CAPT Kender W. Surin was born in Haiti and raised in Jamaica, Queens, New York. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1992 and completed Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) “A” School before serving aboard USS Scott (DDG-995) and USS Wasp (LHD-1). He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, where he participated in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program, and was commissioned as an Ensign in 2002. He subsequently earned a Master of Science in Exercise Science in 2006 and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Baylor University in 2011.
Operationally, CAPT Surin deployed as a military linguist in support of Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 145, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, the 10th Mountain Division, the 25th Infantry Division, and other joint and expeditionary units. He also served as a Patient Evacuation Officer with the 1st Marine Division and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
CAPT Surin assumed duties as Interim Director for Healthcare Business at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Portsmouth in June 2025 after serving as Director of Primary Care and Branch Clinics from 2024 to 2025. Previously, he served as Officer in Charge of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek–Fort Story from 2021 to
2024, where he provided medical readiness support to Joint Expeditionary Forces, Naval Special Warfare Groups, and numerous tenant commands.
From 2017 to 2021, CAPT Surin served as Director for the Directorate of Medical Services at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. Earlier assignments include Associate Director for six branch medical clinics in Okinawa, Japan, from 2015 to 2017, where he supported U.S. Navy Fleet, Marine Corps, Army, and III Marine Expeditionary Force units. He also served as Perioperative Clinical Coordinator at Naval Medical
Center San Diego from 2006 to 2009 and as Medical Administration Officer and Manpower Analyst at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton from 2011 to 2014.
CAPT Surin currently serves as Executive Officer, Field Medical Training Battalion–West, Camp Pendleton, California. He wears the Enlisted Surface Warfare device and is Fleet Marine Force qualified. His personal military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and various unit awards.