We celebrated a very well organized and precisely executed closing ceremony yesterday on the Naval Base in La Union, El Salvador. Highlighting the significance placed on the event, and on the CONTINUING PROMISE mission, the Salvadoran participants included their Minister of Defense, General Mungeya Payes; their Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Colonel Silva Alvalos; and their CNO, Captain Jimenez. Their President was unfortunately already scheduled to attend the inauguration of the new Panamanian president and was unable to attend, but sent his regards.
I’ve provided the comments I provided to the participants, audience, and people of El Salvador to give some context for what we are trying to accomplish on our Continuing Promise mission:
“Distinguidos invitados y amigos de El Salvador.
Buenos Dias,
From the very first day of our arrival we have been captivated by El Salvador, first by the beauty of the land as we glided gently to our anchorage—perhaps as your history tells us over treasure sunken from long ago; and then as we came ashore and uncovered the real treasure in the hearts of the Salvadorans we met. That is the magic of CONTINUING PROMISE…working side by side with partners, helping, learning, and ultimately experiencing the “metanoia” (Spanish for ‘transformation in attitude of heart’) that changes neighbors into friends. That is what has happened here in El Salvador.
For CONTINUING PROMISE is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to our neighbors in the region—a commitment that is strong, sustained, meaningful, and based upon mutual respect. You could say that commitment is as strong as the steel of the magnificent ship COMFORT, but we both know now, that the true strength of our commitment lies in the hearts of all the people involved.
We have been honored to work side by side with the Ministry of Health, supported by the Ministry of Defense, as we sought to provide the very best in medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and educational services with our friends from El Salvador and for our friends in El Salvador. We could not have been successful without your help.
Of course, the US Navy did not do this alone: we are partnered with and give great thanks to those who have provided health care professionals and educators from Project HOPE, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, University California San Diego Pre-Dental Society, Project Handclasp, and Rotary International. In addition to the services provided, the Continuing Promise team working with local humanitarian organizations donated 105 pallets to those in need in El Salvador. Their efforts show that the whole is certainly greater than the sum of our parts.
We are proud too to have served with international CONTINUING PROMISE teammates from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, and of course: El Salvador.
My great friend Alcalde Cruz, Mayor of La Union, asked me if I might return to El Salvador, but his question is unnecessary. After seeing the beauty and the spirit of the people, I—and all of us – will always leave a piece of our hearts in this beautiful country of El Salvador.
On behalf of CAPT Jim Ware, our Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer and CAPT Tom Finger, the Captain of the Hospital ship COMFORT and the entire CONTINUING PROMISE team, we deeply appreciate all of the grace, kindness, and hospitality you have shown us throughout our stay.
Though we arrived to your country 11 days ago as neighbors, we are proud and honored now to say that we depart as friends.
Que les vaya bien y muchas gracias.”
I’ve provided the comments I provided to the participants, audience, and people of El Salvador to give some context for what we are trying to accomplish on our Continuing Promise mission:
“Distinguidos invitados y amigos de El Salvador.
Buenos Dias,
From the very first day of our arrival we have been captivated by El Salvador, first by the beauty of the land as we glided gently to our anchorage—perhaps as your history tells us over treasure sunken from long ago; and then as we came ashore and uncovered the real treasure in the hearts of the Salvadorans we met. That is the magic of CONTINUING PROMISE…working side by side with partners, helping, learning, and ultimately experiencing the “metanoia” (Spanish for ‘transformation in attitude of heart’) that changes neighbors into friends. That is what has happened here in El Salvador.
For CONTINUING PROMISE is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to our neighbors in the region—a commitment that is strong, sustained, meaningful, and based upon mutual respect. You could say that commitment is as strong as the steel of the magnificent ship COMFORT, but we both know now, that the true strength of our commitment lies in the hearts of all the people involved.
We have been honored to work side by side with the Ministry of Health, supported by the Ministry of Defense, as we sought to provide the very best in medical, dental, veterinary, engineering and educational services with our friends from El Salvador and for our friends in El Salvador. We could not have been successful without your help.
Of course, the US Navy did not do this alone: we are partnered with and give great thanks to those who have provided health care professionals and educators from Project HOPE, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, University California San Diego Pre-Dental Society, Project Handclasp, and Rotary International. In addition to the services provided, the Continuing Promise team working with local humanitarian organizations donated 105 pallets to those in need in El Salvador. Their efforts show that the whole is certainly greater than the sum of our parts.
We are proud too to have served with international CONTINUING PROMISE teammates from Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, The Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, and of course: El Salvador.
My great friend Alcalde Cruz, Mayor of La Union, asked me if I might return to El Salvador, but his question is unnecessary. After seeing the beauty and the spirit of the people, I—and all of us – will always leave a piece of our hearts in this beautiful country of El Salvador.
On behalf of CAPT Jim Ware, our Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer and CAPT Tom Finger, the Captain of the Hospital ship COMFORT and the entire CONTINUING PROMISE team, we deeply appreciate all of the grace, kindness, and hospitality you have shown us throughout our stay.
Though we arrived to your country 11 days ago as neighbors, we are proud and honored now to say that we depart as friends.
Que les vaya bien y muchas gracias.”
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