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Panama Welcomes USNS Comfort and Crew

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090528-05
Release Date: 5/28/2009 1:59:00 PM

By Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marcus Suorez and Airman 1st Class Ashley Garcia, Continuing Promise Public Affairs

COLON, Panama (NNS) -- An opening ceremony was held May 26 in honor of the arrival of hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in the Republic of Panama as part of Continuing Promise 2009 (CP09).

Comfort will be in Panama for nine days on her fourth stop of CP09, a four-month humanitarian and civic assistance mission to Latin America and the Caribbean region.

"We have worked closely with the Ministry of Health and U.S. embassy to bring the very best in humanitarian and civic assistance to the people of Panama," said Navy Capt. Bob Lineberry, CP09 mission commander. "We look forward to working side-by-side with Panamanian government and medical professionals to learn and share best practices as we bring the very best in medical and engineering services to Panama."

During Comfort's stay, the crew will provide several venues of assistance to the Panamanian people. Medical professionals will man five medical clinics throughout the country to screen and treat patients. The Air Force South Band from Comfort will give seven performances and host two teaching clinics for music students. The engineering department on board Comfort will provide their assistance on several projects throughout the country.

"This humanitarian mission is to help provide health care and assistance to those who really need it," said U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Barbara Stephenson. "The Panamanian and U.S. doctors work together in every area of health care. This opportunity will allow us to build our nations' friendship and strengthen our partnership and abilities to work together."

Disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance is a core capability for U.S. maritime forces and a requirement to swiftly and effectively respond during catastrophic events.

"Over the next eight days, the crew of Comfort and the government of Panama will work together to find opportunities to work with our partners and strengthen our ability to operate together and provide for our nations' security, stability and foster our already strong respect and friendship," Lineberry said.

He stated that helping partners in the region prepare for, and respond to, natural and man-made disasters is a key element of U.S. Southern Command and 4th Fleet humanitarian assistance efforts.

"Together as a team we can face the challenges and see to a better future for all," he said. "Together we can bring a more secure environment and prosperous future to the Americas."

The ceremony began with a performance of the countries' national anthems by the Air Force South Band and concluded with a pair of Panamanian children giving a show of traditional Panamanian dance.