Continuing Promise 2017

Continuing Promise 2017 was a training mission to help strengthen regional partnerships while improving the lives of thousands in Guatemala, Honduras and Colombia. From January – April 2017, U.S. military medical & construction personnel and private aid organizations worked with host nation counterparts to provide health care and community assistance projects in each nation.

Multimedia from Continuing Promise 2017

MAYAPO, Colombia (March 25, 2017) - Lt. Cesar Cepeda, a Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) assessments officer from New York, high fives a host nation child at the medical site in Mayapo, Colombia. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
MAYAPO, Colombia (March 25, 2017) - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Joshua Crisano, a native of Williamsburg, Va., assigned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla., teaches physical therapy stretches to the mother of a host nation child at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Mayapo, Colombia. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
TRUJILLO, Honduras (Feb. 24, 2017) – Army Sgt. Katia Rivera, a native of Puerto Rico, assigned to Public Health Activity-Fort Belvoir, Va., and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Rock, attached to Naval Station Everett, Wash., inspect a dog for fleas during a veterinary check-up in support of Continuing Promise 2017's (CP-17) visit to Trujillo, Honduras. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
TRUJILLO, Honduras (Feb. 25, 2017) Cmdr. Christopher Crecelius, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., conducts a dental procedure training session for Honduran residents during Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) in Trujillo, Honduras. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy/Released)
TRUJILLO, Honduras (Feb. 24, 2017) – Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Sean Mckay, a native of Bozeman, Mont., assigned to Navy Environmental and Preventative Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 2, Norfolk, Va., speaks with host nation school children during a preventative medicine site visit in support of Continuing Promise 2017's (CP-17) stop in Trujillo, Honduras. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
TRUJILLO, Honduras (Feb. 24, 2017) – Sailors discuss mosquito habits with host nation residents during a preventative medicine site visit in support of Continuing Promise 2017's (CP-17) stop in Trujillo, Honduras. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 8, 2017) - Construction Electrician 2nd Class Charles King, a native of Huntington Beach, Calif., assigned to Construction Battalion Mobile Unit (CBMU) 202, performs maintenance on a surgical equipment sterilization unit during a visit to a hospital in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, in support of Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17). CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
170209-N-YL073-250 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 9, 2017) – Capt. Errin Armstrong (right), Mission Commander for Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17), tours Hospital Infantil Elisa Martinez, the only pediatric hospital in Guatemala, in support of CP-17's visit to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 7, 2017) - Lt. Cmdr. Amy Zaycek, assessments officer in charge for Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) and assigned to Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Ill., speaks with a host nation resident during a visit to a community center for senior citizens in support of CP-17's visit to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 7, 2017) - Chief Musician Erin Horn, a native of Norwood, N.Y., attached to U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Band, Norfolk, Va., shares family photos with host nation residents during a visit to a community center for senior-citizens in support of Continuing Promise 2017’s (CP-17) visit to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 4, 2017) -- Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brandon Morrison, a native of Tacoma, Wash., assigned to Naval Branch Health Clinic Belle Chasse, La., performs an eye exam on a host nation patient at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
170204-N-YM856-020 (Feb. 4, 2017) PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala - Cmdr. Jinaki Gourdine, a native of Charleston, S.C., and entomologist assigned to Navy Environmental and Preventative Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 2, Norfolk, Va., hangs a fly trap at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 4, 2017) -- Cmdr. Michael Arnold, a native of Chelmsford, Mass., and family medicine doctor assigned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla., examines a host nation patient at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Cmdr. Ellen Argo, a native of Stadford, Va., and nurse practitioner assigned to Naval Health Clinic Quantico, Va., examines a host nation patient during a wellness check at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Chief Hospital Corpsman Meagen Fahey, a native of Wakefield, N.H., assigned to Naval Dental Center Camp Lejeune, N.C., performs a cleaning on a host nation patient at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Army Capt. Erin Stein (right), of Macomb, Ill., assigned to Public Health Activity-Fort Gordon Redstone Section Veterinary Service, Ga., and Army Sgt. Patric Berry of Columbus, Ga., assigned to Public Health Activities-Fort Gordon, Ga., administers pyrantel, a broad spectrum dewormer, to pets belonging to host nationals at the Continuing Promise (CP-17) veterinarian site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Army Capt. Amanda Jeffries of Raleigh, N.C., assigned to Public Health Activity-Fort Belvoir, Dover Branch Veterinary Service, Va., observes a sterilization procedure performed by local veterinarians on pets belonging to host nationals at the Continuing Promise (CP-17) veterinarian site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Lt j.g. Jack Dembowski, a native of Alpharetta, Ga., attached to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, gives sunglasses to a host nation patient at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Feb. 3, 2017) -- Lt. Farid Hamidzadeh, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and a dentist assigned to Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Fla., administers a topical numbing agent to a host nation patient at the Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) medical site in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittney Cannady)
PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala- Utilitiesman 2nd Class Kristina Sosa, a native of Aurora, Ill., attached to Construction Battalion Maintenance (CBMU) 202, secures a tent in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, in support of Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17). The team assembled tents following the mission’s arrival in the country. CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)
170121-N-WZ792-007 (January 21, 2017) NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. - Medical personnel and Continuing Promise 2017 leadership take a group photo following pre-deployment training at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Continuing Promise 2017 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, medical, dental, and veterinary support and disaster response to partner nations and show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni)
170123-WZ792-022 (Jan. 23, 2017) MAYPORT, Fla. - Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joshua Nieto of Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE) Jacksonville, Fla., applies the insect repellant Permethrin to uniforms at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Treating uniforms is one of many preparations service members are taking before departing on Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17). Continuing Promise 2017 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Combat Camera photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ridge Leoni)
170123-YL073-105 (Jan. 23, 2017) MAYPORT, Fla. - Sailors from various commands erect a Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) during Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) pre-deployment training at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. Continuing Promise 2017 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements, and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy)

Recent Continuing Promise News

Overview

Continuing Promise was a U.S. Southern Command training mission introduced in 2007. During the 2017 mission, Continuing Promise personnel conducted civil-military operations including humanitarian-civic assistance activities comprised of medical, dental, and veterinary support, as well as disaster response training to show U.S. commitment to Central and South American partner nations.

This 2017 deployment also improved the collective capacity to respond in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the region and helped prepare USNS Spearhead to serve as a response platform anywhere in the world.

Capt. Errin Armstrong, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 40, was the Mission Commander, Commander Task Force 48 (CTF 48). Lt. Cmdr. Robert Lennon was the medical officer-in-charge. The ship’s Civil Service Master, Capt. Douglas Casavant, was responsible for the ship’s safe and timely navigation and day-to-day operations.

About USNS Spearhead

USNS Spearhead is an expeditionary fast transport ship, a U.S. Navy vessel operated by Military Sealift Command. It is a unique, highly flexible platform that can provide expeditious movement of personnel and equipment ashore to conduct humanitarian and civil assistance operations quickly and efficiently. This was the first year that Spearhead was the deploying platform for Continuing Promise.

Medical | Dental | Veterinary Services Provided

The medical, dental, veterinary and civic action programs were designed to assist each participating host nation in providing local communities with a wide range of health services. The primary focus was treatment ashore. Patients did not receive medical care aboard the ship. Medical, veterinary and dental teams went ashore at each location to provide a variety of medical, veterinary and dental services.

An estimated 15,000 people were provided services that included:

  • Basic medical evaluation and treatment
  • Preventive medicine treatment
  • Dental screenings and treatment
  • Optometry screenings & eyewear distribution
  • Women’s health services
  • Veterinary services
  • Public health training (plus additional specialties as applicable)

Supporting U.S. Military Commands

Participating units included a detachment of Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 (CBMU 202), to provide civic assistance as well as personnel from Destroyer Squadron 40 (DESRON 40); Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE); Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC); Combat Camera Detachment (NECC DET COMCAM); U.S. Fleet Forces Band; Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC) and Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE), part of U. S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM); Region Legal Service Office Southeast; U.S. Army Public Health; Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Two (NEPMU 2).

Background

This was the eighth Continuing Promise deployment to the region since 2007.

COMMANDER'S PRIORITIES

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