COROZAL, Belize –
A U.S. military forward surgical section team with Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), based out of Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, conducted a Global Health Engagement and surgical readiness mission August 3-5.
During the engagement, U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, commander of JTF-B, and members of the Task Force also visited the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan personnel, the British Army Training Support Unit Belize and local leaders.
“This was a great opportunity to strengthen our ties with Belize, while also validating the Task Force’s tactical capabilities to perform quality care in a limited resource environment,” said Gventer. “Through these engagements, we aim to help build capacity in military health service support, health protection, and disaster preparedness and response. We truly learn from one another.”
The operations strengthened partner nation relations by integrating with local residents, national health officials and local military.
“The Government of the United States is proud to partner with Belize to showcase our enduring commitment to strengthening our joint regional capabilities through this surgical readiness exercise,” said Andie De Arment, acting deputy chief of mission with the U.S. Embassy Belmopan. “These types of events demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the people of Belize.”
Leaders from JTF-B also visited the Corozal Community Hospital which held an opening ceremony, Aug. 5. Patients were selected and prioritized in coordination with the Belize Ministry of Health. Approximately 25 services members deployed in support of the engagement and treated 12 patients.
Surgeries provided included hernia repairs and gall bladder removals.
In addition to the surgical mission, the U.S. Embassy, through the Security Cooperation Office, donated $50,000 of medical equipment and supplies to boost the capacity of the Corozal Community Hospital and support this exercise to care for patients.
“Belize is a great partner to the United States,” said Gventer. “We are committed to continue working together to make the Americas safer, stronger and more prosperous.”