The USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), an expeditionary fast transport ship, made quite the splash as it arrived in Limón, Costa Rica, on July 16, 2024. This visit is part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 initiative. Now in its 14th year, this mission aims to build goodwill, strengthen partnerships, and encourage new alliances across the Caribbean, Central, and South America. It’s like a friendship tour, but with more stethoscopes and fewer selfies.
“We’re here to share knowledge, provide training, and offer aid and care at every mission stop,” said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Zachary Smith, mission commander for Continuing Promise 2024. In other words, they’re here to do good and look good doing it.
A History of Helping Hands
This year marks the fifth visit to Costa Rica since 2007, and it’s the first time the Burlington has docked in these friendly waters. In previous visits, U.S. military medical professionals have worked with local counterparts to provide care to over 18,000 Costa Ricans and fill over 10,000 prescriptions. Talk about leaving a good impression!
Medical Marvels and More
This year, more than 25 U.S. Navy medical professionals teamed up with local practitioners in Limón. They offered dental screenings, repaired equipment, and conducted basic medical evaluations. “Our goal is to provide the local community with the opportunity to receive treatment from a variety of health care services,” said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jeremy Lucas, Continuing Promise 2024 assistant medical officer-in-charge. In other words, they’re the healthcare superheroes we didn’t know we needed.
The Army Gets in on the Action
A U.S. Army veterinary team pitched in at five clinics across Limón Province. Meanwhile, ten U.S. Navy engineering professionals, known as Seabees, helped repair a roof at Colegio de Limón Diurno. “While helping the community around us, we are able to represent the United States as a whole and make our relations with other countries closer,” said U.S. Navy Builder Second Class Chase Park, assigned to U.S. Navy Mobile Construction Battalion One. Translation: they’re fixing roofs and building bridges—literally and figuratively.
Musical Moments
To add some rhythm to the mission, U.S. Fleet Forces’ band performed five concerts for the community. Because what’s a goodwill mission without a little music to lift the spirits?
Seminars and Training
Continuing Promise 2024 also included Women, Peace, and Security seminars to discuss gender-based violence and share experiences. There were also training events on humanitarian assistance and disaster response provided by U.S. Department of Defense professionals. It’s all about sharing knowledge and making the world a better place, one seminar at a time.
From Jamaica with Love
The mission kicked off in Kingston, Jamaica, where the ship delivered over $80,000 in medical and hurricane relief supplies on behalf of several NGOs. Because when it comes to helping, there’s no such thing as too much.
Next Stops: Honduras, Colombia, and Panama
After making a positive impact in Costa Rica, the USNS Burlington departed Limón on July 24. Next on the itinerary are scheduled visits to Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. The mission continues, bringing aid, friendship, and a bit of American charm wherever it docks.
The USNS Burlington’s visit to Costa Rica is more than just a pit stop; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and goodwill. Through medical aid, construction projects, musical performances, and educational seminars, the mission embodies the spirit of partnership and community. So here’s to the USNS Burlington and the Continuing Promise 2024 team—spreading goodwill and good humor one port at a time.
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