Over 100 participants from across the U.S. armed forces, Department of State, non-governmental organizations, and partner nation militaries met for the Continuing Promise 2022 final planning conference (FPC) September 7-8 in Virginia Beach.
The conference allowed participants to finalize planning efforts for the Comfort to visit Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Colombia.
"I'm extremely proud of the effort all of our planners have put in throughout the planning process. The FPC allowed us to interact in person, continue to build cohesion, and finalize the details that will enable the Continuing Promise team to strengthen our relationships in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean," said Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, who will serve as the mission commander for Continuing Promise 2022.
Continuing Promise 2022 will be the 12th mission to the region since 2007 and is part of U.S. Southern Command's Enduring Promise initiative. With each iteration of the mission, Continuing Promise continues to grow and include new initiatives to continue to strengthen existing partnerships.
This year's mission will include seminars on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) as the Department of Defense (DoD) continues to move toward full WPS implementation, as detailed in the WPS Implementation Plan.
"The Final Planning Conference is an essential tool for the success of our mission. We build relationships with our partners through shared goals, mutual understanding and trust. When we come together face to face we are able to build that trust and mutual understanding. Sometimes our best planning and relationship building happens outside of the meetings when we share a meal or a cup of coffee and really get to know each other," said Capt. Carolyn Currie, who will lead Women, Peace, and Security events at all five mission stops during Continuing Promise 2022.
Continuing Promise 2022 will also include providing direct medical care and expeditionary veterinary care, conducting training, and subject matter expert exchanges on various medical and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief topics.
The USNS Comfort will depart Norfolk Naval Station in October of 2022 and will return in December after five mission stops.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.
Learn more about USNAVSO/4th Fleet at: https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.