The Mercy-class hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20) was in Limón, Costa Rica, July 24 – August 2, for the fifth mission stop of Continuing Promise 2025 (CP25).
“The Continuing Promise team is excited to be here in Costa Rica and ready to bring medical aid and participate in subject matter expert exchanges and community building events alongside our Costa Rican counterparts,” said U.S. Navy Captain Ryan Kendall, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 40 and CP25 mission commander. “Our combined team is stronger together and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationships and friendships over the next week.”
This visit marks the sixth CP mission stop to Costa Rica since its inception in 2007, and the third visit aboard Comfort in support of CP.
“The arrival of USNS Comfort marks the beginning of the Continuing Promise 2025 mission, a mission that embodies the best of our shared values,” said Michael Flores, Chargé D’Affaires, U.S. Mission to Costa Rica. “It is a testament to the strong friendship built upon our partnership.”
While in Costa Rica, the team provided comprehensive medical services — including adult, pediatric, dental, optometry, and women’s health care, and performing surgeries aboard Comfort. Service members also conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, and medical exchanges with Costa Rican professionals to strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance joint disaster response capabilities.
“Continuing Promise 2025 has been a rewarding experience to be able to work with people from so many different countries,” said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Laura Riebel, a physical therapist assigned to Comfort. “As a physical therapist, we have been able to help with conditions that we don’t see often and provide relief to numerous patients so far.”
Additionally, U.S. Army veterinarians assigned to 248th Medical Detachment Veterinary Support Services performed spay and neuter surgeries, while Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 repaired two Costa Rican schools and the U.S. Fleet Forces Band “Uncharted Waters” hosted performances at multiple local schools.
“I left Costa Rica six years ago,” said U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Veronica Hernández Araya, assigned to Comfort. “I am grateful that I am here, grateful for this opportunity to be a part of this mission to Costa Rica.”
Sailors from Comfort also supported the Costa Rican community through outreach events, including paint restorations and sporting activities such as basketball, cricket, and kickball.
Lastly, for some service members, this mission represented more than professional duty — it had deeply personal connections.
“I am excited to see my little brother, it has been a year since the last time that I saw him,” said U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Deven Fernández, assigned to Comfort. “It’s an uplifting feeling when we get to help people that are close to your family and have a similar background.”
CP25 marks the 16th mission to the region since 2007 and the eighth aboard Comfort. The mission fosters goodwill, strengthens existing partnerships with partner nations, and encourages the establishment of new partnerships among countries, non-federal entities, and international organizations.
