In a remarkable display of international collaboration, U.S. Navy and Continuing Promise 2024 leadership, along with Costa Rican government officials, toured various work sites to observe the partnership and interoperability between professionals from both nations. This visit underscores the enduring commitment to fostering goodwill and cooperation in the region.
High-Level Visits and Key Figures
Among the dignitaries were Marta Esquevel, President of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and Sucy Wing Ching, President of the Board of Port Administration and Economic Development of the Atlantic Coast of Costa Rica (JAPDEVA). Representing the U.S. were Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky, Deputy Commander of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, and Cdr. Juan Carlos Avila, Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. Leading the tour was U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith, Continuing Promise 2024 Mission Commander.
The delegation’s first stop was at Valle La Estrella Medical Center, where U.S. Navy medical professionals worked closely with CCSS personnel to provide direct patient care to the community. Next, they visited Colegio de Limón Diurno to observe progress on a roofing project for the school’s library, an initiative supported by the Seabees, the U.S. Navy’s construction battalion.
A Day of Collaboration and Engagement
The group then toured the expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), which transported personnel and cargo for Continuing Promise 2024. Finally, the visitors attended a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) seminar at the Casa de la Cultura in downtown Limón, hosted by U.S. Navy and civilian experts.
“Today’s events were an excellent example of the many ways that we can work with our neighbors to improve lives, communities, and friendships,” said Rear Adm. Lasky. “I am very grateful to our Costa Rican hosts for welcoming us with unending kindness and to our Continuing Promise team for dedicating their time and expertise to work alongside our partners in the region and improve our capability to work together.”
Impact and Achievements
The joint medical team of U.S. Navy and CCSS professionals has served over 2,000 Costa Ricans during the week-long visit. U.S. Navy WPS experts conducted training with 65 Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security and local officials, while construction personnel contributed over 300 man-hours of engineering support at Colegio de Limón Diurno.
During the visit to Colegio de Limón Diurno on July 22, students and officials were treated to a performance by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, “Uncharted Waters,” which played a 20-minute set featuring current hits and traditional Costa Rican and Latin American music.
“Seeing the smiles on the faces of so many people when we arrived at each site today gave me an incredible feeling of pride,” said Lt. Cmdr. Smith. “It is incredible to see how much work this team has done, how many people we have touched in Costa Rica, how many new friendships we’ve developed, and how many capabilities we have improved.”
Continuing Promise: A Legacy of Goodwill
Continuing Promise 2024, now in its fourteenth year, aims to build goodwill, strengthen existing partnerships, and establish new ones among Caribbean, Central, and South American nations, non-government organizations (NGOs), and international organizations. This year marks the fifth visit to Costa Rica since 2007 and the first for the USNS Burlington. Previous visits saw U.S. military medical professionals provide care to over 18,000 Costa Ricans and fill more than 10,000 prescriptions.
The mission also includes WPS seminars to discuss gender-based violence and share experiences, along with training events on humanitarian assistance and disaster response provided by U.S. Department of Defense professionals.
Looking Ahead
The USNS Burlington is set to depart Limón on July 24, with scheduled visits to Honduras, Colombia, and Panama. This mission highlights the U.S. Navy’s role as a trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central, and South American maritime forces, promoting greater unity, security, and stability in the region.
To learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet, visit their official website, follow them on Facebook, or check them out on Twitter @NAVSOUS4THFLT.
