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Comfort Departs Suriname, Completes Mission

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071009-07
Release Date: 10/9/2007 2:44:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven King, USNS Comfort Public Affairs

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (NNS) -- Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Suriname Oct. 7 after approximately one week of humanitarian work in the Paramaribo area of Suriname.

Comfort crew members worked at six mission sites offering a wide variety of services including primary and pediatric medical care, dental, optometry as well as immunization and pharmacy.

“As I said when we arrived in Suriname, our cooperative work in Suriname is a perfect example of the spirit and intent of this mission. This is truly a nation we are glad we have such a strong partnership with,” said Capt. Bob Kapcio, mission commander aboard Comfort.“

Patients in need of more intensive care, including surgeries, were screened at the medical treatment sites then transported via helicopter to Comfort.

The mission has served more than 98,000 patients during its deployment and more than 3,000 in Suriname; however, this is only part of the story. Total patient encounters, which include a single patient receiving multiple treatments, students in training sessions and even veterinary care services are in excess of 386,000 with 15,000 in Suriname.

The Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 completed construction of playground equipment including a jungle gym and slide at Zanderij Clinic.

Project Hope provided advanced life support and cardiac life support training to the nursing students attending the General College for Nurses and Related Occupations, throughout the week.

“It’s been an honor to visit and offer our assistance to the country of Suriname,” said Capt. Bruce Boynton, commanding officer of Comfort’s medical treatment facility. “Bringing the knowledge and experience of our doctors to a place so eager to greet us has been thrilling. The continuing education aspect of this mission went so well because the medical professionals in Suriname are so passionate about their practices and just ready to learn.”

Comfort crew members also delivered medical equipment and supplies totaling more than $7,000 to the Onverwacht Hospital on behalf of Project Handclasp, a U.S. nonprofit charitable organization. Hospital beds, hospital furniture, and children and infants’ clothing made up the delivery. Also, the veterinary team donated $8,600 worth of equipment and pharmaceutical supplies. The total gifts in kind donated to Suriname was valued at more than $19,000.

Suriname concludes Comfort’s four-month humanitarian deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean, during which medical care was provided to patients in a dozen countries.