PARAMARIBO, Suriname – U.S. Air Force medical and support personnel concluded a two-week global health engagement under AMISTAD 2025 with a closing ceremony in Paramaribo, Suriname, July 25, 2025.
The engagement brought together American, Canadian and Surinamese medical teams to deliver care and collaborate in resource-limited environments, with an emphasis on primary care, dental care and tactical combat casualty care. The mission aimed to strengthen regional partnerships, improve access to care and enhance combined medical readiness.
“Gathered together, we are a powerful testament to the enduring strength of international cooperation,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tara Nolan, Air Forces Southern mobilization assistant to the commander. “We are stronger together. AMISTAD 2025 embodies how teamwork achieves common goals.”
Teams operated at multiple facilities, including Academic Hospital Paramaribo, Brownsweg Clinic and Regional Hospital Wanica. The mission provided real-world experience for U.S. medical personnel while supporting Surinamese clinicians through direct patient care and medical knowledge exchange.
Nolan, whose personal background includes a family of healthcare professionals, spoke about the long-term impact of the mission.
“The exchange of knowledge and expertise during this exercise is valuable,” she said. “We learned from one another, strengthened our bonds and enhanced our group capacity for crisis response.”
She also emphasized that AMISTAD is more than a mission, it’s a symbol of enduring cooperation across borders.
“AMISTAD, in its very name, evokes the spirit of friendship and collaboration,” Nolan said. “This spirit is the force that enables us to confront shared challenges and build a more secure and prosperous future for all.”
Local officials also expressed gratitude for the visiting teams and their contributions.
“Your expertise on this mission made completing this project quick and easy,” said Rima Djojokromo, Regional Hospital Wanica administrative secretary. “I can't thank you enough for the incredible experience. It truly meant a lot to the patients and me.”
AMISTAD 2025 is part of a series of global health engagements directed by U.S. Southern Command and executed by AFSOUTH in coordination with the Air Force Reserve Command. This year’s missions spanned five countries—Suriname, Peru, Paraguay, El Salvador and Panama—and were designed to improve interoperability, build medical capacity and prepare partner nations to respond together in times of crisis.
“The relationships forged, the lessons learned and the trust we've built will serve as a bedrock for continued cooperation in the years to come,” Nolan said. “We stand together, shoulder to shoulder, committed to a future of shared security, prosperity and enduring partnership.”