Carrying the Torch: Honoring the Legacy

CARRIBEAN SEA (Aug. 29, 2024) – As the sun scorched the pier in Kingston, Jamaica, Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Smith stood with sweat trickling down his face. The tension was palpable as a motorcade approached, coming to a halt with a black SUV adorned with two American flags. The U.S. ambassador to Jamaica stepped out, greeted by Smith, who made history with his introduction: “Good afternoon, sir. I am the mission commander for Continuing Promise.”

Lt. Cmdr. Smith, a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer, underscored the significance of U.S. partnerships in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. “This mission drove home that point in a way that will stay with me forever,” he said.

For over 77 years, MSC officers have been the backbone of the Navy’s medical needs, from combat operations to humanitarian missions. This legacy continues robustly today with more than 3,000 active-duty and reserve officers. Remarkably, for the first time, both the commander and deputy commander of a major humanitarian mission were MSC officers.

During Continuing Promise 2024, Smith and Lt. Cmdr. Alex Balbir, his deputy commander, led eight MSC officers through five countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. Their mission: provide medical care, share knowledge, and fortify partnerships. The officers worked aboard the USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), collaborating with both military and civilian personnel from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command.

While Smith was the mission commander for Continuing Promise 2024, he also serves as a reservist and training officer with Navy Reserve Destroyer Squadron 40. His 27-year military career includes significant time as an enlisted Marine. Now, as a plans, operations, and medical intelligence (POMI) specialist, he leads initiatives that improve lives in the region.

“I joined the Navy Medical Service Corps because I wanted to continue to serve my country and was interested in healthcare administration,” stated Smith. “Ensuring patients have the best care possible at a systemic level has always been a focus of mine.”

The mission’s emphasis on quality medical care was evident. Among the team was Cmdr. Brent Collins, an optometrist, who played a significant role. Serving at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Collins initially began his career in 2010 at Naval Medical Clinic San Diego. Fourteen years later, he was the optometry lead for Continuing Promise 2024 and even took on the interim medical officer-in-charge role when needed.

“This mission has helped remind me to be grateful for the little things I take for granted,” Collins reflected. “It has also increased my appreciation for the privilege it is to work with such a diverse and talented group of people.”

Another key figure was Lt. Cristina Lucatero-Diaz, who managed transportation operations. Her role involved working closely with local police and military forces to ensure safe transit. She also volunteered for community relations (COMREL) events, one of her most memorable moments being painting a local school in Costa Rica and learning its history from a staff member.

Upon completing her Officer Development School, Lucatero-Diaz began her MSC officer career at Field Medical Training Battalion-West, Camp Pendleton. A decade later, she joined the Burlington for Continuing Promise 2024.

“My favorite moment of Continuing Promise 2024 was during a COMREL event in Costa Rica,” she said. “I volunteered to help paint a local school; over a two-day period, I had the opportunity to meet a school staff member. He shared stories and talked about the history of Costa Rica.”

Smith, Collins, Lucatero-Diaz, and the other MSC officers on this mission treated or supported the treatment of over 4,800 patients. Their contributions to Continuing Promise 2024 enhance the remarkable legacy of the MSC community, from the United States to far-reaching global shores.