The humanitarian mission Continuing Promise 2017 (CP-17) departed Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Jan. 26, for its stop in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.

A team of 169 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps service members will spend roughly two weeks in the city located on the nation's Atlantic coast. While there, they will provide veterinary and medical services to local communities which include preventative treatments, dental care, optometry screenings, and women's health services.

"Our visit gives us the chance to build on the previous missions' successes, while working with our partners to leave a positive impact in local communities," said Capt. Errin Armstrong,
CP-17's commander, who also participated in Continuing Promise 2015's visit to Guatemala.

"The relationships created during operations like Continuing Promise builds trust and cooperation within the region," added Armstrong, who also serves as Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40. "This stop will also help ensure we are prepared to provide relief as a team when a disaster strikes."

The team's departure aboard Military Sealift Command's expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) capped off nearly a week of training in Mayport. Service members were taught local customs and courtesies, and got a little dirty practicing the setup of the living and support facilities which will make up their temporary camp during mission stops.

CP-17 is scheduled to run from January to April and will visit Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia.

CP-17 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian assistance, training engagements and medical, dental, and veterinary support in an effort to show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America.

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For more news from Continuing Promise, visit http://www.navy.mil/.