U.S. medical mission treats more than 1,500 people in Puerto Plata.

Puerto Plata — The humanitarian mission “Continuing Promise 2025″ aboard the U.S. hospital ship USNS Comfort carried out a comprehensive medical operation this Saturday at the Professor Javier Martínez Arias Polytechnic in Puerto Plata, where more than 1,500 people received free care in various medical specialties.

The event was conducted by Comfort staff in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Health and the U.S. Embassy, providing services in general medicine, dentistry, optometry, women’s health, dermatology, pharmacy, and cardiovascular evaluation. Participants were also provided with medications, vitamins, corrective lenses, and school kits.

Captain Dan Reiher, deputy commander of the mission, explained that, in addition to the care provided on land, 35 surgeries were performed on board the ship, following a medical evaluation process that began on the first day of the mission.

“This visit included medical care, training, and veterinary assistance . We performed surgeries such as cataracts, hernias, and breast reductions. We also provided dental care, medications, and school supplies. It has been a very positive effort,” said the captain, who also confirmed that the ship will depart on Monday for its next destination: Costa Rica.

• The medical event was part of a broader agenda that also included, hours earlier, a beach cleanup on the Puerto Plata boardwalk in collaboration with the Clean Ocean Foundation, and an earthquake rescue drill with the participation of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), Civil Defense, the Red Cross, and specialized units of the Armed Forces.

The day’s agenda continued with first aid training for first responders at the Puerto Plata Air Base, veterinary assistance sessions, and a free concert in Central Park featuring the Comfort Crew’s band, Uncharted Waters.

Continuing Promise 2025 is a U.S. Southern Command humanitarian mission, coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, that aims to strengthen regional cooperation through free medical services, joint training, and community activities.

The USNS Comfort, one of the largest U.S. hospital ships in the world, has visited the Dominican Republic seven times. This time, it concentrated its operations in Puerto Plata before continuing its route to Costa Rica.

The mission combines healthcare, disaster response, cultural exchange, and support for vulnerable communities.