During the USNS Comfort’s six-day medical mission in Manta, 320 medical professionals of the U.S. Navy and seven partner nations provided care for 7,799 patients and performed more than 120 surgeries aboard the ship. Ship personnel estimated that approximately 300 of the patients cared for were from Venezuela.
Among the patients who were cared for was Luz Trujillo who was treated for her knee as well as for gastritis. “I was really surprised with how quickly they saw me and I’m really thankful for the medicine they provided me,” said the Manta native.
“What we have accomplished over the past week will far outlast the ship’s visit to the region,” said U.S. Navy Captain Brian Diebold, commander of Task Force 49. “The medical staff has shared with me countless moving stories — from children getting their first pair of glasses to grandparents being able to see for the first time in years after a cataract surgery. It is truly remarkable what we are capable of when we work together.”
Along with the medical attention, the ship’s crew also offered community services, cultural presentations, veterinary services, sports activities and some technical improvements to the Manta Coliseum in the area of accessibility.
Comfort’s team is made up of military and civilian personnel from the United States and partner nations including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru.
This marks the seventh hospital ship deployment to the region since 2007. The embarked medical teams will provide care on board the USNS Comfort and at two land-based medical sites, helping to relieve pressure on national medical systems strained partly by an increase in Venezuelan migrants.
This deployment is part of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative and reflects the United States’ ongoing commitment to friendship, partnership, and solidarity with partner nations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
The USNS Comfort has now sailed to Peru, and is docked in the port city of Callao — just a few miles from Lima.