Continuing Promise 2011 in Full Swing

By Senior Airman Kasey Close, Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs

KINGSTON, Jamaica (NNS) -- Medical personnel from Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) began screening patients at the National Sports Arena and Windward Road Health Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, April 14.

Comfort's crew set up the two locations with 60 pallets of medical, dental and other supplies, which several practitioners will use to examine, diagnose and treat hundreds of patients as part of Continuing Promise 2011.

Between the two sites, Kingston residents may receive pre-surgical screenings, optometry, dermatology, dental, pediatrics, physical therapy, lab, pharmacy, x-rays, family and internal medicine services, and may also, on a case-by-case basis, be referred for further treatment on board the ship.

Capt. David Tanen, Comfort emergency room physician and National Sports Arena (NSA) site leader, said the patients were very receptive to the advice, education and care the NSA staff offered in the clinic. He said the staff seemed to enjoy the interaction with the patients and their morale is great.

The clinic assisted more than 510 patients, April 14, exceeding its original goal of 500.

"I appreciate this, because it's great for those who can't afford it," said Fitzedroy Shephard, a patient. "This a good thing."

The day was not only beneficial to patients, but to Comfort's personnel as well.

"It went pretty well, and I enjoyed how open the providers were with the patients as they listened to their concerns," said Hospitalman Jennifer Glover.

COMUSNAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.