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News | Nov. 1, 2022

USNS Comfort Delays Port Visit in Honduras Due to Tropical Storm

By Petty Officer 1st Class James Mullen

CARIBBEAN SEA (Nov. 1, 2022) -- Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) postpones its scheduled visit to Honduras on Nov. 1, 2022, in response to Tropical Storm Lisa currently strengthening in the Caribbean Sea.

“For the safety of the Honduran patients who would otherwise be exposed to the elements, and of the crew aboard Comfort, we will travel out of the projected path of the storm,” said Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4 and mission commander of Continuing Promise 2022. “We remain committed to our partners in the region, and plan to arrive immediately after the storm has passed to continue our promise working side-by-side with the people of Honduras.”

Comfort was scheduled to visit Honduras from Nov. 1-6 as part of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, disaster relief, subject matter expert exchanges, and implementing women, peace and security initiatives with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

“We started this mission off successfully with our stop in Guatemala, and I have no doubt the Continuing Promise team is prepared and ready to do the same in Honduras,” said Carmichael. “While this storm interrupts our current plans, it does not change our goal of visiting Honduras to help people in need and continue working with our partners.”

A group of Continuing Promise personnel debarked the Comfort on October 31 to travel to Honduras to continue some scheduled programs on the ground until Comfort arrives. The crew aboard Comfort consists of more than 1,000 members including U.S. military, civilians, non-government organizations and international militaries.

Capt. Juan De Jesus of the Honduran Navy, deputy commander for Continuing Promise 2022 said, “We prepare for situations just like this and I know the people of Honduras are awaiting Comfort’s presence. The team going ahead will begin work in Honduras while the remainder of the crew aboard Comfort will follow shortly. I look forward to returning to Honduras and successfully continuing our mission.”

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

COMMANDER'S PRIORITIES