U.S. Hospital Ship Arrives In Costa Rica On Humanitarian Mission

You Might
Also Like

Published on Thursday, July 24, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

The U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived Thursday in Limón Beach, in Limón province, as part of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25), its fifth mission stop during this year’s deployment.

“We’re excited to be here in Costa Rica to provide medical aid and take part in expert exchanges and community-building events alongside our Costa Rican partners,” said Capt. Ryan Kendall, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 40 and CP25 mission commander. “Our combined team is stronger together, and we look forward to strengthening our relationships and friendships over the next week.”

This marks the sixth Continuing Promise mission stop in Costa Rica since the program began in 2007 and the third visit by Comfort in support of CP.

“The arrival of USNS Comfort represents the start of Continuing Promise 2025 in Costa Rica, a mission that reflects the best of our shared values,” said Michael Flores, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica. “It’s a testament to the strong friendship and enduring partnership between our nations.”

While in Costa Rica, the Comfort’s crew will provide a wide range of free medical services, including adult and pediatric care, dental and optometry services, women’s health care, and surgeries aboard the ship.

Service members will also conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, as well as medical exchanges with Costa Rica’s Social Security professionals to improve maritime partnerships and enhance joint disaster response capabilities.

“Continuing Promise 2025 has been so rewarding because we’re working with people from so many different countries,” said Lt. Cmdr. Laura Riebel, a physical therapist assigned to Comfort. “As a physical therapist, I’ve been able to help with conditions we don’t often see and provide relief to so many patients.”

The mission goes beyond healthcare. U.S. Army veterinarians from the 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Support Services will perform spay and neuter surgeries, while Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 will repair two schools in Costa Rica.

The U.S. Fleet Forces Band “Uncharted Waters” will perform at local schools, and Sailors will engage with the Limón community through outreach events, helping with paint restorations and organizing sporting activities such as basketball, cricket, and kickball.

For some service members, the visit has personal meaning.

“I left Costa Rica six years ago,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Veronica Hernandez Araya, who is assigned to Comfort. “I’m grateful for the chance to return and be part of this mission in my home country.”

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Deven Fernandez, also assigned to Comfort, said the mission is an emotional one. “I’m excited to see my little brother, it’s been a year since I last saw him,” he said. “It’s uplifting to help people who are close to your family and share a similar background.”

CP25 is the 16th Continuing Promise mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth conducted aboard USNS Comfort. The mission fosters goodwill, strengthens existing partnerships, and builds new ties with partner nations, local organizations, and international agencies.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and the U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command’s joint military operations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America by conducting maritime security missions that promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

----------------
What other Latin American country should the hospital ship visit to provide free medical care? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

Real Estate For Sale

Real Estate for Rent