Since 2017, this binational operation has expanded its focus to include medical and dental assistance, construction projects and emergency management training in Colombia.
In Riohacha, during 2023, about 2,400 people received humanitarian assistance and specialized medical assistance in various areas. In Santa Marta, more than 9,000 inhabitants benefited from medical exchanges, equipment maintenance and first aid training.
The Minister of National Defense, Iván Velásquez Gómez, together with the General Commander of the Military Forces, Admiral Hernando Cubides Granados, accompanied by of the United States Ambassador to Colombia, Francisco L. Palmieri, visited the Regional Victim Care Center in El Pozón, Cartagena, to give a message of hope.
Since August 5, 2024, the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship, USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), has been in the capital city of Bolivar as part of the Continuing Promise 2024 Mission, an initiative that has been fulfilling nearly two decades by uniting the human and technical resources of both countries.
During this mission, the crew of the USNS Burlington collaborates with the Colombian Military Forces, government agencies and non-governmental organizations in various fields. This is how conferences, instructions and medical assistance activities are carried out, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and sharing knowledge in areas such as medicine, veterinary care and music for the well-being of communities.
U.S. Navy medical professionals with various specialties, such as dentistry, family medicine, nursing and pharmacy, participate in medical assistance events. They in the same way collaborate with South Carolina Army National Guard professionals to improve capability and interoperability.
Similarly, from August 9th to the 17th of the same month, a Development Support Activity will be held, a construction project, the presentation open to the public of the Uncharted Waters group, a symposium on women, peace and security, on gender violence for local ringleaders, in addition to an exercise of assistance to disasters and collapsed structures.
Continuing Promise has brought to the country, in 2023, more than 11 thousand people benefited as a result of the operation that brought together more than 40 medical and engineering professionals of the Colombian Military Forces and the Southern Command of the United States, inhabitants and non-governmental organizations for the benefit of the most vulnerable communities in the Caribbean.
