Wing 11, completing a Western Pacific deployment aboard the USS KITTY HAWK. As one of the first carrier-based female flight surgeons, she participated in the gender integration of both the USS KITTY HAWK and the USS CARL VINSON. She returned to Naval Medical Center in San Diego and completed Internal Medicine residency.

Hospital assignments include tours at Naval Hospitals Yokosuka, Bremerton, Naples, and Camp Pendleton. At Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, she was appointed as the Director for Healthcare Business in November 2013, assuming responsibility for Case Management, Referrals Management, Patient Relations, and Tricare Operations.

Captain Elliott reported as the Officer-in-Charge of Fleet Surgical Team THREE in August 2010 where she completed a highly successful 2011 Western Pacific deployment as the Commander Amphibious Task Force Surgeon for the BOXER Amphibious Ready Group.

From June 2016 to June 2018 Captain Elliott served as the Executive Officer onboard the USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20). During her tour, COMFORT responded effectively to Puerto Rico, providing advanced medical services afloat as part of a joint Department of Defense response during Hurricane Maria relief operations.

As the Force Surgeon for the Military Sealift Command from June 2018 to May 2021, Captain Elliott managed healthcare operations for the worldwide logistics command, encompassing over 120 ships. She was the lead medical expert for the development of the COVID-19 pandemic response plan, and in early 2020 she coordinated the first simultaneous deployment of both hospital ships since Operation DESERT STORM.

From May 2021 to June 2023 Captain Elliott returned to the USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) Medical Treatment Facility as the Commanding Officer, advancing regional partnerships in support of national strategic objectives during CONTINUING PROMISE 22.

Captain Elliott served as the Force Surgeon for Commander, Naval Information Forces from July 2023 thru November 2024.

Captain Elliott is authorized to wear the Naval Flight Surgeon and Surface Warfare Medical Officer devices. Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).