The United States Navy hospital ship
has started its medical assistance mission in Peru's northern regions, the U.S. Embassy in Peru has confirmed.
U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Mark Wells, USNS Comfort Mission Task Force Commander Captain William K. Shafley, Piura Region Governor Reynaldo Hilbck, Paita Mayor Luis Dioses, and Director of the Peruvian Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) Brigadier General Jorge Chavez attended the recent inauguration ceremony.
Furthermore, three doctors from the Armed Forces of Peru, who embarked in Norfolk (VA) are part of the mission's crew: Army Lieutenant Colonel Angel Alberto Niño de Guzman Salgado, Air Force Major Claudia Alexandra Portugal Rodriguez, and Navy First Lieutenant Angel Miguel Zelada Lorenzo.
It should be noted the ship anchored in Paita (Piura region) on October 30 to provide medical and dental services, as well as surgeries in the area from November 1 to 5.
Diplomat Wells underlined the human dimension of USNS Comfort's presence in the Inca country, and the proof of great friendship uniting both nations.
This initiative marks the third deployment of USNS Comfort to Peru. Previously, Comfort arrived at Salaverry (2007) and Paita (2011) ports.
Moreover, Piura Regional Department of Health (Diresa) works closely with the ship's doctors to select candidates for these surgeries and coordinate medical support for the aftercare.
(END) NDP/DTK/MVB