COLÓN, Panama — For Jesús, a bus driver in Colón, Panama, the past three years have been marked by more than just the physical pain from a severe accident—his self-esteem and daily comfort were deeply affected by the large scars that formed on his ears. Hidden beneath a cap he rarely removed, those scars—known as keloids—served as a constant reminder of the trauma he endured.
But this week, his life took a transformative turn aboard the USNS Comfort, a U.S. Navy hospital ship visiting Panama as part of Continuing Promise 2025, a humanitarian mission focused on delivering critical medical services across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Thanks to a joint surgical effort between U.S. and Panamanian doctors, Jesús underwent reconstructive surgery that he had long been unable to access.
“I waited so long for this, and now it finally happened,” Jesús said, expressing heartfelt gratitude. “I feel seen and cared for.”
From Desperation to Healing
Jesús’s condition had gone untreated for years. Lacking the financial resources for private care and facing long delays in public hospitals, he was left without options—until the Comfort docked in Colón.
His surgery, one of the most challenging performed during the mission’s Panama stop, required precise coordination. Cmdr. Ryan Restrepo, a U.S. Navy plastic surgeon, and Dr. Demetrio Villalba, a Panamanian specialist, each worked on one ear to ensure the best results.
“These were the most severe keloids I’ve ever encountered,” said Cmdr. Restrepo. “But working with Dr. Villalba made a huge difference. Together, we were able to offer Jesús the best possible outcome.”
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A Testament to Trust and Teamwork
The partnership between the U.S. and Panama extended far beyond this one case. The surgery was a powerful symbol of collaboration—blending medical knowledge, trust, and cultural understanding.
“It’s not just about one patient,” said Dr. Villalba. “It’s about the future of medical exchange, training, and growing our ability to care for our communities.”
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Anina Benny, who oversaw the operating room during Jesús’s procedure, reflected on the emotional weight of their mission.
“This isn’t just surgery—it’s life-changing,” she said. “And we’re proud to work side by side with Panamanian health providers to continue support after patients leave the ship.”
More Than a Medical Ship
While Jesús’s story is one of many, it illustrates the impact of Continuing Promise, which has been a recurring mission since 2007. This year marks its 16th deployment. In Panama, the Comfort served as a floating hospital and training center, offering services ranging from public health outreach to disaster preparedness.
During its stay in Colón, the Comfort’s multinational medical team:
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Treated more than 2,800 patients
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Performed seven surgeries
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Distributed over 3,500 prescriptions
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Extracted 487 teeth
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Conducted 140 X-rays, 124 cardiology checks, and 339 lab tests
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Donated 29 physical therapy devices
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Spayed or neutered 375 animals with local veterinary partners
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Trained three local animal handlers
Strengthening Long-Term Partnerships
Panamanian health leaders praised the mission for not only delivering care, but also helping to elevate Panama’s healthcare system.
“Our collaboration with the United States spans beyond what’s visible,” said Dr. Otilda Mercedes Valderrama Vergara of the Panamanian Ministry of Health. “They’ve opened doors to residencies, shared training, and truly partnered with us.”
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The mission’s wide reach also reflects the U.S. commitment to regional health, humanitarian response, and mutual resilience, according to officials from U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.
A New Chapter for Jesús
Now on the road to recovery, Jesús is scheduled for follow-up care with local doctors. For him, the journey is more than medical—it’s emotional, and hopeful.
“I used to feel ashamed to show my ears. Now I can walk freely, without hiding,” he said with a smile. “To anyone who gets the chance to be helped like I was—don’t wait. Take it.”
As the USNS Comfort sets its sights on future ports, it leaves behind something more than statistics: renewed confidence, human dignity, and the power of partnership.
