The U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS Comfort, is visiting Port Everglades today after finishing up Continuing Promise 2009, a four-month humanitarian trip to seven Latin American countries. The ship is on its way back to its homeport in Baltimore. During the mission, the Comfort's physicians, dentists, nurses, optometrists and staff served more than 100,000 patients. Its surgeons conducted more than 1,600 operations aboard the floating surgical ward. More than 135,000 prescriptions were filled.  Beyond direct medical aid, doctors and nurses set up 1,300 training sessions for more than 37,500 host-nation students. Veterinarians cared for more than 13,000 animals. Engineers took on 13 projects, helping to rebuild schools and other public buildings. The ship even carried aboard a military band that performed in venues such as the ship's waiting rooms and at local orphanages.  

PHOTO CUTLINE: Deputy Port Director Glenn Wiltshire, pictured center, welcomed to Port Everglades Commodore Tom Negus, right, mission commander for Continuing Promise 2009, and Captain James. J. Ware, left, commanding officer for the hospital aboard USNS Comfort.

07/2009