Hospital Ship USNS Comfort in Latin America: Enduring Promise Medical Assistance Mission

The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) provided medical assistance to Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras October - December 2018, as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative. For this mission, U.S. personnel worked alongside partners to provide medical assistance to a combined 26,701 patients. This marked the hospital ship's sixth deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean since 2007 and reflected the United States' enduring promise of friendship, partnership, and solidarity with the Americas.

Watch: Overview of USNS Comfort mission to Latin America 2018

Overview

The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Oct. 10 en route to South America and Central America where it conducted an 11-week medical assistance mission working closely with host-nation health and government partners in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Honduras. The purpose of the deployment was to help relieve pressure on host nation medical systems partly due to an increase in migrants crossing their borders and provide care to the appropriate communities.

The ship’s crew included more than 200 U.S. and partner nation military doctors, nurses, and technicians. In addition, about 60 medical and dental professional volunteers from non-governmental organizations were on board to support the medical assistance mission. They were joined by a smaller team of civil service mariners who oversaw the ship’s operation and navigation.

During the mission, USNS Comfort visited Esmeraldas, Ecuador; Paita, Peru; Riohacha and Turbo in Colombia; and Puerto Castillas, Honduras.

The USNS Comfort mission demonstrated U.S commitment to the Americas and is part of a continuum of support provided by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). SOUTHCOM-sponsored civic assistance and humanitarian missions are conducted in close cooperation with partner nations in the region as well as with U.S. interagency partners at the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Similar missions include Continuing Promise, New Horizons, Beyond the Horizon, medical readiness training exercises and the Medical Civil Action Program.

About USNS Comfort

A U.S. Navy hospital ship has the capacity to provide afloat, mobile, acute surgical medical facilities to the U.S. military, and is an optimal platform to provide hospital services in support of U.S. humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations worldwide.

Medical & Dental Services Provided

General surgery
Ophthalmologic surgery
Dermatology
Medical evaluation and treatment
Preventive medicine
Dental screenings and treatment
Optometry screenings
Eyewear distribution
Public health

Background

This mission marked the sixth time the hospital ship will provide medical assistance in the region. Since first deploying to the region on a similar mission more than a decade ago, the hospital ship has visited 18 nations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. During those missions, military medical professionals worked with host nation and civilian partners to provide medical treatment to nearly 390,000 people, including more than 6,000 surgeries.

News and Articles

See all articles from USNS Comfort's 2018 mission to Latin America

Photos from USNS Comfort Mission

NFOGRAPHIC: Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) completes its Continuing Promise 2022 mission to Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Haiti, Oct. 19 through Dec. 21, 2022.

221220-N-LP924-1001

INFOGRAPHIC: Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) completes its Continuing Promise 2022 mission to Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Haiti, Oct. 19 through Dec. 21, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of CP22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

Lt. Cmdr. Kyle McDonald, from Frankenmuth, Michigan, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH20), conducts an oral exam on a patient during Continuing Promise 2022 at a medical site in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 16, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

221216-N-LP924-1128

221216-N-LP924-1128 JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 16, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Kyle McDonald, from Frankenmuth, Michigan, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH20), conducts an oral exam on a patient during Continuing Promise 2022 at a medical site in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 16, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

221214-N-DF135-1145

221214-N-DF135-1145 JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 14, 2022) The fast response cutter USCGC Kathleen Moore (WPC 1109) sails alongside the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 14, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Fernandez)

221216-N-LP924-1115

221216-N-LP924-1115 JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 16, 2022) Hospitalman Lauren Denise Taylor, from Houston, Texas, and Hospitalman Kristen Perry, from Los Angeles, California, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH20), take a baby’s temperature during Continuing Promise 2022 at a medical site in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 16, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

The fast response cutter USCGC Kathleen Moore (WPC 1109) sails alongside the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 14, 2022.

221214-N-DF135-1072

JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 14, 2022) The fast response cutter USCGC Kathleen Moore (WPC 1109) sails alongside the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 14, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Fernandez)

221214-N-DF135-1039

JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 14, 2022) The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sails off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti in support of Continuing Promise, Dec. 14, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Fernandez)

221212-N-TR141-1082

Capt. Michael Weaver, right, ground force commander for Continuing Promise 2022 in Haiti, and Lt. j.g. Blake Dunn, an intensive care unit nurse from Atlanta, Georgia, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), give a wheelchair to a young Haitian after providing care at a medical site in Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 12, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of CP22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is anchored off the coast of Haiti.

221212-N-YD864-1061

JEREMIE, Haiti (Dec. 12, 2022) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Bryce Batiancela, assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Detachment 3, attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), monitors the helicopter's distance from the ship during flight operations off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 12, 2022. Comfort is currently deployed in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sails off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 11, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

221211-N-VQ841-1304

221211-N-VQ841-1304 Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sails off the coast of Jeremie, Haiti, Dec. 11, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan J. Soto)

Gen. Laura Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, tours a medical site during Continuing Promise 2022 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

221129-A-MN612-0077

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 29, 2022) Gen. Laura Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, tours a medical site during Continuing Promise 2022 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Nov. 29, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Gomez)

221129-A-MN612-0038

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 29, 2022) Gen. Laura Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, speaks at a women’s health fair at the Centro Cultural Mauricio Baez during Continuing Promise 2022 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Nov. 29, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Gomez)

The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, meets with Dominican Republic Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa.

221129-A-BS728-011

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 29, 2022) -- The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, meets with Dominican Republic Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa, and senior military leaders to discuss strengthening the longstanding U.S.-Dominican security partnership. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy Dominican Republic)

The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, stands alongside Dominican Republic Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa.

221129-A-BS728-010

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 29, 2022) -- The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, stands alongside Dominican Republic Minister of Defense, Lt. Gen. Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa, and senior military leaders prior to a meeting with both leaders. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy Dominican Republic)

The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, meets with attendees of a women’s health fair that was part of the USNS Comfort's Continuing Promise 2022 humanitarian mission in the country.

221129-A-BS728-001

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 29, 2022) -- The commander of U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura Richardson, meets with attendees of a women’s health fair that was part of the USNS Comfort's Continuing Promise 2022 humanitarian mission in the country. (Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy Dominican Republic)

Senior government officials pose for a photo.

221130-N-ON707-1186

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 30, 2022) — Dr. Daniel Rivera, Dominican Republic Minister of Health, left, Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, left-center, Lt. Gen. Carlos Diaz-Morfa, Dominican Republic Minister of Defense, right-center, and Alexander Titolo, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, pose for a photo at the opening ceremony for the Dominican Republic portion of Continuing Promise 2022, Nov. 30, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, delivers remarks at the opening ceremony for the Dominican Republic portion of Continuing Promise 2022, Nov. 30, 2022.

221130-N-ON707-1135

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 30, 2022) -- Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, delivers remarks at the opening ceremony for the Dominican Republic portion of Continuing Promise 2022, Nov. 30, 2022. Continuing Promise 2022 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

221127-N-DF135-1024

221127-N-DF135-1024 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 27, 2022) – The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) sits anchored in the harbor of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Nov. 27, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven Fernandez)

A sailor in medical uniform and mask uses magnifying glasses to look inside a patient's mouth.

Closer Look

Navy Lt. Hillary Diffee conducts a dental exam during the Continuing Promise 2022 mission in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2022. Diffee is assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort which is supporting Continuing Promise with free medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

221117-N-VQ841-1138

221117-N-VQ41-1138 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 17, 2022) Cmdr. Tamara Kemp, a plastic surgeon from Park City, Utah, assigned to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), left, and Maria Nadales, a physician from Vama, Venezuala volunteering aboard Comfort, perform surgery on a young Colombian patient aboard Comfort, Nov. 17, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan J. Soto)

221117-N-VQ841-1020

221117-N-VQ41-1020 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 17, 2022) Maria Nadales, a physician from Vama, Venezuala volunteering aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), holds a young Colombian patient before a cosmetic surgery aboard Comfort, Nov. 17, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan J. Soto)

221116-N-LP924-1170

221116-N-LP924-1170 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 16, 2022) Cmdr. Angela Roldan-Whitaker, from Bogota, Colombia, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), feeds a child during a Women’s, Peace and Security (WPS) event with free medical care as part of Continuing Promise 2022 at Juan Fe, in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 16, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

221117-N-VQ841-1022

221117-N-VQ41-1022 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 17, 2022) A young Colombian patient sits on an operating room table aboard hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), before his cosmetic surgery, Nov. 17, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan J. Soto)

Cmdr. Angela Roldan-Whitaker, from Bogota, Colombia, plays with a child during a Continuing Promise 2022 event in Cartagena, Colombia.

221115-N-LP924-1044

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 15, 2022) Cmdr. Angela Roldan-Whitaker, from Bogota, Colombia, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), plays with a child during a Women's, Peace and Security (WPS) event with free medical care as part of Continuing Promise 2022 at Juan Fe, in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2022. Comfort is deployed to support Continuing Promise 2022, a U.S. 4th Fleet humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission providing direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

Musician 2nd Class Andrea Pharis, assigned to the U.S. Fleet Forces band and the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), plays the cowbell with a child from Fundacion Guerreros de Luz while performing in a concert in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 14, 2022.

221114-N-YD864-1030

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 14, 2022) Musician 2nd Class Andrea Pharis, assigned to the U.S. Fleet Forces band and the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), plays the cowbell with a child from Fundacion Guerreros de Luz while performing in a concert in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 14, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

Continuing Promise 2022 visit to Cartagena, Colombia.

221115-N-TR141-1368

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 15, 2022) Stephanie Hernandez and Laura Ramirez Cardona, medical residents of dermatology in Colombia, and Lt. Cmdr. Shayna Rivard, from Poland Springs, Maine, a dermatologist assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), remove a growth from a patient during Continuing Promise 2022 at a medical site in the Sports Coliseum of Combat and Gymnastics in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 15, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

A sailor speaks with a patient in a gathering area aboard a ship.

Comfort Care

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ruby Jackson talks with a patient aboard the USNS Comfort during Continuing Promise, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission, in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 12, 2022.

221112-N-TR141-1039

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 12, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Powell, from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, assigned to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) for Continuing Promise 2022, conducts pre-operation screenings for possible eye surgery at a medical site set up in the Sports Coliseum of Combat and Gymnastics, in Cartagena, Columbia, Nov. 12, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of CP22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) visits Cartagena, Colombia.

221112-N-YD864-1016

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 12, 2022) Hospital Corpsman Cody Gilman, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), takes a patient's vitals during the ship's patient intake process in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 12, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

221031-N-DF135-1023

221031-N-DF135-1023 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 31, 2022) – Chief Hospital Corpsman Shawn Burnette, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, shows systems used to monitor people on anesthesia, used to perform endoscopies, to members from the Japan-Guatemala Friendship Hospital aboard to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Oct. 31, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Deven Fernandez)

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Matthew Lowery, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), looks at the skyline through binoculars during an inbound sea and anchor evolution as Comfort arrives in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 11, 2022.

221111-N-YD864-1045

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 11, 2022) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Matthew Lowery, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), looks at the skyline through binoculars during an inbound sea and anchor evolution as Comfort arrives in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 11, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

The U.S. and the Colombian flags fly on the yard arm of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), as Comfort arrives in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 11, 2022.

221111-N-YD864-1083

CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 11, 2022) The U.S. and the Colombian flags fly on the yard arm of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), as Comfort arrives in Cartagena, Colombia, Nov. 11, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

Capt. Kathryn S. Elliott, from left, commanding officer of the Medical Treatment Facility aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Honduran navy Capt. Juan De Jesus, deputy commodore for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, Rear Adm. Douglas W. Sasse, III, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet, and Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of PHIBRON 4, meet after the ship arrived for Continuing Promise 22 in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 3, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of CP22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America

221103-N-TR141-1557

221103-N-TR141-1557 PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 3, 2022) Capt. Kathryn S. Elliott, from left, commanding officer of the Medical Treatment Facility aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Honduran navy Capt. Juan De Jesus, deputy commodore for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, Rear Adm. Douglas W. Sasse, III, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. 4th Fleet, and Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of PHIBRON 4, meet after the ship arrived for Continuing Promise 22 in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 3, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of CP22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

Abogado Don Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, Honduras Minister of Defense, speaks to the media on the pier of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Nov. 5, 2020.

221105-N-ON707-1125

PUERTO CARTO, Honduras (Nov. 5, 2022) Abogado Don Jose Manuel Zelaya Rosales, Honduras Minister of Defense, speaks to the media on the pier of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Nov. 5, 2020. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

Capt. Charles Cather, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), gives a tour of the ship to Honorale Laura F. Dogu, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, Governor Alexa Solorzano and Vice Adm. Jose Jorge Fortin Aguilar, Honduras Chief of Defense, Nov. 5, 2022.

221105-N-ON707-1021

PUERTO CARTO, Honduras (Nov. 5, 2022) Capt. Charles Cather, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), gives a tour of the ship to Honorale Laura F. Dogu, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, Governor Alexa Solorzano and Vice Adm. Jose Jorge Fortin Aguilar, Honduras Chief of Defense, Nov. 5, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Don White, from Norfolk, Virginia, attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), shows a child from the orphanage Hugar de Niños San Ramon the view through a camera in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 5, 2022.

221105-N-LP924-1124

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 5, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Don White, from Norfolk, Virginia, attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), shows a child from the orphanage Hugar de Niños San Ramon the view through a camera in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 5, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

Cmdr. Tim Donahue, left, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), leads a surgery, at the ship during Continuing Promise 2022, Nov. 05, 2022.

221105-A-MC125-1631

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 05, 2022) Cmdr. Tim Donahue, left, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), leads a surgery, at the ship during Continuing Promise 2022, Nov. 05, 2022. CP22 is a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez Santiago)

Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Cristian Ortiz, assigned to the "Chargers" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 onboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), jumps from an MH60S Seahawk during a search and rescue exercise at Puerto Cortes Naval Base in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022.

221104-N-YD864-2059

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 4, 2022) Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Cristian Ortiz, assigned to the "Chargers" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 onboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), jumps from an MH60S Seahawk during a search and rescue exercise at Puerto Cortes Naval Base in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

U.S. Army Capt. Morgan Pate, veterinarian attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), center, performs an orchiectomy, neutering a male dog during the Continuing Promise spay and neutering clinic in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022.

221104-N-ON707-1065

SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (Nov. 4, 2022) U.S. Army Capt. Morgan Pate, veterinarian attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), center, performs an orchiectomy, neutering a male dog during the Continuing Promise spay and neutering clinic in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jinuel Jehlen, a dental hygienist from Bulacan, Philippines, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), applies fluoride to students at Escuela San Martin Porres in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022.

221104-A-MN612-0023

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 4, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jinuel Jehlen, a dental hygienist from Bulacan, Philippines, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), applies fluoride to students at Escuela San Martin Porres in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Genesis Gomez)

221106-N-LP924-1037

PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 6, 2022) Capt. Carolyn Currie, from Lake George, New York, conducts a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) seminar with Honduran service members aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Nov. 6, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophia Simons)

221106-N-LP924-1030

Lt. Cmdr. James McLean, left, and Cmdr. Michael Eliason, perform a rhinoscopy aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20).

221030-N-YD864-2099

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 30, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. James McLean, left, and Cmdr. Michael Eliason, perform a rhinoscopy aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Oct. 30, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster)

Capt. Kathryn Elliott, commanding officer of Medical Treatment Facility aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), right, checks on a young patient aboard Comfort.

221030-N-VQ841-1092

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 30, 2022) Capt. Kathryn Elliott, commanding officer of Medical Treatment Facility aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), right, checks on a young patient aboard Comfort, Oct. 30, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ethan J. Soto)

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is anchored off the coast of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala

221028-N-ON707-2082

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 28, 2022) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is anchored off the coast of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 28, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Mullen)

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) visits Puerto Barrios, Guatemala during Continuing Promise.

221028-N-MY642-1007

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 28, 2022) Cmdr. Michael Cunningham, a pediatric cardiologist from Chesapeake, Virginia, looks over premature children at the Hospital Nacional Infantil as part of a subject matter expert best-practices exchange during the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) Continuing Promise mission on Oct. 28, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Donald R. White Jr.)

221029-Z-IL406-0004

Arkansas National Guard members toured the USNS Comfort offshore from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 29, 2022, during Continuing Promise 2022. The tour provided an opportunity for Arkansas Guardsmen to build relationships with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel and exchange ideas to increase total force readiness in patient care and to rapidly respond to disaster relief efforts and military operations.

221029-Z-IL406-0004

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sebastian Gonzalez-Lores, left, from New Braunfels, Texas, attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), teaches tactical carrying techniques to Guatemalan service members during a tactical combat casualty care subject matter expert exchange in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 27, 2022.

221027-N-TR141-1177

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 27, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Sebastian Gonzalez-Lores, left, from New Braunfels, Texas, attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), teaches tactical carrying techniques to Guatemalan service members during a tactical combat casualty care subject matter expert exchange in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 27, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

Chief Hospital Corpsman Joey Bradley, center left, from Dixon, California, and Cmdr. Stuart Hitchcock, from Asheville, North Carolina, both attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), teach tactical combat casualty care to Guatemalan service members during a subject matter expert exchange in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 26, 2022.

221027-N-TR141-1116

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 27, 2022) Chief Hospital Corpsman Joey Bradley, center left, from Dixon, California, and Cmdr. Stuart Hitchcock, from Asheville, North Carolina, both attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), teach tactical combat casualty care to Guatemalan service members during a subject matter expert exchange in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, Oct. 26, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Benjamin Lewis)

221027-N-DF135-1161

221027-N-DF135-1161 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 27, 2022) – Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Monica Martinez, from Edinburg, Texas, front, reaches for surgical instruments during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Oct. 27, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Deven Fernandez)

ALL IMAGERY FROM USNS COMFORT MISSION (DVIDS)