April 18th, Closing ceremony for the USNS Comfort in Belize

We were invited to come to the closing ceremony of the USNS Comfort in Belize. The Comfort is a hospital ship that has been used for many many instances of need.  For example; the earthquake in Haiti, injuries from wars and for humanitarian needs. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was one of the non government organizations that contributed medical supplies towards the "Comfort Ship" mission.

The Comfort Ship has a mission at this time called "Continuing Promise". The ship has doctors, nurses, dentists and yes even veterinarians, all volunteers from the United States and from the countries it visits.  People in Belize who need surgery or other medical needs are screened first to see if the Comfort can assist their needs.  Surgery has to be a once time only as it is only in port for 10 days.  All other needs can be seen if it fits into the 10 day window at the country's port. 

At the closing ceremonies it was told that 6,000 people were seen and 100 surgeries were performed.  This was a most helpful contribution to humanitarian needs for Belize.  The ship comes about every two years.
 
Ambassador Moreno speaking to the men and women of the Comfort ship and to guests that had been recipients of medical help or otherwise connected to the Continuing Promise of the Comfort Ship.

A plague given to the Comfort Ship's Hospital Commander Sears (a woman officer from the US Navy) from the Country of Belize for the donated medical attention given to people of Belize.  The LDS Church donated 3 pallets of medical supplies and 70 LDS Translators.  The translators are those who speak the language of the country which has Spanish spoken as well as English.