USS Boxer treats more than 11,000 patients in El Salvador
June 2, 2008

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On May 31, after twelve work days, the US Navy aircraft carrier USS Boxer sailed from the Salvadoran coast on its way to Peru.  There, the USS Boxer crew will continue its humanitarian assistance mission after treating more than 11,300 patients in El Salvador.

The USS Boxer medical crew performed 62 surgeries on board the ship, more than 1,300 dental exams, more than 7,500 dental procedures, more than 1,800 eye exams, and delivered more than 19,000 prescriptions. They also repaired biomedical equipment at the Sonsonate National Hospital.

During the USS Boxer’s stay in El Salvador, two medical brigades took place at Miravalle and El Sunza schools in Sonsonate.

The construction battalion or “Seabees” installed new roofs, provided running water and upgraded plumbing, renovated structures, repaired and upgraded the electrical system as well as installed screens for all of the classrooms and did culvert work at Miravalle, El Sunza and Delfina Rivas schools.

Since it started its humanitarian mission in Guatemala, the USS Boxer crew has treated more than 20,800 patients.  The Boxer will complete its mission in Peru and will cost a total of $21 million.  As part of Continuing Promise 2008, USS Boxer’s sister ship, USS Kearsage, will carry out a similar tour in the Atlantic.