Operation CONTINUING PROMISE is a U.S. Navy–led humanitarian mission that deploys the hospital ship United States Navy Ship (USNS) Comfort to provide medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering services to partner nations in the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Running approximately every three years, the mission brings together military and civilian medical professionals from across the hemisphere to deliver care, strengthen partnerships, and build interoperability.
Canada has been a regular participant in CONTINUING PROMISE, with 2025 marking the fifth time Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members have joined. This year, nine CAF personnel embarked on the USNS Comfort, including Nursing, Dental, and Pharmacy Officers, as well as Dental and Laboratory Technicians.
Between May and August 2025, the mission visited Grenada, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Over the course of the deployment, the team saw more than 12,600 patients, conducted 242 surgeries, treated 2,267 animals, contributed over 2,300 community engagement hours, and led 4,000+ subject matter expert exchanges with local professionals.
Below, one CAF participant, Lieutenant (Navy) Kate Stevens, a Medical Surgical Nursing Officer with 1 Canadian Field Hospital in Halifax, reflects on the experience.
What was it like working alongside U.S. Navy personnel?
It was an incredible opportunity to collaborate and share knowledge. We learned from each other’s professional practices and leadership styles, and built friendships we’ll carry forward.
Why did you volunteer for this deployment?
I’ve wanted to be part of this mission since before joining the CAF. Helping people in need aboard a role 3 hospital ship was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What was the most rewarding moment of the deployment?
Making a tangible difference in people’s lives, relieving pain, improving quality of life, and seeing gratitude in the communities we served.
What does it mean to you, as a Canadian, to be part of a humanitarian mission under the U.S. flag?
It means the world to me to have this opportunity to represent Canada while participating in this amazing humanitarian mission. I am so grateful to be chosen to come along and provide medical care to those in need. This has been a once in a lifetime experience for all of us, although we all hope to have the opportunity to join our U.S. Navy friends on a mission like this again in the future!
Was there a particular patient or community visit that left a strong impression?
Every community visit was memorable. Seeing the joy in people’s eyes when they finally received care, or even just a smile or hand to hold, was life-changing.
What kinds of medical services were offered?
Services included Primary Care, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Pediatrics, Optometry, Dental, Radiology, Pharmacy, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Laboratory and Blood Bank, Ophthalmology, Plastic and General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, and veterinary care.
How was this experience different from your regular CAF role?
At 1 Canadian Field Hospital Detachment Halifax, we train in diverse environments to stay ready. This deployment put that training into practice in a naval environment, with new challenges like extreme heat and providing care aboard a moving ship.
Were there opportunities for knowledge exchange?
Yes—daily collaboration with U.S. colleagues, joint patient care during port visits, and twice-daily training while at sea. We even hosted a Canada Day presentation for the crew to share our culture.
How does it feel to represent Canada on this mission?
It was an honour. Patients and partners were often delighted to see Canadians alongside the U.S. team, some even sang O Canada when they noticed our flag. It reinforced how meaningful it is to show Canada’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
Absolutely. It’s rewarding both personally and professionally, developing confidence, skills, and experiences that few other deployments can offer.
