War Department Announces Realignment of Anomalous Health Incidents Cross - Functional Team to the Office of Research and Engineering

globalsecurity.org · Feb 21, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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February 20, 2026 Release The Department of War recently announced the realignment of the Anomalous Health Incidents (AHI) Cross‑Functional Team (CFT) to the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering, effective February 6. Since its inception, the AHI CFT has been the Department's lead organization for coordinating interagency efforts related to AHI. The realignment reflects the mission's increasing scope, complexity, and technical focus, ensuring the CFT has the expert oversight needed to meet current and future challenges. The Department has also named Rear Admiral (RADM) Michael J. Thornton to serve as the military assistant to the AHI CFT under the leadership of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Critical Technologies Peter Highnam. RADM Thornton began his distinguished career as a Navy SEAL and now serves as a triple‑board‑certified physician specializing in critical care medicine. The Director of the Defense Health Agency, Vice Admiral Darin Via, stated, "I am proud to have one of our Naval Medical Warriors supporting the War Department's cross‑functional team addressing AHI. As the Director of the Defense Health Agency, I am proud of our support for this critical mission, knowing we all remain committed to delivering timely care, advancing research, and ensuring transparency for our warfighters and all whom we serve." This appointment will deepen the CFT's collaboration with the Defense Health Agency and the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, reinforcing the Department's commitment to supporting affected warfighters and civilians. This transition will build upon existing efforts through a deliberate realignment to support the mission's requirements. All current program activities — including stakeholder engagement, scientific integration, and clinical coordination — will continue uninterrupted. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4411182/ NEWSLETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list