U.S. Southern Command Photo Gallery
181020-N-GN619-1060
ESMERALDAS, Ecuador (Oct. 20, 2018) – Capt. William Shafley, commander, Task Force 49 (right), meets with Ecuadorian Army Brig. Gen Franklin Gustavo Acosta, commander, Joint Task Force Esmeraldas (center), and Ecuadorian Navy Rear Adm. John Merlo, commander, Naval Forces North, at Naval Base Esmeraldas, Ecuador for discussions on aid and support that will be provided by the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort is on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative. Working with health and government partners in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras, the embarked medical team will provide care on board and at land-based medical sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems caused partly by an increase in cross-border migrants. The deployment reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity with the Americas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kris R. Lindstrom/Released)